Driving in Georgia on a foreign licence — the rules
A foreigner can drive in Georgia on their national licence, but not indefinitely — for 1 year from their last entry. After that you need to exchange it for a Georgian licence or get a Georgian one. We help prepare the documents and defend you in fine and driving-ban cases.
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You can drive on a foreign licence until it expires, but for no more than 1 year from your last entry into Georgia. If the licence isn't in Latin or Georgian letters, you also need a certified translation. A residence permit doesn't change this period.
After the year, driving on a foreign licence can count as driving without a licence — a GEL 500 fine, and within a year repeatedly, GEL 1,500 or up to 15 days' administrative detention (Administrative Offences Code, Article 121).
Exchanging a foreign licence
- No exam needed — exchange the licence before it expires
- Apply to the MIA Service Agency — in person
- You need: an application, passport or residence card, the foreign licence, a confirmation from the issuing country with an apostille or legalisation, a medical certificate and payment of the fee
- The issuing country's confirmation must be no older than 90 days when submitted
- The foreign licence loses its force and is handed to the Agency
- The category must match the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna Conventions or EU rules
Getting a Georgian licence
- Theory and practical exams; for category B from age 18 a driving school is not compulsory
- Since 27 May 2025 foreigners are admitted to the exam with a residence card or proof of at least 185 days' lawful stay in Georgia in the last 12 months
- Besides Georgian, the theory test is available in English, Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani and Armenian
Our services
- Documents and apostille for exchanging a foreign licence
- Checking the conditions for a Georgian licence
- Appealing a fine for driving without a licence
- Suspension and withdrawal of driving rights
- Traffic accident cases
- Translating and legalising documents
Questions & answers
Can I drive in Georgia on my own country's licence?
Yes — until it expires, but for no more than 1 year from your last entry into Georgia. A licence not in Latin or Georgian letters needs a certified translation.
Do I have to take an exam to exchange my licence?
No. The exchange is done without an exam if the licence is valid and you submit the issuing country's confirmation.
What is the fine for driving without a licence?
GEL 500; repeatedly within a year — GEL 1,500 or up to 15 days' administrative detention.
In which languages is the theory test available?
Besides Georgian — English, Russian, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Armenian, Abkhaz and Ossetian.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Related practice area: Administrative law
How we can help
Criminal cases
Defense if you are detained or charged — with an interpreter and contact with your consulate.Immigration cases
Refused entry, overstays, deportation and appeals against residence-permit refusals — fast and in your language.Buying property
Check the property, sign a safe contract and register ownership — in person or remotely.Disputes with developers
Construction is late, the developer won't refund, or the flat is mortgaged — we protect the buyer's interests.Company & business
LLC registration in Georgia for foreigners from 1 800 ₾, a virtual business address and bank account opening — in person or remotely.Work permit & sole trader
The right to work, registering as an individual entrepreneur, the 1% small business tax and the right residence permit.Residence permits
Work, business, property, family and investment residence permits — applications, extensions and appeals.Family cases
International divorce, children and alimony, recognition of foreign decisions.IT companies and IT specialists
Three tax regimes for IT in Georgia: 1% sole trader, virtual zone and 5% international company — conditions and the 2026 change.Gambling licence
Casino, slots, betting and online permits in Georgia: who can get one, the conditions and what operators may not do.Georgian citizenship for foreigners
The ordinary route (10 years), through marriage (5 years), the exceptional route and the rule for those born in Georgia — until 2027.Marriage in Georgia for foreigners
How foreigners marry in Georgia: conditions, documents, apostille, translation, witnesses and using the marriage certificate abroad.Bank account for non-residents
How a foreigner opens a personal or business account at a Georgian bank, what the bank asks for, why it refuses and how to prepare.Tax residency in Georgia
When you become a Georgian tax resident, the residence certificate, HNWI status and the exemption for foreign income.Double tax treaties
Georgia's 58 double tax treaties: how they work, dual residency and the rates with the UK, Germany and the US.Crypto: tax and VASP registration
An individual's crypto income is tax-exempt; a crypto business needs National Bank VASP registration and capital.Checking a Georgian company
Before you pay or sign with a Georgian company: business registry, pledges, debtors register, court cases and tax debt.Land for foreigners
Foreigners can buy non-agricultural land; agricultural land only through inheritance or an investment plan.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
The first consultation is free and confidential.