The issuing state or classes are not fully documented.
Keep clear copies of both sides and authority confirmations. Obtain official confirmation of illegible entries.
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Converting a foreign driving licence in Austria: residence and records
Convert a foreign driving licence in Austria: distinguish EEA and non-EEA rules, residence, the six month period, tests and required records.
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BRANDAUER Rechtsanwälte
Law firm in Salzburg
Every matter is handled by a coordinated team of lawyers, legal staff and specialists. In driving licence cases we look at the file, deadlines and commercial consequences together.
4 August 2026, Mag. Bernhard Brandauer, Rechtsanwalt
Whether a foreign driving licence must be converted in Austria first depends on the issuing state and normal residence. EEA driving entitlements are generally recognised. Non-EEA entitlements are subject to the use period and conversion procedure in section 23 FSG.
Do not look only at nationality. The issuing state, licence classes, document validity, acquisition date and actual personal and professional ties all matter.
EEA and non-EEA licences follow different rules
EEA and non-EEA licences follow different rules
Under section 1(4) FSG, a driving entitlement issued by a competent EEA authority is generally equivalent. A non-EEA entitlement may be used only within section 23 FSG.
Conversion is therefore not one standard procedure. Withdrawal and traffic reliability remain separate issues. Our withdrawal decision guide explains that additional procedure.
First procedural filter
Which starting position needs review
The issuing state and residence determine the next route.
| Starting position | Central issue | Typical evidence |
|---|---|---|
| EEA entitlement | Recognition, class, validity and special C or D rules | valid licence and residence records |
| Non-EEA with new residence | Six month period and section 23(3) requirements | acquisition evidence, residence and translation |
| Earlier withdrawal | Acquisition date and section 30 consequences | earlier decisions and issue dates |
Nationality alone decides neither recognition nor conversion.
A six month period applies after residence for non-EEA licences
A six month period applies after residence for non-EEA licences
A person who establishes residence in Austria may generally drive for no more than six months under a non-EEA entitlement issued by a state covered by the conventions listed in section 23(1) FSG. On application, a further six months may be granted where work or education keeps the person in Austria for no longer than one year.
The period begins with establishment of residence. Registration papers, entry date and employment start may be evidence but do not replace assessment of personal and professional ties under section 5 FSG.
Conversion examines acquisition, residence and fitness
Conversion examines acquisition, residence and fitness
Section 23(3) FSG requires evidence of residence or at least six months in the issuing state at acquisition, a residence connection to Austria, traffic reliability and medical fitness. A practical test is generally required unless the regulation treats the state and class as equivalent.
A copy of the card cannot establish every requirement. The glossary entry on driving entitlement distinguishes the legal entitlement from the document.
An expired document requires additional proof
An expired document requires additional proof
If an expired non-EEA document is presented, section 23(3a) FSG generally requires a practical test. A person who proves that the underlying entitlement remains valid despite the document date may avoid that consequence. The test remains necessary where equivalence is absent.
Obtain a current confirmation from the issuing authority if needed. A private translation cannot replace proof that the entitlement is still valid.
The previous licence is surrendered when the Austrian one is issued
The previous licence is surrendered when the Austrian one is issued
Section 23(4) FSG requires the Austrian licence to record the entitlement on which conversion was based. The previous licence must be surrendered when the Austrian document is handed over. Do not plan to use both documents at the same time.
Record the date and authority of surrender. Clarify the official communication route if the issuing authority requires confirmation.
Earlier withdrawals require separate review
Earlier withdrawals require separate review
A foreign licence does not automatically remove the effect of an Austrian withdrawal. Residence, acquisition date and the earlier withdrawal period may separately matter under section 30 FSG. The traffic reliability guide explains the facts assessed by the authority.
Keep earlier decisions separate from the conversion records. The licence withdrawal focus area helps draw the distinction.
Preliminary check
Which conversion records are already available?
The check organises the issuing state, residence and document status for specific review.
Already know you want to get in touch? Go straight to the enquiry form.
Are the issuing state and every licence class clearly legible?
All paths at a glance
Overview of all answers.
Open the driving licence law focus area →
The residence chronology is incomplete.
Order acquisition, stay in the issuing state and establishment of Austrian residence by date.
The practical test issue remains open.
Review state, class, document validity and the current equivalence rule together.
The central conversion records are organised.
Have the period, residence and section 23 FSG requirements reviewed together.
Keep these records complete
Keep these records complete
- original licence showing both sides
- official translation or international driving permit where required
- passport or identity record
- registration papers and evidence of residence start
- evidence of residence or stay in the issuing state at acquisition
- validity confirmation for an expired document
- earlier Austrian or foreign withdrawal decisions
- medical fitness records and any test evidence
The initial review checklist helps organise originals, translations and decisions.
Related guidance and checks
Place conversion and earlier proceedings in context
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about conversion
Must every EEA licence be converted in Austria? +
No. EEA entitlements are generally equivalent under section 1(4) FSG. Class, validity and special rules still require review.
How long may I drive after establishing residence with a non-EEA licence? +
Section 23(1) FSG generally provides six months. An extension requires an application and the specific statutory conditions.
Must I always take a practical test? +
Not necessarily. For non-EEA entitlements, this depends on the state, class, document validity and the current equivalence rule.
Topics
Driving licence lawForeign licenceConversionResidenceFSG
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