Ir al contenido principal
Driving license exchange in Switzerland

Driving license exchange in Switzerland

You have 12 months to exchange your foreign license. The procedure depends on your country of origin.

Any resident of Switzerland has 12 months to exchange their foreign driving license for a Swiss license. The procedure varies depending on the country of issue: simple exchange for recognized countries (EU, USA, Canada, Japan, etc.) or passing a practical exam for others. After 12 months, your foreign license is no longer valid in Switzerland.

Qué incluye

  • Checking Simple Exchange Eligibility
  • Preparation of the file (cantonal form, photos, vision test)
  • Making an appointment at the automobile service
  • Support if a practical exam is required
  • Recovery of the Swiss license

Pasos y plazos

1

Verification

We check if your license is eligible for a simple exchange or if it requires a practical test.

2

Case

We gather the documents: original license, certified translation if necessary, photos, recent eyesight test, cantonal form.

3

Appointment

We make an appointment at the cantonal automobile service and will accompany you if necessary.

4

Obtaining

You receive your Swiss driving license. Your foreign license is returned perforated (invalidated).

Errores frecuentes

  • Let the 12 month period expire — you will have to retake the full license
  • Do not have your license translated if required (non-EU countries with non-Latin alphabet)
  • Forget the vision test (some cantons require it)
  • Driving with an expired or unrecognized foreign license

Servicios relacionados

Servicio Matriculación del vehículo y seguro de coche en Suiza

Preguntas frecuentes

Which licenses are exchangeable without examination?
Licenses from all EU/EFTA countries, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries are exchangeable without a road test. The complete list is available from OFROU. For countries not listed, a practical test is mandatory.
How much does exchanging a driving license cost?
The exchange costs between CHF 80 and 150 depending on the canton, plus the cost of an eye test (CHF 20 to 30) and possibly the certified translation of the license (CHF 50 to 100). If a practical test is required, add the test fee (CHF 100 to 200) and any driving lessons.
Is my international license valid in Switzerland?
The international driving license is not recognized for Swiss residents. It is only valid for tourists. As soon as you are a resident (registered in a municipality), your national license is valid during the 12 months of grace.

¿Listo para empezar tu nueva vida en Suiza?

Contáctanos para una evaluación previa gratuita de tu situación. Nuestro equipo responderá en 24 horas.

Solicitar una evaluación previa Ver todos los servicios