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How to Convert Your Foreign Driving License to a Turkish License — Or Apply for a New One (2025 Guide)

  • Writer: gamzeturker46
    gamzeturker46
  • Jul 29, 2025
  • 3 min read


If you’re relocating to Turkey for work, study, investment, or long-term residence, having a valid Turkish driving license is more than just convenient; it’s legally necessary after a certain period.

In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explain:

  • How to convert your existing foreign license to a Turkish one

  • How to apply for a brand-new Turkish driving license from scratch

  • The required documents and eligibility

  • Costs based on the latest 2025 government pricing

  • How Legit Law can help you every step of the way

✅ Why Do You Need a Turkish Driving License?

Foreigners living in Turkey can drive using their national license for only six months. After that, you are legally required to either convert your existing license or apply for a new Turkish one.

If you're a:

  • Student with a residence permit

  • Expatriate or foreign worker

  • Investor or long-term property owner in Turkey


    You must comply with local driving laws.


🔁 How to Convert Your Foreign Driving License to a Turkish One


🌍 Turkey Has License Agreements with Over 150 Countries

Turkey has bilateral driving license recognition agreements with more than 150 countries, including:

  • EU member states

  • United Kingdom

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • Gulf nations (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait)

  • Several countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America

If you hold a valid license from one of these countries, you can convert it without taking any exams in Turkey.

📋 Required Documents for License Conversion

  1. Original foreign driving license

  2. Notarized Turkish translation of your license

  3. Valid passport and residence permit

  4. 2 biometric photos

  5. Health report from an authorized hospital or clinic

  6. Blood group certificate (or written in health report)

  7. Criminal record certificate (via e-Devlet or courthouse)

  8. Certificate proving you don’t already hold a Turkish license

  9. Proof of payment for tax, security, and foundation fees

🛠️ Application Process

  1. Make an online appointment at the Directorate of Civil Registration

  2. Visit the Nüfus Müdürlüğü with your complete documents

  3. Pay the applicable fees at the authorized banks

  4. Submit everything and wait for processing

  5. Your Turkish driving license will be mailed to your address in 2–4 weeks

⚠️ Your original license will be returned to your embassy, and it will no longer be valid in Turkey once the conversion is complete.

🆕 How to Apply for a Turkish Driving License (If You Don’t Have One)

If your current license cannot be converted or if you don’t have one at all, you’ll need to apply for a new Turkish driver’s license.

🧑‍🏫 Steps to Obtain a New License in Turkey

  1. Register at a certified driving school (sürücü kursu)

  2. Attend mandatory theoretical and practical training

  3. Pass the written e-sınav exam

  4. Pass the practical driving test on the road

  5. Gather the necessary documents

  6. Submit your documents to the Nüfus Müdürlüğü and pay all related fees

Most driving schools provide guidance for each step.

💸 2025 Turkish Driving License Fees (Official Update)

All costs below are based on official government pricing for 2025:

🔄 License Conversion (Foreign to Turkish License)

Item

Fee (TRY)

Foundation Service Fee

340.00 TL

Security Paper Fee

1,420.00 TL

Total Conversion Cost

1,760.00 TL

🆕 First-Time License Application (By Class)

License Class

Fee (TRY)

Foundation Fee + Security Fee (standard for all)

1,760.00 TL

Tax Fee for A, A1, A2, F (including Disabled “A”)

1,883.10 TL

Tax Fee for Class B (including Disabled “B”)

5,678.60 TL

Tax Fee for Classes B1, BE, C, CE, D, D1, G, M, etc.

9,475.60 TL

💰 Total Cost for Most Applicants (Class B):1,760 + 5,678.60 = 7,438.60 TL

Note: Driving school fees (usually 8,000–15,000 TL) are not included in these official government fees.

🌐 Can You Use a Turkish Driving License Abroad?

Yes! Turkish driving licenses are valid in over 80 countries. If you're planning to drive in countries requiring an International Driving Permit (IDP), you can obtain one easily through Turing, the official automobile association of Turkey.


👩‍⚖️ Let Legit Law Handle It For You

Navigating the bureaucracy in Turkey can be overwhelming. At Legit Law, we offer complete assistance for:

  • Foreign license conversion

  • New license applications

  • Certified translations and notarization

  • Health report support

  • Driving school registration

  • Legal assistance in English, Arabic, Russian, and Turkish

We work with expats, students, remote workers, and investors — and we make the process simple, smooth, and legal.

📞 Get Expert Help Today

Don’t risk driving illegally or losing time due to missing documents.

👉 Contact Legit Law today for a free consultation and let us take care of your driving license process in Turkey — from A to Z.

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