An agreement has been signed between Latvia and Ukraine on the mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licences, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) reports.
The agreement provides that citizens of both countries will be able to exchange a driver’s licence issued in their home country for one issued by the other country without having to pass driving exams. This will significantly simplify administrative procedures for individuals relocating permanently or staying long-term in the other country.
The aim of the agreement is to promote mobility and strengthen cooperation between the two countries. At the same time, it will provide direct benefits to holders of Latvian and Ukrainian driver’s licences, the ministry notes.
Under Latvian regulations, driver’s licences issued outside the European Union can only be exchanged after passing a driving test, unless an international agreement is in place. The agreement with Ukraine resolves this issue by ensuring a mutually recognized and equivalent approach in both countries.
The agreement also sets out the procedures for licence exchange and the principles for the exchange of personal data.
In Latvia, the authority responsible for driver’s licence exchange is the Road Traffic Safety Directorate.
The agreement was signed during a plenary session of the Latvia–Ukraine Cooperation Commission. On behalf of Latvia, it was signed by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Kristaps Zaļais, while on behalf of Ukraine it was signed by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Bogdan Drapiatyi.
During the visit to Ukraine, the Latvian delegation met with Ukrainian authorities responsible for transport, regional development, and digital transformation, discussing bilateral cooperation as well as future and current issues in the transport sector and the digitalization of public services.
Zaļais emphasized that the visit to Ukraine demonstrates Latvia’s continued support for Ukraine and both countries’ commitment to maintaining close cooperation, promoting practical and citizen-focused solutions even in challenging geopolitical conditions.
At the end of January this year, the Latvian government approved draft regulations prepared by the Ministry of Transport for signing the agreement on the mutual recognition and exchange of driver’s licences.
Applicants wishing to exchange their licence will be required to submit the original licence issued in their home country to the competent authority of the other country, along with a certified translation. They will also be required to undergo medical examinations in accordance with the national regulations of the receiving country.
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