Short answer: Check the country that issued your licence, rather than assuming that citizenship determines exchange eligibility. The RTD exchange guide covers EU licences and licences from countries recognised as equivalent. UK-specific guidance confirms exchange without a test. Confirm your residence evidence and driving entitlement with RTD before applying.
How do I exchange a foreign driving licence?
RTD’s exchange guide covers licences issued by an EU country or a country recognised as equivalent by the Registrar. Ask RTD to confirm whether your issuing country, licence category and circumstances qualify.
For a valid EU licence, Your Europe says exchange is generally unnecessary when moving to another EU country; voluntary exchange is possible subject to the relevant conditions. You may hold only one EU driving licence at a time.
Residence documents and evidence
RTD’s exchange guide requires foreign applicants to have lived in Cyprus for at least 185 days. Its student provision asks for a higher-education attendance certificate showing at least six months of study.
The linked RTD Circular 09/2021, dated 12 May 2021, requires the applicable original residence document, presented by the applicant. It lists documents such as a residence permit, MEU1, MEU2, MEU3 or CAP 105 according to the case. Confirm which document applies to your status.
The circular also describes checking six months’ residence within the preceding year for each transaction. Officers may consider evidence beyond utility bills and social-insurance contributions. Its examples include bank activity, telephone bills and education evidence, assessed according to the applicant’s circumstances. Ask RTD which combination it needs from you.
Documents for exchange
The RTD exchange guide lists:
- TOM 7D application form.
- One recent 45 × 35 mm photograph.
- Applicable identity document for repatriates or alien registration certificate for foreign applicants, with original and copy.
- Passport original and a copy of the first page.
- Foreign licence original and copies of all its pages.
- Translation if the licence is not in Greek or English; confirm the accepted translation format with RTD.
- Medical certificate for applicants aged 70 or over, or categories C, C+E, D, D+E, C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E.
The exchange guide directs applicants to the District Driver Examiners offices in person for checking and approval. The surrendered foreign licence is sent to its issuing authority.
Ask the office about current charges, processing time, collection and what document permits driving during processing. Arrange these before surrendering your licence.
What rules apply to UK licences?
GOV.UK’s living-in-Cyprus guidance says licences issued in the UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man can be used in Cyprus for up to six months.
For a UK-issued licence, the UK exchange guidance confirms exchange without a test. The living-in-Cyprus page advises applying before six months ends: processing takes time and a Cypriot licence is needed to drive legally afterwards. An International Driving Permit does not replace this exchange.
This UK advice and RTD’s 185-day residence requirement are separate published instructions. Contact RTD early to confirm your evidence, application timing and any period when you cannot drive.
GOV.UK also asks for a DVLA check code for English, Welsh or Scottish licences, or a DVA check code for Northern Irish licences, and a visit to a district RTD office.
The current living-in-Cyprus page distinguishes Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences: it says they cannot be exchanged and their holders must apply for a Cypriot licence and take a test.
How do I get a first Cypriot licence?
Use RTD’s application guides and ask the office or your instructor to confirm category-specific training, test booking, language options and current fees before paying for a course.
Learner’s licence
The RTD learner guide allows applications in person or through an authorised representative at district RTD offices, Citizen Service Centres or Citizen Service Centres of the Postal Services. It lists:
- TOM 7D.
- Two recent 45 × 35 mm photographs.
- Identity card.
- Certificate of success in the preliminary examination.
- Evidence of normal residence.
- Health certificate for applicants aged 70 or over or with a physical disability.
For categories B, B1, A1 and B+E, the published learner minimum age is 17½. The learner’s licence is valid for one year and may be renewed.
First regular licence
The RTD regular-licence guide directs first applications in person or through an authorised representative to district RTD offices. It lists TOM 7D, one recent 45 × 35 mm photograph, identity card, a certificate of successful examination and normal-residence evidence. An existing valid driving licence must be attached where applicable.
Its medical-certificate rules include the listed heavy and special categories, professional passenger transport using category B, applicants aged 70 or over, and applicants with a physical disability. Check the requirements for your category with RTD.
Before choosing an instructor, ask for written lesson prices, test-booking arrangements, cancellation terms and who will hold your documents. Keep copies and ask RTD for the appropriate procedure if you change instructors.
Can I use a Cypriot licence elsewhere?
Your Europe distinguishes a regular EU licence from an EU licence issued in exchange for a non-EU licence. If you move to another EU country with the latter, it may not be recognised there; ask that country’s licensing authority before moving.
Temporary and provisional licences and International Driving Permits are not regulated at EU level and may not be recognised in another EU country. Check destination rules and the rental provider’s requirements before booking a vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Must every non-EU licence holder take driving tests?
No. The RTD exchange guide covers licences issued by EU countries and countries the Registrar recognises as equivalent. GOV.UK confirms UK licences can be exchanged without a test. Check the issuing country and your individual licence with RTD.
Can I keep my foreign licence after exchanging it?
No. The RTD exchange guide says the surrendered foreign licence is sent to the issuing authority.
When should a UK resident arrange a licence exchange?
GOV.UK says UK licences can be used for up to six months in Cyprus and advises applying for exchange before that period ends. RTD’s exchange guide separately requires at least 185 days’ residence for foreign applicants. Contact RTD early to confirm evidence and timing; an International Driving Permit does not replace the UK licence exchange.