If you are thinking about exchanging a foreign driving licence in connection with Belarus, it helps to separate two situations honestly. Some readers are foreign nationals living in Belarus who need to exchange a licence there; many more are Belarusian nationals relocating to the EU who want to exchange their Belarusian licence for an EU one. This guide covers both, and is candid about the practical and political context, including international sanctions, that can affect verification and recognition.

Belarus is not in the EU. It runs its own licensing system, and the more common and clearer path for most readers is exchanging a Belarusian licence after moving to an EU country.

Be realistic about the context. Sanctions and the political situation can complicate document verification and recognition. Confirm the current position with the relevant authority for your situation before relying on any exchange.

Exchanging a Belarusian Licence in the EU

Belarusian licences fall under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which historically allowed many EU states to exchange them after a validity check, sometimes without a test. However, individual EU countries set their own rules, and some have changed how they treat verification with Belarusian authorities so that the process can be slower or more restricted than before. Always confirm the current rule in your specific EU country of residence.

Exchanging a Foreign Licence Inside Belarus

Foreign nationals resident in Belarus generally exchange their licence through the national traffic authority, providing the licence, a translation, identity and residence documents, a medical certificate, and the fee. A test may apply depending on the issuing country. Confirm the current procedure locally.

Documents and Translation

For either direction, expect to provide your original licence, an official translation, proof of identity and residence, a medical certificate where required, and the fee. Verification with the issuing authority is often the slowest step, and in the current climate it can be more complicated.

Documents You Will Need

• A completed application for licence exchange.
• Your original foreign driving licence.
• An official or certified translation where the licence is not in the local language.
• Proof of residence and legal stay, plus a passport or ID.
• Passport-style photographs and any required medical or eyesight certificate.
• Proof of payment of the fee.

Professional Drivers: Categories and Code 95

If you drive lorries (category C or C+E) or buses (category D) for a living, exchanging your car licence is only part of the picture. Professional driving also requires the right higher categories and, for most haulage and passenger work in Europe, the Certificate of Professional Competence shown as Code 95, plus periodic training and medical checks. Confirm how your professional qualifications transfer before relying on them for work.

Practical and Sanctions Considerations

Because of sanctions and the wider political situation, confirm that any step you take is lawful for your circumstances, allow extra time for verification, and rely on official sources rather than informal agents. For most people relocating, the EU country of residence is the right place to confirm how a Belarusian licence will be treated.

Useful Official Sources

• The licensing authority of your EU country of residence, for exchanging a Belarusian licence.
• The Belarusian traffic authority, for exchanges inside Belarus.
• Always confirm the latest rules and that any step is lawful for you.

Quick Summary

1. Separate the two cases: exchanging a Belarusian licence in the EU, or a foreign licence inside Belarus.
2. The Vienna Convention governs Belarusian licences, but EU countries set their own current rules.
3. Prepare your licence, translation, ID, proof of residence, and medical certificate.
4. Allow extra time for verification given the context.
5. Confirm the current position with the relevant authority first.