If you drive professionally in North Macedonia on vehicles with a digital tachograph, you need a tachograph driver card. North Macedonia is a contracting party to the AETR agreement, so it issues digital tachograph driver cards that are recognised for international road transport, including journeys into the EU.

This guide explains how the driver card works in North Macedonia, and what drivers who also want to work in the EU should keep in mind.

What Is a Tachograph Card and Who Needs It?

A tachograph driver card is a personal smart card that identifies you and records your driving time, breaks, and rest on vehicles fitted with a digital tachograph — typically goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and larger passenger vehicles. It is strictly personal, and you may hold only one valid card.

The Legal Basis (AETR)

Because North Macedonia is outside the EU, the framework is the United Nations AETR agreement on the work of international transport crews, which mirrors the EU tachograph rules. Driver cards issued under AETR are recognised across AETR countries and the EU for the journeys they cover.

Who Issues the Card in North Macedonia?

The Ministry of Transport and Communications issues the driver card in North Macedonia. You apply with proof of identity, a valid driving licence, a photograph, and the required declarations. The card is normally valid for five years.

Documents You Need

Expect to provide a valid driving licence in the relevant category, proof of identity and residence, a photograph, your signature, and the applicable fee. You may hold only one valid driver card, so a card from another country must be handled accordingly.

Working in the EU

An AETR driver card from North Macedonia is valid for international journeys, but driving for an EU employer also means meeting EU requirements — the right to work and the professional driver qualification (Code 95). Drivers who relocate to the EU often obtain a driver card in their EU country of residence once they live there.

Validity, Renewal, and Lost Cards

The card is valid for five years; apply to renew it before it expires. If it is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it to the issuer (and report theft to the police), apply for a replacement, and keep tachograph printouts in the meantime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Driving a digital-tachograph vehicle without a valid card.
• Leaving renewal too late.
• Holding more than one valid driver card.
• Assuming the card alone lets you work in the EU — you also need work rights and Code 95.

Useful Official Sources

• The Ministry of Transport and Communications for applications, forms, and fees.
• The AETR agreement for the international framework.
• The EU country where you intend to work, for employment requirements.

Quick Summary: Tachograph Card in North Macedonia

1. North Macedonia issues AETR-recognised digital tachograph driver cards.
2. The Ministry of Transport and Communications issues the card, which is valid for 5 years.
3. It is recognised for international travel, including travel to the EU.
4. For EU employment, you also need work rights and Code 95.
5. Renew before expiry and report a lost card at once.