Get your driving license in Switzerland

Are you moving to Switzerland and do you have a European driving license? Then your pink card won't stay valid there forever. We'll explain how it works and what you need to arrange.

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Here's what you need to know about your driving licence in Switzerland

Your European driving license is valid as usual for the first year after you move - so no stress! Then it's time for a Swiss version. A bit of paperwork and some costs, but the big advantage? A Swiss driving license is valid forever (as long as you live in Switzerland). So never renew again!

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When do you arrange it?

So you don't have to take action right away. In that first year, you can continue driving with your Dutch driver's license. You can even arrange the exchange if your Dutch driving license has already expired (as long as it was valid on your date of move). But beware: if you wait longer than a year, you are not allowed to drive in the meantime.

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How to arrange your Swiss driving license

The Strassenverkehrsamt (say the Swiss CBR) arranges the conversion of your driver's license. The process varies slightly from canton to canton, but the steps always look something like this:

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1. Download the form

Download the form “Gesuch um Umtausch eines ausländischen Führerausweises” from the website of the Strassenverkehrsamt your canton. Are you in Lucerne? Then you can also find the form here. For the other cantons, you can Google: Gesuch um Umtausch eines ausländischen Führerausweises + je kanton.

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2. Just stop by the optician

Time for a quick eye test! The optician fills out your form, puts a stamp and charges approximately 10 CHF.

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3. To the town hall or the Strassenverkehrsamt

Go to your town hall and bring the following documents:

• Your current driver's license
• Your residence permit
• The completed form
• A recent passport photo
• Results of your eye test

Your request will then be received. They'll take your old driver's license and charge around 10 CHF for an administrative fee.

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Just wait...

Within two weeks, your brand new Swiss driving license will be on the mat! There is also an additional bill of around 75 - 150 CHF (the exact amount depends on your canton).

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Takeoff tips:

• Start arranging on time
• Make copies of all documents
• Make sure you have a good passport photo
• Take into account the costs (around 100 - 170 CHF in total)

Do you have any questions about your driver's license or other practical matters before moving to Switzerland? Take a look at our FAQ or just take contact on. We'd love to help you out!

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