As of April 1, 2025, foreign driver’s licenses held by individuals who have had Russian citizenship, a residence permit, or a temporary residence permit (TRP) for over a year will be considered invalid in Russia. TASS reported this, citing the press center of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Interior Ministry clarified that under the law that came into force in April 2024, foreign driver’s licenses are deemed invalid one year after their holders obtain a residence permit or Russian citizenship.
“This rule also applies one year after the first entry into Russia following the issuance of a foreign driver’s license to its holder, who has since become a citizen of our country,” the Interior Ministry added.
Motorists driving with invalid licenses in Russia will face fines of up to 15,000 rubles and will be prohibited from driving until their license is restored.
Amendments to the Federal Law ‘On Road Traffic Safety’, which render national and international foreign driver’s licenses invalid for holders of TRP, residency, or Russian citizenship, came into effect on April 1, 2024. Those who changed their status in Russia before this date were given one year to obtain a Russian driver’s license.
