You moved to Croatia or you work here, and you have driver’s license issued in another country? One of the first questions is often whether a foreign driver’s license should be translated before applying for a Croatian driver’s license.

The short answer is: not every foreign driver’s license needs automatic translation. The need depends on the issuing country and whether its validity, vehicle categories and other information important for replacement can be clearly determined from the license itself.

When does the Ministry of Interior request a translation of a foreign driver’s license?

According to current information from the Ministry of the Interior, when replacing a license issued in a country that is not a member of the European Economic Area, it is also attached foreign driver’s license translation if it is not possible to conclude from the license itself which categories it can be exchanged for and whether it is valid or whether its validity period has passed more than six months.

Therefore, translation is not just a formality. Its purpose is to enable the competent authority to unequivocally determine the content and legal effect of the document.

The difference between permits from the EEA and other countries

A driver’s license issued in an EEA member state is not considered a foreign license in the same sense and there is no general obligation to exchange it for a Croatian license. If the date of first issuance for each category is not written on such a permit, a confirmation from the competent authority of the issuing country can be requested.

For licenses from countries outside the EEA, the procedure includes additional documents, including a foreign driver’s license, if necessary its translation, a certificate of health not older than six months, a photo and proof of identity.

When is translation especially important?

The need often arises for licenses from countries that use different vehicle category systems, other letters or national markings that are not immediately understandable to the Croatian authorities. In the translation, it may be necessary to clearly convey:

• vehicle categories;
• issue date and expiration date;
• restrictions and official notices;
• name of the authority that issued the permit;
• codes and marks on the back of the document.

That is why it is necessary to send for evaluation and translation both sides of the driver’s license, in good resolution and without cut edges.

What if the category is not clear even after the translation?

If neither from the original text nor from the translation of the authorized interpreter can it be determined without doubt for which category of vehicle the license was issued or what the category means, the Ministry of Interior can ask for additional proof. This can be a confirmation or interpretation from a competent diplomatic, consular or other body, from which the validity of the permit and the meaning of the categories are clearly established.

The court interpreter translates what is stated on the document, but cannot independently change the national system of categories or replace the confirmation of the authority that issued the permit.

How long can one drive with a foreign license?

According to information from the MUP, a foreigner with an approved temporary or permanent residence in Croatia and a Croatian citizen returning from abroad can, under prescribed conditions, drive a vehicle on the basis of a valid foreign license for up to one year after entering Croatia. After that, the license must be exchanged for a Croatian one.

For a specific situation, you should always check the current conditions, especially if the permit has expired, damaged, temporarily revoked, or there are ambiguities regarding the date of entry and residence status.

What documents to prepare for replacement?

The following are most often prepared for a license from a country outside the EEA:

• proof of identity;
• original foreign driver’s license;
• license translation when required;
• health certificate, not older than six months;
• a photo of the prescribed format, except when it can be taken from official records;
• proof of fee payment;
• if necessary, confirmation of the date of first issue of certain categories.

The list should be checked before arriving at the police department or station, as the requirements may differ according to the type of document and the circumstances of the case.

What does a certified translation of a driver’s license look like?

Certified translation by a court interpreter it contains a translation of visible data, markings, seals and notes, as well as a certificate, signature and seal of a permanent court interpreter. For card licenses, the front and back sides are translated.

A clear scan or photo is usually sufficient for an initial quote. If an inspection of the original is required for the final certification, you will receive information about this before work begins.

Frequently asked questions

Does every foreign driver’s license have to be translated?

No. A translation is requested when the relevant categories and validity of the document cannot be clearly determined from the permit itself.

Should I send both sides of the permit?

Yes. Important categories, codes and restrictions are often found on the back.

Can a court interpreter confirm the meaning of an unclear category?

The court interpreter translates the content of the document. If the meaning of the category is not clear even after the translation, the Ministry of Interior can request confirmation from the competent authority of the issuing country.

Can the scan be sent by e-mail?

A high-quality scan or photo of the entire permit is usually sufficient to estimate the price and turnaround time.

Official sources

• Ministry of Interior – Replacement of driver’s license
• MUP – Driving license and driving with a foreign license