Driving Licence Exchange

Overview

As a new resident of Monaco, you may exchange your foreign driving licence for a Monaco licence. This process is simpler than obtaining a licence by examination and requires documentation verification and a medical certificate.

Eligibility for Exchange

Who Can Exchange

• Residents of Monaco (with residency card)
• Holders of valid foreign driving licence
• Licence must be from a recognized country
• Licence must still be valid (or recently expired in some cases)

Who Cannot Exchange

• Licence is expired more than 3 years
• Licence revoked or suspended
• License from non-recognized country
• No valid residency in Monaco

Required Documents

Essential Documentation

Personal Documents:

• Passport or valid identification
• Monaco residency card (carte de séjour)
• Current foreign driving licence (original)
• Recent color photograph (35mm x 45mm)

Medical Documentation:

• Medical certificate (form provided)
• Completed by approved doctor
• Confirms fitness to drive
• Required for all applicants

Administrative Documents:

• Completed application form
• Proof of residence (utility bill, rental contract)
• Birth certificate (certified copy)
• Filled-out medical form

Medical Certificate

Who Needs It:

• All applicants regardless of age
• Must be from approved doctor in Monaco
• Recent (typically within 1 month)
• Confirms vision, hearing, medical fitness

Getting Medical Certificate:

1. Schedule appointment with approved doctor
2. Bring identity and driving licence
3. Doctor conducts examination
4. Receives certificate (usually same day)
5. Cost: €40-60 (paid directly to doctor)

Photograph Requirements

Specifications:

• Size: 35mm x 45mm
• Color, clear and in focus
• Plain white background
• Facing camera, neutral expression
• Taken within 6 months
• Professional quality preferred

Exchange Process

Step 1: Gather Documentation

Allow 2-3 weeks to prepare:

• Schedule medical appointment
• Obtain medical certificate
• Get birth certificate if needed
• Prepare photos
• Collect all original documents
• Get certified copies if required

Step 2: Schedule Appointment

Contact the licensing authority:

• Phone or online booking (if available)
• Request appointment for licence exchange
• Appointments typically available within 2 weeks
• Arrive early for processing
• Some offices accept walk-ins during specific hours

Step 3: Submit Application

At the Office:

• Bring all required original documents
• Submit completed application form
• Provide medical certificate
• Submit photographs
• Answer verification questions
• Pay application fee (€80-150)

Processing:

• Staff reviews documents
• Verifies foreign licence details
• Checks residency status
• Records medical certificate information
• Issues receipt and processing timeline

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Normal Timeline:

• Standard processing: 2-4 weeks
• Expedited processing: 1 week (additional fee)
• Status updates: Available by phone or online
• Notification: By phone, email, or post

Step 5: Collect Your Licence

When Ready:

• Receive notification (usually by phone)
• Visit office during business hours
• Present receipt and identification
• Receive new Monaco licence
• Old licence may be surrendered (check procedures)

Categories of Driving Licence

Monaco Licence Categories

Category A: Motorcycles (under 35kW) Category B: Cars (up to 3,500kg) Category C: Trucks (over 3,500kg) Category D: Buses (16+ passengers) Category E: Combinations and articulated vehicles

Automatic Category Matching

Your foreign licence category matches to Monaco category:

• Check your current licence category
• It will automatically convert
• Some restrictions may apply (age-related, conditional)
• Confirm category at application

Medical Requirements

Vision

• Minimum 3/10 in each eye (corrected or uncorrected)
• No progressive eye disease
• Reading plates test passed
• Peripheral vision checked

Hearing

• Some hearing loss acceptable
• Ability to hear warning sounds required
• Test using standard equipment
• Not failed for minor hearing loss

Medical Fitness

• No epilepsy (unless stable for 5+ years)
• No untreated diabetes
• No serious cardiovascular conditions
• No severe neurological disorders
• No substance abuse

Age Categories

Different medical requirements for:

• Under 18 years
• 18-70 years
• Over 70 years (more frequent renewal)
• Professional drivers (higher standards)

Costs Breakdown

Processing Issues & Solutions

Licence Not Recognized

If your country's licence is not recognized:

• Contact licensing authority for confirmation
• May need to retake driving test in Monaco
• Can take driving test (theory and practical)
• Test available in French and English
• Takes 4-8 weeks (including lessons)

Medical Issues

If medical certificate is rejected:

• Consult with different doctor
• May require specialist evaluation
• Can appeal medical decision
• Alternative certification may be available
• Reapply after medical improvement

Document Problems

If documents are rejected:

• Obtain certified copies if needed
• Correct any errors in application
• Provide additional documentation
• Resubmit corrected documents
• No fee for resubmission (usually)

Special Cases

Lost or Stolen Licence

If your original licence is lost:

• Report to police in home country (if applicable)
• Obtain police report or replacement notice
• May need to retake tests
• Contact licensing authority for guidance

Licence Recently Expired

If expired less than 1 year:

• May exchange if condition permits
• Medical certificate still required
• Check with authority before applying
• Cost may be higher

Commercial or Professional Licences

If you have a professional endorsement:

• Check if it transfers to Monaco
• Some categories require additional testing
• Professional drivers need higher medical standards
• Processing may take longer

Validity & Renewal

Validity Period in Monaco

• Under 18: 1 year
• 18-45: 10 years
• 45-70: 5 years
• Over 70: 2 years (may require frequent renewal)

Renewal Timeline

When your licence expires:

• Begin renewal 1-2 months before expiry
• Similar application process
• Medical certificate required
• Takes 2-4 weeks
• Costs less than exchange (€50-80)

Driving While Exchanging

Temporary Driving

While exchange is processing:

• Continue using foreign licence
• Valid for temporary period
• Must carry residency documentation
• Keep receipt from application office
• Follow local driving laws

Insurance Considerations

• Notify insurance company of exchange
• Provide new licence number when ready
• Coverage continues during exchange
• Update policy when licence arrives

Restrictions & Conditions

Age-Related Restrictions

• Automatic transmission only (some cases)
• Power steering requirement (if weak)
• Restricted hours (professional drivers)
• Conditional based on medical assessment

Validity Conditions

Your licence may have:

• Medical review requirement
• Periodic eye tests
• Restrictions on vehicle types
• Professional driving limitations
• Age-related expiry dates

International Recognition

Using Monaco Licence Abroad

• Valid throughout EU/EEA
• Recognized in most countries
• International Driving Permit not required (usually)
• Always carry original licence
• Check destination country requirements

Next Steps

1. Confirm your residency status in Monaco
2. Check that your foreign licence is valid
3. Schedule medical appointment with approved doctor
4. Obtain medical certificate
5. Gather all required documents
6. Contact licensing authority for appointment
7. Submit application with all documents
8. Pay application fee
9. Wait for processing (2-4 weeks)
10. Collect your new Monaco licence

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SourceBlock

Official Sources & Verification

This guide is based on procedures maintained by Monaco's licensing authority and information published on MonServicePublic.gouv.mc. Requirements and fees are accurate as of the verification date.

Last Verified: 2026-04-06 Status: Active and operational