Driving licence renewal in Ethiopia
How to renew a driving licence — how it works anywhere
Renewing an Ethiopian driving licence involves verifying existing credentials through the local transport authority office. The process generally requires a formal application, a vision screening, and the payment of renewal fees.
It is standard practice to begin the renewal process at least 30 days before the document expires to account for potential administrative processing times and local office appointment availability.
Start 30 days ahead
Allows time for office visits, medical screenings, and the physical printing of the new license card.
The process
- 1Visit the local Transport Authority office in the jurisdiction where the license was originally issued.
- 2Submit the expiring driving license along with a completed renewal application form.
- 3Undergo a mandatory vision screening as required by transport regulations.
- 4Pay the designated renewal fee at the cashier or designated bank branch.
- 5Provide biometric data if requested by the official on duty.
- 6Collect the renewed license card once processing is complete.
What to bring
- Current driving license
- Completed application form
- Proof of residency or identification card
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Payment receipt
Who handles it
Federal Transport Authority / የትራንስፖርት ባለስልጣን (Yetransport Balasiltan)
Fees vary by license category and region; confirm current pricing at the local transport office or the official portal.
What commonly goes wrong
- Requirements may vary significantly between different regional transport bureaus.
- Failure to renew within the grace period may result in additional administrative penalties.
- Offices may experience high traffic, so early arrival is recommended.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- Ministry of Transport and Logistics transport.gov.et
Don't rely on remembering
Renewals here take about 30 days to start. Add this document and Duratum will tell you when that window opens.