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Driving licence renewal in Russia

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Государственная инспекция безопасности дорожного движения (ГИБДД) - State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.

Renewing a Russian driving license typically involves submitting an application to the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (ГИБДД), undergoing a medical examination, and providing necessary documents. A new license will be issued upon successful completion of these steps.

Your timing

It is advisable for individuals to begin the renewal process several weeks before their current license expires. This allows ample time to schedule and attend the mandatory medical examination, gather all required documents, and secure an appointment at a GIBDD office. Processing times can vary, so starting early helps avoid a period without a valid license.

Start 30 days ahead

This lead time accounts for scheduling a medical examination, gathering documents, and potential appointment waiting times at the GIBDD.

The process

  1. 1Undergo a mandatory medical examination to obtain a medical certificate confirming fitness to drive.
  2. 2Pay the state duty (государственная пошлина) for the issuance of a new driving license.
  3. 3Prepare all required documents, including the medical certificate, passport, old driving license, and receipt of state duty payment.
  4. 4Submit an application for renewal, either in person at a GIBDD office or through the State Services portal (Госуслуги) if available and applicable.
  5. 5Attend the GIBDD office, if required, for verification of documents and to have a new photograph taken.
  6. 6Receive the new driving license.

What to bring

  • Passport or other identity document.
  • Expired or expiring driving license.
  • Medical certificate confirming fitness to drive (медицинская справка).
  • Receipt of payment for the state duty (государственная пошлина).
  • Application form (заявление) for the issuance of a driving license.

Who handles it

Государственная инспекция безопасности дорожного движения (ГИБДД) - State Traffic Safety Inspectorate

https://xn--90adear.xn--p1ai/driver/licence

The cost is the state duty (государственная пошлина) for issuing a new driving license. As of current information, this fee is typically 2000 rubles for a plastic card or 3000 rubles for a new generation plastic card. An additional fee applies for the medical examination, which varies by medical institution. Individuals should confirm the exact current fees with the GIBDD or through the State Services portal.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Ensure the medical certificate is issued by an authorized medical institution and is valid for the GIBDD.
  • Verify the current state duty amount and payment details before making a payment.
  • Confirm the exact requirements and process with the local GIBDD office, as there might be regional nuances or specific appointment procedures.
  • Be aware that the new driving license will be issued with a validity period, typically 10 years.

Sources

Other documents in Russia

Driving licence renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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