Bosnia and Herzegovina: Where your new chapter begins.

Driver's License in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Everything You Need to Know

Here you will find everything you need to know as a foreign citizen about driver’s licenses in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Whether you’re coming as a tourist, working here, or planning to settle permanently as an expat.

Overview

EU citizens often wonder whether they can use their foreign driver’s license in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let’s take a closer look at everything important about driver’s licenses in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from use as a tourist to first-time issuance, and even the conversion of a foreign driver’s license.

As a foreign citizen, you can generally drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to six months from the day of entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

If you plan to emigrate and live in Bosnia and Herzegovina, you should consider converting your driver’s license sooner or later. Once a temporary or permanent residence permit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is granted, you can use your valid foreign driver’s license for six months from the day of entry.

After the six-month period, the foreign driver’s license can be exchanged upon request (without taking a driving test) for a Bosnian-Herzegovinian driver’s license, valid for the same vehicle categories as covered by the foreign license.

Responsible Authorities & Legal Regulations

The application for issuance, renewal, or conversion of a driver’s license is submitted to the relevant organizational units of the Ministry of the Interior (local police stations). These units are responsible for issuing documents under the CIPS project and operate according to the applicant’s place of residence.

The driver’s license is issued upon request by the person who has passed the driving test.

Driving as a Tourist: Using Your Home License

As a tourist, you are allowed to drive in Bosnia and Herzegovina with your home country’s driver’s license, provided it is valid and you stay in the country for no more than six months. For longer stays, or if your license is not issued in Latin script, it is recommended to have an international driver’s license to avoid potential language barriers during traffic checks.

First-Time Issuance of a Driver’s License in BiH

Along with the application form, which can be obtained at the driver’s license issuance office, the following documents must be submitted:
  • A medical certificate confirming fitness to drive a vehicle in the requested category or subcategory. The certificate must not be older than 12 months.
  • Proof of passing the driving test for the relevant vehicle category or subcategory.
  • Proof of residence or domicile (by presenting an ID card).
  • Proof of a residence permit for foreign nationals.
  • Proof of payment of the required fee for the driver’s license form, currently 60.00 KM.

Driver’s License Renewal

A Bosnian-Herzegovinian driver’s license is generally valid for ten years. To renew your license, you must apply at the relevant authority before it expires and undergo a medical fitness test.

License Exchange

This may be required if, for example, you have passed additional categories and want them added to your license. To exchange a driver’s license, the following documents are required:
  • The application form, available at the issuance office.
  • A medical certificate, not older than six months, if the previous license had a shorter validity period.
  • The old driver’s license.
  • Drivers with a license for categories D and subcategories D1 must submit a medical certificate, not older than six months, confirming their fitness to drive a vehicle in these categories, along with the renewal application.
  • Proof of payment for the required fee (currently 60.00 KM).

Conversion of a Foreign Driver’s License

As a foreign citizen, you have the option to convert your foreign driver’s license into a Bosnian-Herzegovinian one. You will need the following:
  • The completed application form, available at the issuance office.
  • A medical certificate, not older than six months.
  • The valid foreign driver’s license in original form, along with a certified translation by a sworn translator.
  • Proof that the person holds a Bosnian-Herzegovinian ID card, a foreigner’s card (for those with a permanent residence permit), or proof of a valid temporary residence permit.
  • Proof of payment for the required fee, currently 60.00 KM.
Depending on the country of origin of your license, additional tests or courses may be required for conversion.

Lost Driver’s License

If you lose your driver’s license, don’t worry! We’ll explain what steps to take in this situation. Required Documents:
  1. The completed application form, available at the issuance office.
  2. A confirmation that the driver’s license has been declared invalid in official notifications.
  3. If the license was issued by a different police station from the applicant’s current residence and has been lost, proof that the applicant was in possession of the license is required.
  4. Proof of payment for the required fee (currently 60 KM).

These details are intended to provide you with an overview of the driver’s license system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you believe any information is missing, incorrect, if you have questions, or would like to provide feedback, feel free to send us a message at: info@lifeinbih.com

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