Driving License Exchange in Estonia

Travel in Estonia

Whether you need to go to work or want to visit places outside of the capital (Tallinn), public transport is always accessible and reliable. However, there are circumstances when you would want to use a private vehicle. One such circumstance is the current pandemic (COVID-19). The pandemic has made private transportation somewhat essential.

Estonian Driving License

A person who’s permanent residence is Estonia may apply for an Estonian driving license. Permanent residence in this context means one has lived in Estonia for at least 185 days. You need to study under a driving school and pass the exam. There are other details that you should know, but those are the most important requirements. However, it’s not the focus of this post. Visit the official website if you want to learn more.

Foreign Driving License

EEA and Swiss Confederation

Citizens of member states of the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation can use their driving license as long as it is valid.

1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic

Citizens of contracting states of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic can use their driving license for 12 months starting from the time its holder takes up permanent residence in Estonia. Permanent residence is proven by the data of the population register.

You can find the list of countries on the foreign driving license section of the official website.

Driving License Exchange

A permanent resident may also apply for an equivalent Estonian driving license through the exchange of their foreign driving license. There are some conditions regarding the foreign license that must be met so please check the official website.

Requirements

Medical Certificate

Before going to the service bureau you should acquire an e-medical certificate. You can get this from your family doctor in Estonia or other private clinics that provide it. Both options will require you to pay, the former being cheaper.

Application

You need to go to one of the service bureaus. You can go there as a walk-in, but it’s recommended to schedule an appointment online.

Things to bring:

1. Foreign driving license to be exchanged for inspection.
2. Estonian identity document.
3. National identity document (passport) in case you need to verify some of the details on your license.
4. Debit card for payment of state fee (€26 at the time of writing). Visit the official website for the correct amount.
5. A photo, which you can also take in one of the service bureau’s photo booths. You can opt to use the same photo from your Estonian identity document.
6. The physical copy of your e-medical certificate in case the system is down. This will be given by the doctor you went to.

Usual questions asked:

1. Issue date of the foreign driving license. Should be on the license itself.
2. Driving category provided by the foreign driving license. Should be on the license itself.

Pick Up and Exchange

You won’t be asked to leave your foreign driving license right after the application. You’ll exchange it on pick up. You will be told when your Estonian driving license will be available (usually after 10 business days or as early as 5 business days).

They usually send you a notification through email, but don’t expect one.

You will need your Estonian identity document and your foreign driving license when you go to the same service bureau.

The Estonian driving license is valid for 10 years unless a future amendment changes this.

Driving Etiquette

Please be mindful of the road rules in Estonia, like anywhere else in the world. Golden rule: Always give way to pedestrians.

A quick reference of the road signs is available in Wikipedia.

Parking is also it’s own beast. Here’s a reference for Tallinn.