Driver's license renewal updates in Croatia and the Czech Republic

Drivers in Croatia and the Czech Republic are facing significant deadlines and procedural updates regarding the renewal of their driving licenses.

In Croatia, holders of old paper-based driving licenses must replace them with modern polycarbonate card versions by January 19, 2033. Driving with an expired or invalid document after this deadline will be treated as a violation equivalent to driving without a license. Additionally, licenses for amateur categories (such as AM, A, and B) are valid for ten years, while professional categories are valid for five years. Mandatory replacements are also required due to changes in personal data, damage, loss, or theft.

In the Czech Republic, approximately 243,000 drivers are expected to have their licenses expire by the end of the year, with the highest number of renewals expected among individuals aged 61 and older. The Czech Ministry of Transport has emphasized that drivers no longer need to visit government offices in person, as applications can be submitted for free via the Transport Portal. The digital system automatically retrieves existing photos and signatures from state registers. While standard processing is free, expedited issuance within five days incurs a fee of 560 CZK.