Your licence was issued by a member country of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA). In this case, it is valid in Luxembourg. This is the principle of mutual recognition between member states. You can insure your vehicle straight away without going through the authorities.
However, be aware that in the event of loss or theft of your licence, even with a declaration of loss or theft, you no longer have the right to drive. In this situation, you will need to obtain a certificate from the country that issued your licence. This proof must show the category of vehicle concerned, the date it was obtained and the date of validity.
Even if the process is optional, more proactive people will prefer to have their licence recognised by the Luxembourg authorities. You have two options:
1) Simply register your licence with the Luxembourg authorities
2) Exchange your driving licence for a Luxembourg one
If your driving licence was issued by a country outside the European Union or European Economic Area, you have one year to have it converted. This means to exchange it for a Luxembourg licence.
Why do it?
You have a licence that was issued by a country in the European Union and you wish to have it recognised by the Luxembourg authorities to make things easier if you lose your licence or if it is stolen.
Once registered, you only need to request a duplicate from the SNCA to regain the right to drive.
How to do it
Send this registration application form along with a certified copy of your licence and an ID card to the SNCA driving licence service in Sandweiler, a few kilometres from Luxembourg city.
How much does it cost?
Registration of a foreign driving licence is free.
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Why do it?
If you have a licence issued in a country outside the European Union, you must convert your driving licence within a year of your move to Luxembourg.
If you have an EU licence, the process of changing it to a Luxembourg licence is called an "exchange".
But this does have a disadvantage. Luxembourg law applies and therefore, the validity of your licence will be subject to renewal (every 10 years) from the age of 50. The penalty points system will apply directly to your new Luxembourg licence.
How to do it
The same form is to be sent to the SNCA but this time with a request for conversion. In particular, you'll need to attach a copy of your Luxembourg criminal record and your last place of residence to your application.
How much does it cost?
The cost of exchanging and converting a driving licence is 30 euros.
Since 2002, an original measure has become law in Luxembourg. Every Luxembourg road user benefits from having 12 points on their licence, whether it is a Luxembourg licence or not.
If you keep your driving licence from a European Union country, if you violate the rules of the highway code in Luxembourg, points are removed from your Luxembourg "virtual licence" but not from that of your country of origin.
Because changing countries doesn't mean you become a new driver again, if a new resident can prove a period of insurance in another European country, AXA Luxembourg takes the number of years of experience into account to offer insurance at a fair price.
Read this article to find out more about the motor no-claims bonus system in Luxembourg.