Foreign driver’s licenses and moving to Luxembourg: what rules do you need to know? Validity, conversion, deadlines… learn about the essential steps to drive legally and avoid administrative complications.
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
Insure your new or second hand car in Luxembourg with the AXA car insurance: Assistance, breakdown service, replacement vehicle, as-new-value and more.
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.
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.
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.
Registration of a foreign driving licence is free.
The transcription of a driver’s license primarily applies to individuals who move to Luxembourg with a license issued outside the European Union or the European Economic Area. In such cases, this procedure is mandatory within one year of establishing normal residence.
Conversely, holders of a European license may continue to drive without conversion, as this remains optional. It is important to note that conversion is not merely a translation: it allows you to obtain a Luxembourg license that is fully recognized by local authorities and compliant with national legislation.
But this is not without its drawbacks. Luxembourg law applies, and therefore the validity of your license will be subject to renewal (for 10 years) starting at age 50. The points-based licensing system will apply directly to your new Luxembourg license.
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.
The cost of exchanging and converting a driving licence is 30 euros.
Failing to convert your driver’s license within the legal one-year deadline can have serious consequences. After this period, your foreign license is no longer recognized in Luxembourg, which means you are no longer legally authorized to drive.
In addition, you will be required to retake a driving test (both written and practical) to obtain a Luxembourg driver’s license. This can involve lengthy, costly, and burdensome procedures. It is therefore essential to meet this one-year deadline to avoid these administrative complications and simply retain your right to drive.
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.
HealthIn a hyperconnected world, it's becoming increasingly difficult to 'switch off'. Notifications, work obligations, family responsibilities, the never-e…
Read more
ForesightRetirement is approaching, and with it comes an essential question: how can you maintain your standard of living once your career is over? In Luxembou…
Read more
ForesightYou've decided to go ahead and buy the flat of your dreams in Luxembourg! When you take out a mortgage, outstanding balance insurance quickly becomes …
Read more