If you are looking to stay in Albania, the good news is that, unlike other countries, the process of obtaining a driving license in Albania is quite simple. In Albania, expats can generally exchange their foreign license for an Albanian one with a minimum of effort and expense.
In this article, we will guide you through all the key information, including whether you can drive in Albania with your current license, the documents you need, costs and more. Read through.
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You Can Drive For a Year in Albania On A Foreign License
All driving permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted, and you can use it for a year in Albania. So basically, if you have a driving license from EU & EEA countries, the UK & US, then you are okay to drive for a year in Albania.
Then, if you are staying for more than a year in Albania, the rules change. You must apply for an Albanian license by exchanging your original license. Read below for the process you need to follow.
The Procedure You Need to Follow to Apply For an Albanian Driving License
Go to the driving license testing centre in the city where you obtained your permanent residence. Complete the application for exchange of a driving license form at any driving license testing centre.
Then you must submit the required documents, as listed below:
- Service request
- Notarized and translated copy of passport
- Notarized copy of a valid residence permit
- Original valid foreign driving license
- A photocopied, translated and notarized medical certificate with a photograph, certifying the physical ability to drive the vehicle of the relevant category, issued no earlier than six months from the date of application
- Payment receipt for the service of ALL 2,300
Note: Albania requires professionally translated and notarised documents, and feel free to contact us and seek assistance if needed.
The Next Step is to Visit General Directorate of Road Transport Services Office
After being notified, you will need to visit the DPSHTRR offices (there are two offices located in Tirana and Vorë) with these documents to apply for the driving license:
- Request form
- Valid ID and photocopy
- Foreign Driver’s License
- Valid Residence Permit
- A payment receipt of ALL 3,500 fee for the driving license
How Long Does it Take to Exchange a Driving License in Albania?
Usually, it takes 5-15 business days to get your Albanian driving license. This is because driving licenses are shipped on a district basis (a big city is the main city of the district). You will usually get it within 5 business days if you live in a big city. It takes a little bit longer if you live in a small city, part of the district.
Important Information to Avoid Fines
- Driving is on the right-hand side
- The minimum driving age is 18
- Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car
- No mobile phone use while driving, but hands-free systems are acceptable
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) outside residential areas, and 110 km/h (68 mph) on motorways
- Parking is free after 20:00
- Legal blood alcohol level is 0.01 mg/ml – practically speaking, you can’t drink anything alcoholic and drive
Emergency Contact: 129
While driving in Albania, ensure you carry specific items to avoid fines:
- Headlamp beam deflectors
- First aid kits
- Warning triangle and reflective vest
- Safety helmets for motorcyclists
Source
General Directorate of Road Transport Services
