As of November 2, 2024, the temporary regulation allowing citizens of Armenia to drive with foreign-issued driving licenses has officially expired.
The Armenian Police under the As of November 2, 2024, the temporary regulation allowing citizens of Armenia to drive with foreign-issued driving licenses has officially expired.
The Armenian Police under the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that this provision was in force for three months — from August 2 to November 2 — and applied only to citizens who were already present in Armenia at the time the rule took effect.
From now on, Armenian citizens, including those with dual citizenship, are no longer permitted to drive with foreign driving licenses within the country. Individuals who continue to operate vehicles with non-Armenian licenses beyond the three-month period will face an administrative fine of 10,000 drams.
The transitional period was introduced to give Armenian citizens returning from abroad enough time to exchange their foreign driving licenses for Armenian ones. Throughout the three months, the police repeatedly reminded the public about the importance of renewing their licenses before the deadline. Now that the grace period has ended, foreign-issued licenses held by Armenian nationals are no longer valid for driving within Armenia.
Authorities emphasize that the regulation aims to unify national road safety standards and improve traffic control. By requiring all drivers to hold locally issued licenses, the government seeks to ensure proper verification of driver qualifications, prevent document fraud, and strengthen enforcement of traffic laws.
Traffic police across the country — particularly in major cities such as Yerevan, Gyumri, and Vanadzor — have already begun increased inspections to verify drivers’ documents. Those caught driving with a foreign license after the expiration date are subject to fines.
The Police also remind citizens whose three-month grace period has not yet expired to carry both their foreign driver’s license and the travel document used to enter Armenia, such as a passport or border entry record. This documentation is required to verify the exact start date of their permitted three-month driving period.
Armenian citizens holding foreign licenses must now visit a local Department of Vehicle Registration and Licensing to apply for an Armenian driving license. Depending on the issuing country, applicants may be required to pass a theoretical test and present a valid medical certificate proving their fitness to drive.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that all types of foreign licenses are subject to this rule — including temporary and international ones. Only foreign nationals temporarily residing in Armenia for tourism or short-term employment are exempt from the new requirement.
Officials explain that the reform aims to enhance road safety and regulatory consistency. Many foreign-issued driving licenses differ from Armenian standards in vehicle classifications, testing criteria, and safety requirements, which can lead to inconsistencies in driver qualification levels.
By implementing uniform licensing standards, Armenia seeks to reduce road accidents and strengthen the professional qualifications of drivers operating within the country. The move also aligns with the government’s broader efforts to modernize traffic regulations and improve public safety nationwide.
All Armenian citizens — including those with dual nationality — who plan to drive in Armenia must now hold an Armenian-issued driving license. The use of foreign licenses is no longer permitted beyond the three-month entry period, and failure to comply will result in fines and possible restrictions on driving privileges.
This measure marks another step toward aligning Armenia’s road safety policies with international standards and ensuring greater accountability for all drivers on the nation’s roads.
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