Foreign driving licences in Norway (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: A valid EU/EEA driving licence can be used in Norway and exchanged without new tests. A licence from a non-EU/EEA country is normally valid for three months, and can be exchanged only if it comes from a country on Statens vegvesen's list.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceA valid driving licence from another EU/EEA country can be used in Norway. It can be exchanged for a Norwegian licence of the corresponding category without new tests; the pages read do not state a deadline or an obligation to exchange. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceNormally valid for three months from arrival (six months with a residence permit and an employment contract of more than three months). It must be valid and meet Norwegian age requirements. An international driving permit or certified translation is needed if the licence has no photo, is not in the Latin alphabet or uses categories different from the Geneva or Vienna conventions, or is not in English, French or German. [3]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceWith normal residence in Norway, a licence from a non-EU/EEA country can be used for three months from the date of registration in the National Population Register. Exchange for a Norwegian licence is possible only for licences from Australia, Canada, Israel, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, the USA, the UK, Switzerland, Japan and Greenland. [4]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Norwegian health requirements apply. National categories that fall outside the international categories are not valid in Norway. Some EU/EEA licences issued after an exchange from a non-EU/EEA country follow the rules of the original country (up to three months).
  • Licences from the UK and Switzerland carry the same rights as an EEA licence. Japanese licences are valid for three months, passenger car (B) for one year. Ukrainian licences are valid while Norway offers temporary collective protection.
  • The pages read do not say whether an EU/EEA licence holder needs an international driving permit. Not verified.

Sources

  1. Statens vegvesen: Using an EU/EEA driving licence in Norway (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Statens vegvesen: Exchanging a driving licence from an EU/EEA country (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Statens vegvesen: Using a driving licence from a non-EU/EEA country in Norway (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Statens vegvesen: Exchanging driving licences issued in countries outside the EU/EEA (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.