We advise you to keep a copy of your original documents and of your country of origin. Make copies of your foreign driving license and of the documents submitted for exchange, in case you need them to prove your driving experience to insure your vehicle in Belgium or for other administrative purposes.
Indeed, some Belgian insurance companies refuse to insure people who do not provide proof of a certain number of years' driving experience. In the same vein, we advise you to contact your insurer in your home country and ask them to provide you with a certificate of loss experience. This document lists the number of accidents you have had in recent years.
Submitting this document to Belgian insurers is often synonymous with reduced rates on the insurance premium you will have to pay.
Foreign driver's license in Belgium
Can I drive with a foreign driver's license in Belgium?
Moving to Belgium is quite an adventure! Between the search for accommodation, the administrative formalities for a visa and adapting to a new culture, you still have to ask yourself this question: can you drive with a foreign license in Belgium?
If you're used to driving in your home country, you'll probably want to keep that freedom once you arrive here. But beware: everything depends on the country where your license was issued and your status in Belgium. For citizens of the European Union, the good news is that their license is generally recognized without problem. But for non-EU citizens, the situation is more nuanced. Some licenses can be exchanged for a Belgian license, while others require you to take a new test.
Legally speaking, it's imperative to be well-informed before taking to the road. An unrecognized license can lead to complications, and even penalties in the event of an inspection. Driving without a valid license can not only expose you to fines, but also cause problems with your insurance in the event of an accident.
You obtained your foreign driver's license in a European Union or European Economic Area country.
If you hold a driving license issued by an EU or EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), you can drive in Belgium without needing to convert it. Your license is valid for as long as it remains valid. However, it is advisable to exchange it for a Belgian license if you plan to stay in Belgium for an extended period, in order to facilitate certain administrative procedures and avoid possible complications in the event of loss or theft.
You obtained your foreign driver's license in a non-EU/EEA country
For holders of driving licenses issued by non-EU or EEA countries, it is necessary for your foreign license to be recognized by the Belgian authorities in order to use it.
We have compiled a list of countries that issue driving licenses recognized by Belgium: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Congo Brazzaville, Congo Kinshasa, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Vatican City, South Africa, South Korea, Curaçao, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, France (New Caledonia, Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna), Georgia, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Mauritius, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Lebanon, Northern Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Malawi, Mali, Moldova, Morocco, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Niger, New Zealand, Netherlands Caribbean -Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius- , Peru, Uzbekistan, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, San Martin, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Palestine Territory, Thailand, Togo, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine).
If you obtained your driving license outside the European Union or the EEA, and the country that issued it to you is not on the above list, there is a good chance that you will have to take a theory test and a practical test in Belgium.
But that's not all...
If you use your foreign driver's license in Belgium for less than 185 days
You can drive with your foreign driving license, provided it is valid and written in Dutch, French, German or English. If this is not the case, simply order an international driving license in your home country.
If you use your foreign driver's license in Belgium for more than 185 days
You need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Belgian one. Before exchanging it, your local authority will have your driving license authenticated.
To apply for a Belgian driver's license, you must go to the commune of your place of residence and comply with the following conditions:
- be registered in Belgium (population, foreigners or waiting registers);
- be in possession of a valid identity card;
- be in possession of a foreign driver's license;
- the date of issue of your driver's license must be prior to the date of registration in Belgium;
- the model of your driving license must be valid in your country of origin;
- your driver's license must be valid.
Our practical advice
