Turkish driving license

Obtaining a Turkish driving license is in high demand, especially for those looking to rent a car and legally drive in the country. As the number of foreigners choosing Turkey as their migration destination continues to rise, acquiring certain documents has become essential, requiring individuals to undergo specific procedures.

Among these, obtaining a Turkish driver’s license has become a key concern for many.

In the following sections, we will provide detailed information on the process of obtaining a Turkish driver’s license, guiding you through the necessary steps and highlighting the benefits of completing this procedure. Stay with us for answers to all your questions.

Turkish Driving License for Foreign Nationals

According to Turkish law, foreign nationals can drive in Turkey using their international driver’s license for up to 6 months. Naturally, this raises an important question: what happens after this period? 

Driver’s license in Turkey

Foreign nationals in Turkey can obtain a driver’s license through two different methods, depending on their residency status.

One of the main concerns for individuals migrating to Turkey is obtaining a Turkish driver’s license. As you may know, having a valid driver’s license is one of the most essential requirements for living in a foreign country. Not only does it make daily life more convenient, but it also helps avoid unnecessary fines.

According to Turkish law, all non-Turkish residents living in the country are eligible to apply for a Turkish driver’s license. However, an international driver’s license is only valid for those staying in Turkey for up to 6 months .

If a person’s stay exceeds 6 months, they must apply for a valid Turkish driver’s license.

In the following sections, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the necessary documents, the process of obtaining a Turkish driver’s license, and how to convert a driver’s license to a Turkish one. We will also explore the benefits of acquiring a local license in Turkey.

International Driver’s License

To obtain an International Driver’s License, you can visit the offices of the Touring & Automobile Club of Iran or apply online via the official website: idp.taci.ir.

Important Considerations for Using an International Driver’s License in Turkey:

• The validity of this license in Turkey is limited. After entering Turkey, it can only be used for a maximum of four months.

• If you plan to drive with an International Driver’s License in Turkey, you must always carry your passport and original Iranian driver’s license with you.

• This type of license is suitable for short-term car rentals in Turkey.

Turkish Driver’s License

If you are a resident of Turkey with a valid residence permit, obtaining a Turkish driver’s license will allow you to drive without any time restrictions.

Thanks to agreements between others with Turkish governments, if you already hold a valid driver’s license, you do not need to retake driving courses or theory exams in Turkey.

This significantly simplifies the process of obtaining a Turkish driver’s license for international citizens.

Step 1: Translating Your Driver’s License

The first step in obtaining a Turkish driver’s license is to translate your license. To do this:

1. Register on the system and submit a request for driver’s license translation along with the required documents.
2. Schedule an appointment with the Consulate in Istanbul or other Embassies in Ankara.
3. Personally visit the consulate to submit your documents (your presence is mandatory).

The translation process at the consulate takes approximately one month. As of the time of writing this article, the translation fee is 32 euros. In the Consulate in Istanbul, this fee can only be paid using a Turkish bank card.

Additional Information About the Turkish Driver’s License

• A Turkish driver’s license is considered a valid identification document in Turkey.
• It is typically issued with a 10-year validity period.
• If you hold a motorcycle or heavy vehicle license, it will automatically be included in your Turkish driver’s license as well.

Next Step: Submitting Documents to the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü)

After obtaining the translated and certified driver’s license, you must submit your application file to the Population Directorate (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) in Turkey. The required documents will be covered in the following section.

Turkish Driver’s License

Key Points to Consider Before Obtaining a Turkish Driving License

Before applying for a driver’s license in Turkey, it is helpful to understand some key aspects of the process:

1. Driver’s License Categories in Turkey

The Turkish driver’s license system is divided into six categories: A, B, C, D, E, and F. Each category is designated for specific types of vehicles:

• Category A → Motorcycles
• Category B → Passenger cars
• Category C → Trucks
• Category D → Commercial vehicles (e.g., buses)
• Category E → Large buses
• Category F → Agricultural vehicles

All these categories are related to Category B, which is the most common license type for passenger cars.

2. Age Requirement

To obtain a driver’s license in Turkey, the applicant must be at least 18 years old. Therefore, individuals under 18 are not eligible to apply for a driver’s license in Turkey.

Benefits of Getting a Turkish Driver’s License

Obtaining a Turkish driver’s license comes with several advantages, including:

1. Valid Identification Document

Having a Turkish driver’s license serves as a valuable valid identification document. In Turkey, as in many other countries, a driver’s license is widely accepted as an official form of identification.

2. Account Verification

A Turkish driver’s license can be used to verify accounts on international payment and shopping platforms, such as Amazon and other foreign websites that require identity confirmation.

3. Car Rental in Turkey

To rent a car in Turkey, you must have either a valid Turkish driver’s license or an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Having a Turkish license makes the rental process easier and more convenient.

Required Documents for Converting a Driver’s License to a Turkish License

To convert your driver’s license into a Turkish driver’s license, you will need to prepare and submit the following documents:

• Original translated driver’s license obtained from the Consulate or Embassy.
• Original valid residence permit (Kimlik) (must not be expired) along with a color copy of both the front and back of the card.
• Original driver’s license along with a color copy of both the front and back of the card.
• Translated academic certificate (the translation must be notarized by a Notary Public; consular verification is not required).
• Two passport-sized photos with a white background.
• Health certificate issued by an authorized health center.
• Proof of tax payments and other related fees.

Driving license in Turkey

After completing your application file, you must schedule an appointment (Randevu) and submit your officially translated documents to the Nüfus (Civil Registry Office).

Once your documents are submitted, provided there are no missing requirements, the process will take approximately one month.

Please note that Randevu appointments in Turkey can only be scheduled through the e-Devlet system.

For expert assistance in obtaining your driver’s license as quickly as possible, feel free to contact our consultants at Travok.

Documents and Steps for Obtaining a Turkish Driving License

Previously, we covered the required documents and process for converting your driver’s license into a Turkish license.

However, if you have moved to Turkey and do not hold your license, you must follow a different process and prepare the following documents to obtain a Turkish driver’s license:

Required Documents:

• Residence permit (If your stay is less than 90 days, a valid visa can be used instead of a residence permit).
• Health certificate (general health check-up, hearing test, and eye examination).
• Identification card or passport.
• Medical examination report.
• Two biometric photos.

Steps to Obtain a Turkish Driver’s License:

1. Attend driving courses at a certified driving school.
2. Pass the theoretical exam, which covers:

• Road signs and traffic regulations
• Traffic laws
• Safe driving techniques

(The test is available in Turkish or other local languages.)

3. Pass the practical driving test, which evaluates your ability to drive safely on both city streets and highways.
4. Upon successfully passing the tests, you will be issued a Turkish driver’s license with a validity of 10 years.

How to Convert a Driver’s License to a Turkish License

If you already have a driver’s license, you do not need to apply for a new license in Turkey. To convert your license to a Turkish one, the first step is to translate your license into Turkish.

If you do not have the translation, you can upload a scan of your license on the website.

• After uploading, a tracking code will be sent to your registered email.
• Once you receive the confirmation code, visit the embassy in the city where you reside.
• After paying a fee of 18 euros for the translation, you will receive the translated license, which will have the embassy stamp and Kimlik verification.

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with the Civil Registry 

After receiving the translated license, you need to schedule an appointment with the local Nüfus office. You can do this by calling 199 or visiting the official e-Devlet website.

Prepare the following documents for the appointment:

• Original and color copies (both sides) of your Kimlik (residence permit).
• Original and color copies (both sides) of your driver’s license.
• 1 passport-sized photo (with a white background).
• The embassy’s translation document.
• Application request form.

Step 2: Complete the One-Month Processing Period

On the day of your appointment, visit the Nüfus office with all the necessary documents. After verification of your documents, the process will enter a one-month waiting period.

Step 3: Submit Additional Required Documents for the Turkish License

Once your application is approved by the Nüfus office, you will need to prepare the following documents to proceed with obtaining your Turkish driver’s license:

• Health certificate from an accredited medical center (This certificate verifies your physical health for driving. It will include your medical history, a physical exam, and a blood test to determine your blood type. If your blood type is listed on your license, you can simply present your translated license instead of undergoing a blood test).

• Certificate of no criminal record (You must visit a Turkish judicial center and undergo a fingerprinting process).

• Payment receipt for the required 3200 Turkish Lira fee, which can be paid at any bank or ATM in Turkey.

• Photo and color copy of both sides of your Kimlik.

• Payment receipt for the police department (approximately 100 Lira).

• Translated educational certificate.

• 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).

Step 4: Receive Your Turkish Driver’s License

If you follow all the steps carefully and accurately, your Turkish driver’s license will be issued within 10 to 15 days and sent to your address by mail.

Getting a driver’s license in Turkey

About Travok Company

Travok in Turkey is a real estate development company that also specializes in buying and selling apartments and flats in Turkey.

In addition to this, the company offers various services to its clients. These services include obtaining Turkey Citizenship by Investment, acquiring Turkish residency by buying apartment in Turkey, and opening a bank account in Turkey.

Furthermore, you can contact our consultants for guidance on purchasing house for sale in Istanbul or for information on buying Apartments and flats in Alanya through installment plans also buying property in Dubai.