Obtaining the permit
An international driving permit of the official pattern, issued on the basis of a valid Russian licence.
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International driving permit
For those driving abroad on a Russian licence.
An international driving permit is your national licence in a form set by international convention. It does not replace the national licence and is valid only together with it.
Establishing whether you need one
First we check whether it is required at all: in many countries a Russian national licence is recognised without it.
The national licence behind it
The permit is tied to the national licence. If that is close to expiry, it is the place to start.
Worth knowing
A genuine international driving permit is issued by an authorised state body on the basis of your valid national licence. Documents sold online as “international licences” by private organisations carry no legal force and have nothing to do with this service.
Where it is used
Where this is required
The receiving party’s requirements govern not only the document but its form — translation, legalisation and how recently it must have been issued.
Renting a car abroad
Rental companies often require a permit regardless of whether the country’s law demands it — that is their own policy.
Countries requiring a recognised translation
Some states require the licence to be accompanied by a translation in a prescribed form. The permit serves that purpose.
Insurance and accidents
After an incident, insurers and police assess whether you were entitled to drive in that country. Missing a required document can complicate the settlement.
Relocation and exchanging for a local licence
After obtaining residence, many countries require the national licence to be exchanged for a local one within a limited period. The permit is a stopgap for that period, not a substitute for the exchange.
Where we stop
What we do not promise
- The decision rests with the state authority. We prepare and accompany the application, but we do not control how long the authority takes or what it decides.
- We do not replace a notary, a consular officer or a lawyer — we engage them when the matter requires it.
- We do not take on matters where identity and legal grounds cannot be established.
Common questions
International driving permit
Is a permit always necessary?
No. The Russian national licence follows the international pattern and is recognised directly in a number of countries. We check whether you need one rather than issuing it by default.
Is it valid on its own?
No. It is valid only together with the national licence and ceases to have effect if the national licence does.
How long does it last?
Its validity is limited and can never exceed that of the national licence.
I have a residence permit — is the permit enough?
Usually not. Residents are normally required to exchange their licence for a local one within a set period, and the permit does not remove that obligation.
Is it different from what is sold online?
Yes. Only a permit issued by an authorised state body, on the basis of your valid national licence, has legal force.
Could this apply to your situation?
Discuss confidentially↗Tell us where you live and which document you need. We will say what is required and where to begin.
Personal assessment
Describe the situation.
We will say whether this applies.
A few sentences about where you live and which document you need are enough. We will identify what is required and where it makes sense to begin.
Discuss confidentially↗Confidential initial conversation · No obligation