Swiss driving licence exchange

You are new in Geneva, have a foreign driver's license, and don't know that you must change it, this article is for you !


Swiss driving licence exchange

You are new in Geneva, have a foreign driver's license, and don't know that you must change it, this article is for you !

As you may know, you have one year to exchange your driver's license for a Swiss one - and this is mandatory if you got a B permit.

For the Geneva's area, you will also need to visit a licensed optician.

Geneva: Find local activities

Everything is explained on Geneva's cantonal office website, but if you don't read French, you may want to understand the steps.

Geneva, Switzerland - exchange your foreign driver's license

Swiss driving licence for foreigners

  • Step 1 download, print and fill the form,
  • Step 2 prepare your original driver's license that you will have to exchange,
  • Step 3 get a certificate from a licensed optician he will have to fill some parts of the form you downloaded, visit will cost a fixed price of 20CHF,
  • Step 4 bring a color passport picture,
  • Step 5 bring your residence permit.
Driver's License Application / Foreign Driver's License Exchange form

Swiss international driving license

Take a look at below image to see what you can easily fill, with some hints in blue. Section 4 have to be filled by the optician. I kindly advise you to discuss sections 2, 4 and 5 with him, as they are mostly about health.

Take everything mentioned before with you, and go personally to the driver's licenses office:

Opening hours from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4pm,

Localization: Route de Veyrier 86, 1227 Carouge,

Geneva driver's licences office map

To go there: bus lines N°11 and 21, Val d'Arve stop.

Phone: +41 (0)22 388 30 30.

Post address: Case postale 1556, 1227 Carouge.

E-mail: [email protected].

You will then get your Swiss international driver's license after having exchanged it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for exchanging a foreign driving license for a Swiss one, and what are the key requirements and deadlines?
The process involves submitting an application to the cantonal road traffic office, providing necessary documents like a valid foreign license and residence permit. Key requirements include passing a vision test and, in some cases, a practical driving test. Deadlines for exchange vary depending on the country of origin of the license.

Michel Pinson
About the author - Michel Pinson
Michel Pinson is a Travel enthusiast and Content Creator. Merging passion for education and exploration, he iscommitted to sharing knowledge and inspiring others through captivating educational content. Bringing the world closer together by empowering individuals with global expertise and a sense of wanderlust.



Comments (1)

 2019-12-09 -  Alex
Un bon site d'information, merci pour tous vos articles.

Leave a comment