It is possible to exchange a driving license issued within the EEA to a Swedish driving license. To do this you must:
- have a valid driver’s license from within the EEA
- be registered with the Swedish Tax Agency – so called bokförd i Sverige
How to do change your driving license
- Go the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) website and order the application form “Ansök om utbyte av utländskt körkort“. (Information in Swedish).
- Pay the application fee of 600 SEK to the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen). You do so by using the payment form (inbetalningskort) that Transportstyrelsen sends you.
- Submit your application along with your current driving licence (in original!) to: Transportstyrelsen
701 97 Örebro. Note that you will still be allowed to drive in Sweden while your application is being processed at Transportstyrelsen. Keep a copy of your original driving license with you. If you ever get stopped by the police, they will also know that your driving license is in the process of being exchanged by checking their system. - If Transportstyrelsen approves your application, you must visit one of their offices (information in Swedish) where you will take a new picture and sign your new driving license. Note! Make sure to bring a valid identification.
- You must pay a fee of 150 SEK before you can get your Swedish driving license. This will also be sent to you by inbetalningskort.
- Your new Swedish driving license will be sent home to you by post.
- Transportstyrelsen will send back your old driving license to the country where it was issued.
- Now, enjoy your driving with your new Swedish license.
A final note on car insurance
If you own a car in Sweden you need to have a traffic insurance, also called a third part liability insurance (trafikförsäkring) to be allowed to drive the car. It covers injuries and damage resulting from use of the car but it does not compensate damage you cause to your own car or other property you own.
Getting a car insurance however is up to you, although it is generally recommended to get insurance for your car. It is usually a rather reasonable monthly expense which will protect you from the sometimes insane costs of getting a car fixed, towed or any other joyous car malfunction. There are a lot of car insurances around so make sure to shop around before deciding. Some options include:
- Hedvig* – aims to disrupt the old insurance industry which they do by offering a fully mobile based insurance so that you get insurance that is fast, simple and fair.
- Ica insurance* – has a fixed price and no price increase for the first five years if you are claim-free. Are highly rated by the Consumers’ Insurance Agency.
Further reading
Don’t miss our other articles about driving and licenses in Sweden.