How do you exchange a foreign driving licence in Switzerland in 2026?

Apply to the Strassenverkehrsamt or service des automobiles, meaning the cantonal road traffic office for your home address. A canton is one of Switzerland's 26 regional governments. Start several months before the deadline because document checks and any test take time.

Use the canton's form and prepare a valid passport or identity card, Swiss residence evidence, a compliant photograph, and the original foreign licence. The office normally keeps or returns the foreign licence to its issuing authority when the Swiss one is granted, so do not expect to retain both for unrestricted use.

An approved optician or doctor must complete the required eye test. Canton Zurich's current form requires a Swiss eye test for ordinary motorcycle and car categories. If the licence is not in a Swiss national language or otherwise readily understood, the office may require an accepted translation. Ask before paying for one.

A control drive is a practical check that you can apply Swiss road rules and operate the vehicle safely. Switzerland exempts licences from specified countries and categories from that check. Other applicants must pass it, and heavy or professional categories can also require medical evidence or an additional theory test.

Do not freeze an internet list into your move plan. Country treatment and category details can change. Use the current list published by your canton and ask about every category you want transferred, including motorcycle, trailer, lorry, and bus rights. An exemption for an ordinary car category does not automatically settle a heavy category.

Professional drivers need earlier attention. Current federal rules let holders of EU/EFTA licences, meaning licences from the European Union or European Free Trade Association states, begin qualifying professional driving without first obtaining the Swiss card. A driver with another foreign licence may need Swiss authorisation before the first professional trip. Confirm the exact vehicle and passenger-transport category with the road office before working.

Submitting a late form does not extend foreign driving rights. Stop driving and follow the canton’s instructions. The office can still examine an exchange, but it may demand evidence of recent driving experience or additional testing.

The office also checks whether you genuinely obtained the licence while resident in the issuing country. If you acquired it during a short stay abroad, be ready to prove the residence history or use the Swiss testing route.