EU to overhaul driving licences: Digital European licence to be introduced
After replacing paper licences with credit card–sized documents in recent years, EU authorities are now advancing a more comprehensive transformation. The new system is expected to be rolled out from 2028 onwards, based on Directive (EU) 2025/2205, adopted on October 22, 2025 and published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 5, 2025.
The directive provides the legal basis for the digitalisation of driving licences across all vehicle categories, not only passenger cars.
One Licence Framework for 250 Million Drivers
The core objective of the reform is to harmonise driving licences used by approximately 250 million drivers across the EU, eliminating long-standing national discrepancies in rules and enforcement.
Implementation is scheduled for the 2026–2028 period, with several changes expected to have a direct impact on drivers’ daily lives.
Uniform Rules Across the EU
Until now, EU member states applied their own rules regarding:
- Driving licence acquisition procedures
- Medical and health checks
- Licence validity periods
- Penalties for driving without a valid licence
This fragmentation created legal gaps, particularly for cross-border travel. In some cases, drivers whose licences were suspended in one country could continue driving in another.
Under Directive (EU) 2025/2206, adopted on the same day, licence suspension or revocation in one member state will apply across the entire EU, closing this loophole.
EU officials say the reform supports the “Vision Zero 2050” strategy, which aims to reduce road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030 and eliminate them entirely by 2050.
Health checks, medical assessments during licence applications and renewal procedures will also be standardised at EU level.
Lifetime Driving Licences to Be Abolished
One of the most significant changes is the abolition of lifetime driving licences, which are still in use in some member states.
Under the new rules:
- Category B licences (cars and motorcycles) will have a maximum validity of 15 years
- In countries where licences also serve as identity documents, this period may be reduced to 10 years
- Heavy vehicle licences will retain a validity period of around 5 years
- For drivers aged 65 and over, countries may impose shorter renewal intervals, depending on national health policies
The phase-out of lifetime licences is expected to be completed gradually between now and 2028.
Driving at 17 and the Digital Identity Wallet
The directive sets the minimum age for applying for a driving licence at 17 across the EU.
Another key innovation is the integration of driving licences into the European Digital Identity Wallet, accessible via smartphones. According to the European Commission, the digital driving licence will be recognised in all EU member states through a common official application.
Physical driving licence cards will not be abolished entirely. Drivers who prefer a card format will still be able to request one from their national transport authorities, but this option will be voluntary.
The EU’s ambitious reform is expected to reshape driving habits, administrative processes and cross-border mobility for millions of citizens in the coming years.
