Tajik nationals staying in Russia now can exchange their old model driving licenses for new ones at Tajik Embassy in Moscow.  For this, they should pay the amount equivalent to 100.00 U.S. dollars.

According to the Tajik Embassy, Tajikistan’s new biometric driving license with the ten-year expiration term is valid in 166 countries of the world.  

The following documents are required for getting the new biometric driving license: health certificate; copy of Tajik internal of foreign passport; driving license; and receipt of payment (the amount equivalent to US$100 dollars).

The timeframe for receiving new driving license is 14 working days.  

A source at the Tajik MFA says that to get a Russian driving license holders of the new Tajik biometric driving license will have to take a theoretical driving, take practical driving test at autodrome and take practical driving test around city.   

Meanwhile, under the Russia’s legislation, for all foreign nationals who hold a work permit or a residence permit for Russia, a foreign driving license must be exchanged to a Russian license.  The foreign-issued license can only be used only for 60 days after obtaining the work or residence permit; after this time use of the license will be invalid.

A Russian driving license can be applied for after passing a multiple choice theory examination at the State Road Traffic Safety Inspectorate (Russian traffic police).  

The exam can only be taken in Russian, and translators are not allowed. After passing the theory test, a license is issued at the GIBDD straight away.  The license is issued for the same period as the permit to stay in Russia. If the period of residency is extended, the driving license can also be extended for the same period without taking any more examinations.  Applications to extend a license can be made at the local GIBDD office.

Documents required for driving license exchange: completed application form; original passport, including valid Russian visa and registration stamp; medical certificate (available from any major health clinic); one color passport photograph; and receipt for payment of the appropriate fee (approximately 800 Russian rubles, which is equivalent to US$14.5); and original valid foreign driving license plus a notarized photocopy along with a notarized translation.

If the foreign driving license does not meet the requirements of the Convention on Road Traffic of 1968, translation of the driving license into Russian and notarization is required.