The driver's license renewal process is coming to an end: Warning for the final application deadline.

Millions of drivers are facing a deadline for renewing their driver's licenses. There has been an increase in congestion at population directorates and appointment systems. Authorities are warning that applications should not be left until the last day. Drivers who do not complete their license renewal processes on time will face penalties. So, how is the driver's license renewal process carried out, and what are the required documents? What is the deadline for license renewal and what is the penalty?

WHEN WILL THE DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL PERIOD END?

According to the temporary 10th article of the Highway Traffic Regulation, which came into effect on January 1, 2016, the process of changing driver's licenses must be completed within 5 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for changing old-style driver's licenses issued before January 1, 2016, has been extended by the Ministry of Interior to December 31, 2024, starting from December 31, 2022. Accordingly, the driver's license renewal period will end on December 31, 2024.

IS THERE A PENALTY FOR NOT RENEWING THE DRIVER'S LICENSE?

Old-style driver's licenses will be exchanged for new ones at a discounted total of 15 lira, which includes a 13 lira value paper fee and a 2 lira foundation share, until December 31, 2024. Those who wish to renew their old-style driver's licenses after January 1, 2025, will need to pay the full driver's license fee, value paper fee, and foundation share fee. For a Class B driver's license, this amount was set at a total of 5,165 lira in 2024. The amount to be paid for 2025 will be re-determined by the Ministry of Treasury and Finance. Therefore, drivers who do not apply by the end of the year will have to make an additional payment of over 5,000 lira to renew their licenses.

OLD DRIVER'S LICENSES WILL BE CONSIDERED INVALID

Old-style driver's licenses that are not renewed within the legal period will become invalid, and those who do not renew their licenses will face penalties while driving.

HOW TO APPLY FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL?

Authorities recommend that citizens apply early to avoid being affected by the application congestion that may occur in the last months of the year. Those wishing to renew their driver's licenses can make an appointment through the Alo 199 Call Center, the e-Government mobile application, or "nvi.gov.tr," complete the necessary documents, and apply to the population directorates.

New driver's licenses for applicants are printed by the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs and delivered to their addresses via PTT. During this process, it is possible to drive with a temporary driver's license obtained from population directorates or through e-Government.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWAL?

Those wishing to renew their driver's licenses must present their old driver's license, pay the 15 lira application fee, submit a driver's health report obtained from authorized health institutions, provide a biometric photo taken within the last 6 months, and inform their registered address in the Central Population Administration System (MERNIS).