5.1. Exchanging a foreign driving license
It is only possible to drive temporarily in Switzerland with a non-Swiss driving license. All foreigners are mandated to exchange their non-Swiss driving license for a Swiss license within one year of living in Switzerland. To do this, individuals are required to personally present the necessary forms to the relevant Road Traffic Office. These usually include the following:
- Application form. This can be downloaded on the website of the responsible Road Traffic Office.
- Original copy of a valid driving license.
- Residence permit.
- A colour passport photo.
- Certificate from an ophthalmologist (confirmation in application form). Cost: approximately CHF 20.
- For the driving license classes C1, C, D, D1 or BPT and for class 3, you also require a medical certificate.
