Driving licences "without exams": how to spot the scam
Nobody can sell you a real driving licence. Here's how the scams work, and the legitimate ways to get a licence without retaking tests.
The short answer
Driving licences are only issued by the authority, after you meet its requirements. Anyone selling a licence "without exams", a "registered" licence or a licence "in the database" for a fee is running a scam.
The legitimate route without retaking tests
If your licence comes from a country on your new country's exchange list, you may be able to exchange it without tests. That is an official process: you apply to the authority, pay the official fee to the authority, and the authority decides. Our country guides link to each official list.
Warning signs
- Payment for the licence itself, rather than for help with an official application
- Promises of a licence without any appointment at the authority
- Contact only through messaging apps, with no company details
- Claims to be "official", "approved" or "registered"
What to do
Do not pay, and do not send copies of your documents. Report the offer to the police in the country where you live.
Need help with your own case?
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Independent help with the official process. You can also apply to the authority yourself; its fees are paid to it, separately from ours. How we work
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