In Russia, a driver's license must be replaced every ten years. In 2026, the rules for renewing licenses take on special importance due to the cancellation of the automatic extension that had been in effect since 2022.
If a license was set to expire on December 31, 2025, it was automatically extended until the end of December 2028. However, this measure no longer applies to licenses with an expiration date of January 1, 2026, or later — in such cases, a standard replacement is required.
When a driver's license must be replaced
The main reason remains the expiration of the 10-year validity period. From the beginning of 2026, every driver is required to independently monitor the validity of the document and submit a replacement application on time.
After the cancellation of automatic extension, transitional periods have been established:
- in 2026, licenses that expired before 2023 are replaced;
- in 2027 — those that expired in 2024;
- in 2028 — those expiring by 2025.
If the license expires after 2025, automatic extension does not apply — replacement is carried out under the general rule after 10 years from the date of issue. Old-format licenses that were previously considered indefinite are also subject to mandatory replacement.
Other grounds for replacement
A driver's license must be replaced when the surname, first name, or patronymic changes. After receiving a new passport, the previous license is considered invalid. The law allows 10 days for its reissuance.
Grounds for replacement also include loss or damage to the document: cracks, chips, unreadable data, or a faulty electronic chip. In such cases, a duplicate is issued with the same validity period.
An international driving permit is canceled together with the national one and is reissued after receiving new Russian licenses.
New categories and medical indications
Opening a new category usually requires passing exams and providing documents. In some cases, a simplified procedure applies, for example for category BE. For categories A and D, exams are mandatory, and age restrictions are also taken into account.
In 2026, replacement of a license on medical grounds is allowed. For this, a medical certificate in form No. 003-V/u is required, confirming the ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Deadlines and liability
It is recommended to begin the replacement procedure 2–3 months before the license expires. Driving a car with an expired license is classified under Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and entails a fine of 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, as well as possible vehicle impoundment.
There is no separate fine for untimely replacement — liability arises only in the case of actual driving. If the driver was operating someone else's car, the owner of the vehicle also faces a fine of 30,000 rubles.
Documents and ways to submit an application
To replace a license, you will need an application, passport, old license (if retained), medical certificate form No. 003-V/u, and proof of payment of the state fee. If the surname has changed, a supporting document must be provided.
An application can be submitted in three ways: through the Gosuslugi portal, at a State Traffic Safety Inspectorate division, or at an MFC. The fastest and most cost-effective option remains electronic submission through Gosuslugi.
State fee
From September 1, 2025, the following rates apply, and they remain relevant in 2026:
- 4,000 rubles — for a standard plastic license;
- 6,000 rubles — for a license with an electronic chip.
When paying through Gosuslugi, a 30% discount is provided, and the amount payable is 1,400 rubles. It is recommended to keep the receipt and print it if necessary.
In the case of a regular replacement due to expiration, retaking exams is not required. Driving a car during the period in which the new license is being produced is not allowed. At present, Russia issues plastic licenses of the 2020 model; the Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to introduce chipped licenses in the future.