In Russia, a driver's license must be replaced every ten years. In 2026, the rules for renewing licenses are particularly important due to the cancellation of the automatic renewal that was in effect from 2022.
If the license expired on December 31, 2025, it was automatically extended until the end of December 2028. However, this measure no longer applies to licenses expiring on January 1, 2026, or later — in these cases, a standard replacement is required.
When You Need to Replace Your Driver's License
The main reason remains the expiration of the 10-year validity period. From the beginning of 2026, each driver is obliged to independently monitor the validity of the document and submit an application for replacement in a timely manner.
After the cancellation of automatic renewal, 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 before 2025.
If the license expires after 2025, automatic renewal does not apply — the replacement is carried out according to the general rule after 10 years from the date of issue. Old-format licenses, which were previously considered indefinite, are also subject to mandatory replacement.
Other Reasons for Replacement
A driver's license must be replaced when changing the last name, first name, or patronymic. After receiving a new passport, the old license is considered invalid. The law allows 10 days for re-registration.
The loss or damage of the document is also a reason for replacement: cracks, chips, unreadable data, or a faulty electronic chip. In such cases, a duplicate is issued with the same expiration date.
An international driver's license is canceled along with the national one and reissued after obtaining a new Russian license.
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 is allowed for medical reasons. This requires a medical certificate form No. 003-В/у, confirming the possibility of safe driving.
Deadlines and Responsibility
It is recommended to start the replacement procedure 2–3 months before the expiration date of the license. Driving a car with an expired license is qualified under Article 12.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and entails a fine of 5 to 15 thousand rubles, as well as possible evacuation of the car.
There is no separate fine for late replacement — liability occurs only when actually driving. If the driver was driving someone else's car, a fine of 30 thousand rubles is also threatened to the car owner.
Documents and How to Apply
To replace a license, you will need an application, passport, old license (if preserved), medical certificate form No. 003-В/у, and proof of payment of the state fee. When changing the last name, it is necessary to provide a supporting document.
You can submit an application in three ways: through the "Gosuslugi" portal, at the traffic police department, or at the MFC. The fastest and most profitable option remains electronic submission through "Gosuslugi".
State Fee
From September 1, 2025, the following tariffs are in effect, which are also relevant in 2026:
- 4 thousand rubles — for standard plastic rights;
- 6 thousand rubles — for a certificate with an electronic chip.
When paying through "Gosuslugi", a 30% discount is provided, and the amount to be paid is 1400 rubles. It is recommended to save the receipt and print it if necessary.
With a normal replacement on time, re- сдавать exams are not required. You cannot drive a car during the period of manufacture of new rights. Currently, Russia issues plastic certificates of the 2020 model; the Ministry of Internal Affairs plans to introduce chipped rights in the future.