Overview
- Holders of card-format licences issued from 1999 to 2001 must obtain the new EU card by 19 January 2026, with seniors born before 1953 allowed until 2033.
- The swap is handled at local licensing offices with ID, a biometric photo and the current licence, costs about €25–€30, and involves no test or health check.
- Missing the deadline does not void driving rights, but police can issue a warning with a €10 fine, penalties may be higher abroad, and some rental firms reject outdated cards.
- Vehicle rules tighten this year: newly developed models need Next-Generation eCall from 1 January 2026, no new registrations allowed without it from January 2027, and specified assist systems become mandatory from 7 July 2026.
- From December 2026 broader product-liability rules will make manufacturers liable for software and AI defects in vehicles, with courts able to compel disclosure of internal data.