Conversion of a Foreign Driver's License

Hamarat Rishyon Nehiga

המרת רישיון נהיגה

This guide is designed for Olim Chadashim - עולים חדשים - New immigrants who have made Aliyah and received a Te’udat Oleh - תעודת עולה - New immigrant certificate and hold a valid foreign driver’s license for a private car, motorcycle or tractor. Heavy vehicles are treated differently.

Basic rules & timelines for new Olim

• A new immigrant may drive in Israel with a valid foreign license for one year from the date of entry into Israel, provided that they have reached the legal minimum age for that license category and that they drive only a vehicle type covered by their foreign license
• After this one-year period, you must obtain an Israeli license to continue driving legally in Israel
• For most Olim this means you should plan to complete the conversion within your first year in Israel, even though your formal conversion window is longer (see next item)
• You may convert your foreign driver’s license within 5 years from your Aliyah date
• You can convert your license only if it was issued before you became an Oleh, and before your entrance to Israel.

The “no-test” conversion track (no theory exam or road test) is available to Olim who meet the following conditions:

• You are an Oleh Chadash
• Your foreign driver’s license was issued before you became an Oleh, and before your entry into Israel, and has been valid for at least 5 years in the country of origin before the date you received Oleh status.
• You apply within 5 years from the date you received Oleh status.
• Your license is for a Private vehicle (category B), Motorcycle, or Tractor (heavy vehicles and public transportation licenses require extra courses/exams)

If you meet these criteria, when you present your documents at the Misrad HaRishui – משרד הרישוי – Licensing Bureau, you will receive a temporary Israeli license on the spot, followed by a full license sent by mail after payment.

Be advised that you may receive a text message indicating that you need to register for a theory exam. If you meet the above criteria and are exempt, you can ignore the text.

When is a Driving/Road Test Required?

• If your foreign license was issued less than 5 years before becoming an Oleh, you must take a road test (practical test) to complete the conversion
• If your foreign license was not valid for 2 full years before becoming an Oleh, you must contact the Misrad HaRishui to check your eligibility and requirements (they may require more extensive testing or regular licensing track).

Documents you will need

For a license conversion you must present the following original documents:

• Te’udat Oleh
• Valid foreign driver’s license, meeting the conditions above (issued before Aliyah/entry, valid for sufficient time) with notarized translation if required
• Te’udat Zehut – תעודת זהות – Israeli ID
• For non-English language licenses a translation and notarization by a lawyer who speaks the language of the license
• Completed online driver’s license application
• Eye test and digital photo from an authorized photo station. Remember to bring your glasses or wear your contact lenses if relevant

Please note that after taking your eye test the system oftens automatically sends you a text message informing you that you can now schedule your driving test. You can ignore it if you are just converting your license and have no external reason to actually take one.

Summarized Step-by-step conversion process for new Olim

Step 1 – Fill the online driver’s license application (also known as a Tofes Yarok – טופס ירוק – Green Form)

Please note: The form shows up in Hebrew but you can change the language to English at the top of the page.

• Enter personal details and Teudat Zehut number
• Declare medical information (as required)
• Choose the relevant license category. Private cars are category B

Step 2 – Go to an authorized photo & eye-test station

• Have your photo taken (for the driver’s license system)
• Perform an eye test for driving – results are electronically stored in the system

As of the latest official guide, all centers are accessible to people with disabilities.

Step 3 – Book an appointment at the Misrad HaRishui

You must schedule an appointment online in advance to visit a Misrad HaRishui branch office. Scroll down to the “Conversion of Foreign Driver’s Licenses” section and select the relevant option.

You must appear in person at a Misrad HaRishui branch that provides conversion services.

Note: Not all branches and not on all days are license conversion services offered, so you must check which branches and opening hours apply on the Ministry’s website or via the Information Line

At the counter:
If you meet the no-test conversion conditions, you will receive a temporary driver’s license at the Misrad HaRishui
If a road test is required, you will receive instructions or referrals for the test

Step 4 – Pay the fee and receive your permanent license

• After the Licensing Bureau issues a temporary license, you must pay the fee for the driver’s license in order for it to be valid.
• Payment channels include:
  • Online Misrad Hatachbura – משרד התחבורה – Ministry of Transportation
  • Emdat Sherut (Rishiomat) – עמדת שרות – Self-service kiosks (selected branches)
  • Post Office or bank
    Ministry of Transport Information Line – *5678 (credit card).

After payment:
The permanent Israeli driver’s license is mailed to the address registered with the Misrad HaPnim – משרד הפנים – Population and Immigration Authority

Senior Olim Driver’s License Conversion Process

This guide outlines the additional requirements, restrictions, and steps for senior citizen Olim (ages 65–75+) converting a foreign driver’s license in Israel. Relevant links can be found above in the Summarized Step-by-step conversion process.

Standard Requirements

• Teudat Zehut (ID)
• Teudat Oleh / Proof of Aliyah
• Valid foreign driver’s license
• Proof of driving experience i.e. valid drivers license
• Passport (recommended)
• Completed conversion application form
• Digital photo + vision test at authorized optician

Additional Requirements for Ages 65+

• Possible physician referrals depending on medical answers

Mandatory Requirements for Ages 75+

• Doctor’s exam stating that the Oleh is “Fit to drive – כשיר לנהיגה”
• Optometrist/vision exam
• Shorter license validity (typically 2 years)

Conversion Notes

• Expedited conversion is still available if a foreign license has been held for 5 consecutive years prior to Aliyah.
• A driving test may be required based on medical findings or insufficient foreign driving history.

Renewal Rules

• Age 70–74: may receive shorter-term validity depending on medical profile.
• Age 75+: renewal requires doctor’s exam + vision test; usually every 2 years.

Important note

For drivers of all ages, please be advised that if you do have a medical issue, the Misrad HaRishui may want to evaluate whether any driving limitations are applicable to your license. In these cases additional documents will be requested for evaluation and the process is lengthy. If you have any questions please contact our Oleh support for clarification.