Driving in Georgia: Licences & Car Registration for Foreigners

Georgia is straightforward for foreign drivers in the short term, but there are clear rules once you settle, register a car or stay beyond a year.

Driving on a foreign licence

A foreigner may drive in Georgia on a valid foreign driving licence for up to one year after their last entry into the country — or until the licence’s own expiry date, if that comes first. This one-year window runs from your last border crossing, much like the visa-free one-year stay. If your licence is not issued in Georgian or English (or another readily readable script accepted in practice), it is advisable to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation, as this may be required by police or vehicle rental companies.

Exchanging for a Georgian licence

If you intend to drive in Georgia on a long-term basis, you may be able to exchange a valid foreign driving licence for a Georgian one without taking the standard driving test, provided the statutory requirements are met. As part of the exchange procedure, the foreign driving licence is generally surrendered to the Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The documents required for the exchange may vary depending on the country that issued the licence and the circumstances of the application.

To exchange a foreign driving licence, you must also satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements, including providing valid identification and evidence of your lawful stay in Georgia.

Bringing a car with foreign plates

You can drive a foreign-registered car in Georgia for 90 days from the moment you cross the border. After that, you must either take the vehicle out of the country or put it through a customs procedure with the Revenue Service — either full import (customs clearance), which involves import duties and excise depending on the vehicle, or temporary admission. Plan this before the expiry of the 90-day period to avoid penalties.

Compulsory MTPL insurance for foreign vehicles

All foreign-registered vehicles entering Georgia must carry compulsory third-party liability (MTPL) insurance. It is quick to buy online, applies to cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses. Compliance may be checked at the border and by the competent authorities during the vehicle’s stay in Georgia. Keep proof of the policy with the vehicle.

Buying and registering a car in Georgia

If you buy a car locally, ownership and plates are handled through the Service Agency, which manages vehicle registration. Budget for registration steps and any transfer formalities, and confirm the car’s history and that it is free of encumbrances and verify that all registration documents are in order before paying.

Selling or leaving Georgia

If you later leave Georgia permanently, remember that any vehicle registered in your name remains your legal responsibility until ownership is formally transferred or the vehicle is deregistered.

Driving an electric car

If you drive an EV, Georgia has a growing charging network covering the major cities and highways. See our interactive map of EV charging stations in Georgia for locations, connectors and a practical guide to networks and apps.

A note on changing rules

Customs treatment of imported vehicles and insurance requirements can change. Confirm the current licence-exchange procedure, import duties and insurance rules with the Service Agency and the Revenue Service before relying on them.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Georgia on my foreign licence?

Yes. A foreigner may drive on a valid foreign driving licence for up to one year after their last entry into Georgia (or until the licence expires, if sooner). An International Driving Permit alongside it is useful if your licence is not in Georgian or English.

Can I exchange my foreign licence for a Georgian one?

Yes. You can swap a valid foreign driving licence for a Georgian licence at the Service Agency without taking the local driving test; the foreign licence is surrendered to the Agency in the process.

How long can I drive a car with foreign plates?

You can use a foreign-registered car in Georgia for 90 days from crossing the border. After that you must either take it out of the country or complete a customs procedure — full import (clearance) or temporary admission.

Do foreign cars need insurance in Georgia?

Yes. Compulsory third-party liability (MTPL) insurance is required for all foreign-registered vehicles entering Georgia. It can be bought online quickly and covers cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses.

Do I need insurance for a Georgian-registered car?

The compulsory MTPL regime targets foreign-plated vehicles. For locally registered cars, check the current rules and consider voluntary motor insurance; confirm requirements before driving.