Driving License Conversion in Switzerland for Border Workers: Guide, Costs, Validity (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

The new Frontier Agreement provides for the possibility of converting the Italian driving licence in Switzerland for border workers. The conversion procedure is simple and fast, and border workers can continue to use their Italian driving licence during the G permit.

In detail

The conversion of the Italian driver's license in Switzerland for border guards is possible at the competent cantonal police in Switzerland. The cost of the procedure varies depending on the city and depends on the type of Italian license. For example, for a category B (car) licence, the cost is around CHF 80-100.

The validity of the new Swiss licence is 10 years. During the G permit, border workers can continue to use their Italian driving licence, but they must always carry their Swiss licence.

Border guards can find detailed information on the regulations and conversion procedures at the competent cantonal police in Switzerland. For example, in the city of Lugano, border workers can find information at the cantonal police of Lugarmaggiore, in via Carlo Alberto, 2.

Once the new G permit and the new Swiss licence have been received, border workers can use the new licence throughout Switzerland. In addition, border workers can only use their Italian driving licence in an emergency or for work reasons.

In summary, the conversion of the Italian driver's license in Switzerland

Operational details

The procedure for converting the Italian driver's license in Switzerland for border workers is simple and fast, usually carried out at the Civil Registry Office in Lugano. Border workers can continue to use their Italian driving licence during the G permit, which is valid for 1 year. This means that if a frontier worker has a G permit for one year, they will be able to use their Italian licence to drive in Switzerland throughout that period.

Key facts

• Connection: border guards
• When: from 1 January 2024
• Where: Civil Registry Office of Lugano
• What: Conversion of Italian driver's license to Switzerland
• Who: frontier workers
• Amount: free

To carry out the conversion, the border worker must present the G permit, passport and photocopy of the Italian driving license at the Civil Registry Office in Lugano. Subsequently, the border worker will receive a new Swiss driving licence valid for 10 years and will be able to use the new licence in Switzerland.

The operation is free and does not take long, usually ending within 5-10 working days of the appointment with the Civil Registry Office. During this time, the frontier worker will be able to continue to use his Italian licence to drive in Switzerland.

Concrete examples with real numbers

According to Ticino sources, more than 1000 Italian driving licences for border workers have been converted in Switzerland in the last 6 months.

Rules with dates and

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Key points

Title: Conversion of Driving Licence in Switzerland for Frontier Workers: Practical Guide, Costs, Validity

Conversion Procedure

To convert the Italian driver's license in Switzerland, border workers must submit the conversion request to the Civil Registry Office in Lugano. The conversion process is free and fast. Border workers can continue to use their Italian driving licence during the G permit. The validity of the Italian driving license during the G permit is 1 year.

Costs: The conversion fee is free.

License Validity

The Swiss driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. The validity of the Italian driving license during the G permit (6 months) is 1 year.

Concrete Examples: For example, a border worker with an Italian driving license expired on 31/12/2021 may submit the conversion request at the end of 2021. Your Swiss driving licence will be issued at the end of 2022, valid until 31/12/2032.

How to do it?

1. Submit the Request: Submit the conversion request to the Civil Registry Office of Lugano, equipped with:

• Italian driving licence.
• Signal of passage to Switzerland (Form D).
• All possible medical or transatlantic certifications.

2. Paying the Tax: Paying the conversion tax (free).

3. Receive your Driving License: You will receive your Swiss Driving License in 15-20 business days.

Checklist

First day as a cross-border worker? Our practical guide walks you from cantonal registration to your first paycheck.