Austria to Replace 3.6 Million Paper Licenses

Austria requires 3.6 million paper driver's licenses to be exchanged for credit card formats by 2033, following a 2006 EU directive.

Austria is set to phase out approximately 3.6 million paper driver's licenses, requiring an exchange for credit card format versions by the beginning of 2033. This mandate follows a 2006 European Union decision and applies to all licenses issued before January 19, 2013. The current cost for the exchange is 73 euros. Despite the deadline, the Austrian Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) has not established a phased plan, stating such a move would shorten the 20-year validity period provided by the EU. The lack of a central registry means the exact number of valid paper licenses remains unknown. While the ÖAMTC has criticized the current approach, the BMIMI announced it will provide comprehensive information to the public in a timely manner.