Converting a Foreign Driver's Licence to an Israeli Driver's Licence

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   In brief

   The Ministry of Transport allows you to convert your foreign driver's licence to an Israeli driver's licence.

   • You can drive in Israel on your foreign licence for 1 year from the date you entered the country.
2. 2

   Who is this relevant for?

   This process is open to Olim, Returning Residents, tourists, and temporary residents (including diplomats), provided all of the following conditions are met:

   1. The conversion takes place during the first 5 years of your stay in Israel.
   2. You have at least 5 years of seniority on your foreign driving licence by the date of your Aliyah. You cannot accrue this seniority after entering Israel — for example, if you arrived with 4 years of licence seniority, you cannot wait a year and then apply; the 5 years must be in place on your Aliyah date.
      • An Oleh with fewer than 5 years of seniority is required to pass a practical driving test. If they have fewer than 2 years of seniority, they will be considered a "new driver".
      • For a Returning Resident, only a permanent foreign licence issued at least 6 months before entering Israel will be converted.
3. 3

   Steps of the process

   Important — Health Declaration: To begin the process, complete the Health Declaration (hatsharat briut). It is valid for 3 years. You may also be required to attach certain medical documents.

   Providing false information may result in refusal of licence approval, suspension, or reinstatement of your licence. If your application is denied, you may appeal by booking a new appointment and submitting a new declaration with updated medical documents.

   Submit the Health Declaration

   • You must pass the eyesight test (bdikat einayim). After successfully completing the Health Declaration, you will receive an SMS with a copy of the form and permission to proceed to the next step — vision testing and photo capture. This can be done at any certified optical store.
   • The conversion is done by appearing in person at the Licensing Office (Misrad HaRishui) branch where you booked your appointment.
   • Bring all required documents, according to your status as detailed below.
   • Pay the fee for the process.
   • You may be required to pass a practical driving test.
4. 4

   Fee payment

   You can pay the fee in one of the following ways:

   • Online via the government payment service.
   • At Rishumat (רישיומט) self-service kiosks.
   • At Israel Post branches.
   • Via the phone centre at *5678.
5. 5

   Booking an appointment and required documents

   • The conversion is done by appearing in person at Licensing Office branches.
   • All licence categories can be converted at the following branches: Holon, Haifa Bay (Mifratz Haifa), Tiberias, Afula, Netanya, Hadera, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Jerusalem Beit Clal branch, Jerusalem Talpiot branch.
   • The following branches can only process conversions to category B (private car): Rehovot, Petah Tikva, and Ramat Gan.
   • Book your appointment in advance via the GoVisit appointment booking site and arrive in person at the Licensing Office.
   • Bring the required documents according to your status:

   Olim:

   • Original Teudat Oleh.
   • Original valid driving licence from your country of origin.
   • A translation of the licence if it is not in English, with notarisation of the translation.

   Returning Residents (Toshav Chozer):

   • Signed Toshav Chozer certificate or an entry/exit record from Israel.
   • Valid driving licence.
   • A translation of the licence if it is not in English, with notarisation of the translation.

   Tourists or temporary residents:

   • Original passport with a valid entry visa (for at least 3 months).
   • Original valid driving licence from your country of origin.
   • Original entry/exit record from Israel.
   • A translation of the licence if it is not in English, with notarisation of the translation.
6. 6

   Practical driving test

   You are exempt from the practical driving test if you meet both of the following conditions:

   1. You have held a permanent foreign driving licence for at least 5 years.
   2. You are requesting conversion to licence type 1, A, A1, A2, or B.

   In any other case, you will need to pass a practical driving test.

   • You have the option to sit the practical test up to 2 times for the requested vehicle type.
   • If you fail the practical test twice, you must pass a theoretical driving test (theory) and then pass an additional practical test, like any other licence applicant (though you are exempt from the minimum lesson requirement).
7. 7

   Good to know

   • The Licensing Authority may exempt an applicant from the practical test if they are a representative of a recognised international organisation or a foreign expert worker.
   • Olim and Returning Residents are entitled to import a personal vehicle without tax within the first 9 months of their stay in Israel.
   • The theoretical driving test can be taken in Hebrew, Russian, English, French, Spanish, and Arabic.
   • Olim returning to Israel after a trip abroad can use the fast driving-licence delivery service at Ben Gurion Airport — you can collect a newly issued Israeli driving licence on arrival.
8. 8

   Helping organisations

   Government helplines:

   • Licensing Office (Misrad HaRishui): *4515
   • Central Government Response Centre: 1299
   • Shayl (advisory service for citizens): 118