Croatian paper driving licences are becoming history – what drivers need to know

(Photo: ADK/MUP)

ZAGREB, 4 August 2026 – Croatia is completing the transition away from paper driving licences as the country adopts the standardised European Union driving licence card, designed to improve security, reduce fraud and make licences easier to recognise across all EU member states.

The old paper licences, many of which are now more than two decades old, are increasingly difficult to read and often in poor condition. Their replacement is also required under current legislation.

Blaž Sviličić, Director of Production at Croatia’s Agency for Commercial Activity (AKD), told Dnevnik.hr that the new card incorporates around 200 security features, making it significantly more difficult to forge.

Some of these features are visible to the holder, while others can only be verified using specialised forensic equipment. The new licence is also fully interoperable across all EU countries.

One of the biggest differences from the old paper version is that the photograph is no longer attached to the document but integrated directly into the card. The licence also contains an electronic data carrier with all the information printed on the card, making it machine-readable through multiple technologies, including a dedicated machine-readable zone.

The introduction of the common EU licence is part of wider efforts to modernise the licensing system and improve road safety across Europe.

According to Sinan Alispahić of the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK), around 19,400 people lost their lives on EU roads last year, highlighting the importance of measures aimed at creating safer roads and more secure identification documents.

Drivers can apply for the new licence either at a police administration office or online through Croatia’s e-Građani system.

The fee is €20 under the standard procedure (up to 30 working days), €26 for the accelerated three-day service, and €59.73 for urgent one-day processing. Home delivery costs €24.02.

Applicants with a valid electronic identity card do not need to provide a photograph, while only professional drivers are required to submit a medical certificate.