Extension of driving and professional licences
The European Parliament has approved the extension of the validity of driving licences or professional licences that have expired or will expire between 1 September 2020 and 30 June 2021 (Omnibus II). The validity is extended by 10 months and will be valid throughout the European Union. Citizens can use the regulation from 6 March 2021.
The approval of the extension is the European Union’s response to the current pandemic situation where not all citizens have had and have the opportunity to exchange their cards. The extension concerns driving licences, professional driver licences, harmonised code 95 (professional competence) and the deadline for the completion of regular training for holders of professional certificates (the last 3 for professional drivers) by an additional 10 months. Omnibus II follows on from last year’s Omnibus I, which covered the period from 1 February to 31 August 2020.
In 2020, the Ministry of Transport issued a methodological opinion according to which licences forfeited between 1 September 2020 and 31 March 2021 are considered valid for a further 6 months. For example, if a driver’s licence lapsed on 10 November 2020, it is valid until 10 May 2021. However, this opinion can be applied on the territory of the Czech Republic. The new Omnibus II Regulation is effective in all countries of the European Union and driving licences will therefore be regarded as valid in all countries.
However, you can still exchange your driving licence; the website of the Ministry of Transport contains a list of municipalities with extended competence where you can exchange your licence. We recommend using the online booking systems of the individual offices.