Driving Your Car in Russia

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

Under Russian law (Russian Government Order #1396 of 12/15/1999), U.S. citizens bearing Russian visas may use a valid U.S. driver’s license to drive a car in Russia provided that a certified Russian translation of it is available. Holders of Russian permanent or temporary residence permits may continue using their U.S. driver’s license for the first 60 days after arrival or after issuance of the permit in cases it was issued overseas. Usage International Driver’s License that may be obtained in the United States through the AAA is also allowed.

Replacing/replacing U.S. Drivers Licenses

In the United States, drivers’ licenses are issued by State governments through their Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  The Embassy has no authority to issue, amend or extend any U.S. drivers’ licenses.  This can only be done by the DMV.

Obtaining a Russian Drivers License

U.S. citizens may apply for a Russian driver’s license at the GIBDD office located at 15 Delovaya St., Moscow, tel. 8-499-218-1124/25. Applications for a Russian driver’s license in other parts of Russia must be initiated at the local GIBDD office (Russian acronym MREO) nearest one’s place of residence. The Embassy is unable to assist you in this procedure. Applicable information, incl. appropriate addresses and traffic violations info, is available on the official web site of the Russian Road Police http://www.gibdd.ru/.