Driving Licences in Malta: Visitors, Residents and Exchanges

You need a valid driving licence covering the correct vehicle category to drive in Malta. The rules differ according to where the licence was issued and whether you are visiting or normally resident.

This guide summarises Transport Malta's current information. A rental company can impose stricter age, licence-history or document requirements in its own contract.

EU and EEA driving licences

Transport Malta states that holders of a valid driving licence issued by another EU Member State can drive in Malta without an additional permit.

If you become normally resident, you may choose to exchange an eligible licence for a Maltese one. Transport Malta requires evidence that the applicant has lived in Malta for at least 185 days during the preceding 12 months before an exchange can take place. Read Driving Licence before relying on the summary here.

EEA licences from Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are included in the current exchange guidance.

UK driving licences

Malta and the United Kingdom have an exchange arrangement covering valid licences, with Transport Malta's current memorandum also referring to Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

An exchange is not automatic. Applicants must satisfy the residence requirement and submit the form and documents listed by Transport Malta.

Other non-EU licences

Transport Malta states that a person holding a licence issued outside Malta and the EU may drive in Malta for no more than 12 months from the date of their last entry into Malta.

This is a general national rule, but it does not guarantee that a rental company will accept every licence. Before booking, ask whether you need:

• The original physical licence
• A passport or residence document
• An official translation
• An International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Read Malta–United Kingdom Driving Licence Exchange Memorandum before relying on the summary here.
• Evidence that you have held the licence for a minimum period

An International Driving Permit is a supporting document, not a replacement for the original licence.

Which foreign licences can be exchanged?

Transport Malta's current exchange page lists:

• EU and EEA Member States
• Switzerland
• Australia
• United Arab Emirates, subject to the stated nationality conditions
• United Kingdom and the territories covered by the exchange arrangement

The correct application form and medical-document requirements depend on the issuing country. Do not use a form copied from an unofficial website; download the current version from Transport Malta.

Documents for an exchange

The official requirements vary, but commonly include:

• The relevant exchange application form
• A passport photograph
• Maltese residence documentation
• Evidence of living in Malta for the required period
• The valid original foreign licence
• A medical certificate where required for the country or category

Transport Malta may ask for additional evidence or verification. Exchanging usually means surrendering the foreign licence, which is then returned to the issuing authority through official channels.

Vehicle categories matter

A car licence does not automatically cover every motorcycle, moped, light quadricycle or other vehicle. Check the category printed on the licence against the exact rental vehicle.

Our scooter, motorcycle and quad-bike rental guide explains why the operator must confirm the required category before handover.

New drivers in Malta

People obtaining their first Maltese licence must follow the learner-permit, theory-test and practical-test process. Transport Malta lists minimum ages by category and issues successful new drivers with a three-year probationary licence.

That process is different from exchanging an eligible foreign licence.

Before driving or renting

1. Check that the licence is valid and not expired.
2. Confirm that its category covers the vehicle.
3. Ask the rental company to approve the licence before payment.
4. Carry the original licence and required identification. Read Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence before relying on the summary here.
5. If resident, check whether an exchange is available or necessary for your circumstances.

Once your documents are in order, read our driving in Malta guide and renting a car in Malta guide.

Browse all our Transport guides.