Automatic renewal of expired driver's licenses will end in 2026.

      October 22, 2025, 17:10 — Society

      From January 1, 2026, automatic renewal of driver's licenses in Russia will end. This measure, in effect since 2022, allowed drivers whose licenses expired between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025 to extend them for three years.

      For example, if a license expires on December 31, 2025, it remains valid until December 30, 2028. However, if the license expiration date is January 1, 2026 or later, automatic renewal no longer applies.

      Drivers who have already used the automatic renewal should pay attention to the expiration date shown on their license. For example, if a license expired on January 1, 2023, the renewal began on December 31, 2022 and is valid until December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026 such licenses lose their validity.

      According to auto expert Andrey Osipov, published on 360.ru, the replacement procedure should not cause difficulties. Drivers will only need to obtain a new medical certificate and contact the traffic police (GIBDD) to renew their license.

      Osipov emphasized that using the Gosuslugi portal will significantly simplify the process: you only need to make an appointment through the portal and submit the necessary documents. He also recommended that drivers take care of renewing their licenses in advance to avoid problems with driving.

      The expert noted that in some countries, such as Germany, driver's licenses are issued once for life and do not need to be renewed every 10 years. However, in Russia the situation is different, and drivers must regularly confirm their right to operate a vehicle.

      Recall that driving with an expired driver's license is prohibited. If stopped for a document check, an inspector may impose a fine of 5,000 to 15,000 rubles.

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