Sweden Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Sweden
The Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency) handles licence renewals in Sweden. Your licence lasts 10 years. Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- Online — renew through the official online portal.
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Apply online — Log in to the Transportstyrelsen website using BankID and submit a renewal application. You confirm your personal details on screen. You also choose home delivery for the new card.
- Pay the fee — Pay 280 SEK via the online portal. You can pay with a Swedish bank card or Swish. You get a receipt by email right away.
- Take a new photo — After your application is approved, visit a Fotomaten photo booth and scan the code you received. Your photo is sent digitally to Transportstyrelsen. You have 30 days to take the photo after approval. You can find your nearest booth on the Fotomaten website.
- Receive your new licence — Your new licence card arrives by post within 2–4 weeks. You can track the status on the Transportstyrelsen site. You must sign for the delivery at your door.
Sweden Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | 280 SEK (~€25). |
| Currency. | SEK. |
| Validity period. | 10 years. |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Sweden.
- Swedish personal identity number (personnummer).
- Valid Swedish ID or passport.
- Passport-quality photograph (for in-person applications).
- BankID (for online applications).
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
For online renewal, a new photo is taken at a Fotomaten photo booth after your application is approved. For in-person, you visit a Transportstyrelsen service point. You receive a code by text after you apply online. You scan that code at the Fotomaten booth to link your photo.
Medical Rules
Not required for standard renewal. Required for professional categories (C/D) every 5 years and for drivers with certain medical conditions. Sweden does not have an age-based mandatory medical like some other EU countries. You can check your medical status on the Transportstyrelsen site. You must report certain health changes yourself.
If Your Sweden Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence can result in a fine of 3,000 SEK (~€270). If expired for more than 3 years, you may need to retake the driving test. You still hold your driving right even if the card expires. You just need a valid card to prove it on the road.
No formal grace period. You can renew starting several months before expiry. After expiry, you can renew normally for up to 3 years. You should start your renewal at least 3 months early. You keep your licence categories when you renew on time.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Sweden. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Sweden
EU/EEA licences are recognised and valid. Non-EU licences are valid for 1 year after becoming a Swedish resident. Some countries have exchange agreements; others require the Swedish theory and practical tests. You must register as a resident before you apply to exchange. You can check your country on the Transportstyrelsen list.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Sweden Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Not having BankID
Online renewal requires BankID. If you do not have it set up, you must apply in person or get BankID first from your bank. You can set up BankID in your banking app in a few minutes.
Taking a photo before applying
In Sweden, you apply first and then take your photo at a Fotomaten booth using a code from Transportstyrelsen. Regular passport photos are not accepted for online renewals. You must wait for the approval code before visiting the booth.
Waiting more than 3 years after expiry
If your licence has been expired for more than 3 years, you may need to retake the driving test. You save time and money by renewing before the 3-year limit passes.
What Makes Sweden Different
Sweden uses BankID for online licence renewals, the same digital ID system used for banking and government services.
Photos are taken at special Fotomaten booths after application approval, not before — this is unique to Sweden.
Sweden does not have an age-based mandatory medical requirement for car drivers, unlike many EU countries.
The Swedish driving test is considered one of the hardest in Europe, with a focus on winter driving conditions.
You must hold a Swedish personal number to renew online in Sweden.
You can start the renewal process up to 12 months before your licence expires.
Sweden issues all new licences in the EU card format with a chip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Sweden is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.