Source: European Parliament
The protection of central databases in key sectors, including those managed by public administration entities, are subject to the rules established by the NIS2 Directive[1], which provide adequate horizontal safeguards against cyber-attacks , including in relation to driving licences, making it unnecessary for the directive to contain further provisions on the matter .
While mobile driving licences are to become the default format, applicants and holders retain the right to have their licence issued in both or either format.
Mobile driving licences will be available via the European Digital Identity Wallets which should be rolled out in all Member States by the end of 2026.
Should a citizen not possess the necessary technology for using the Wallet or does not wish to use it, they may (continue to) use a physical driving licence.
Driving licences issued by Member States and by third countries are not comparable as regards the criteria for their exchange. Citizens holding licences issued by Member States may exchange or continue to use their valid driving licences when moving residence in the EU without additional obligations.
Holders of driving licences issued by third countries do not have the same rights and may face administrative obligations, in particular when changing residence between Member States.
Once adopted, the new driving licence Directive intends to harmonise such obligations, for selected third countries, to facilitate the free movement of their licence holders.
- [1] Directive (EU) 2022/2555 — OJ L 333, 27.12.2022, p. 80.