BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 4. The Ministry of
Transport and Communications of Kyrgyzstan has stated that it has
not received any official notifications from foreign authorities
refusing to recognize the country’s national driver’s license
issued under the 2025 format, Trend reports via the ministry.
The statement follows the implementation of a government
resolution aimed at legalizing the new-format licenses and
informing foreign states through diplomatic and consular
channels.
According to the ministry, information circulating about the
alleged non-recognition of Kyrgyz driver’s licenses abroad has no
official confirmation.
At the same time, the ministry provided clarifications for
Kyrgyz citizens planning to work as drivers in European Union
member states, noting that access to professional driving jobs is
regulated by EU law and national legislation of individual
countries.
Under EU directives, including Directive 2006/126/EC on driving
licenses and Directive 2003/59/EC on driver qualifications,
licenses issued by third countries, including Kyrgyzstan, are not
subject to a unified recognition regime across the bloc. Their use
or exchange is governed by national rules, which may require
passing theoretical and/or practical exams.
The ministry emphasized that requirements such as obtaining Code
95 relate specifically to professional driver qualifications rather
than recognition of national driving licenses.
Code 95 is mandatory for drivers engaged in commercial transport
of goods and passengers in categories including C and D, and
requires initial certification as well as periodic training every
five years.
In this regard, Kyrgyz authorities urged citizens to take into
account the legal requirements of host countries when planning
employment in EU member states.
