The Public Services Agency held a press event today, during which it officially presented the new model of the Republic of Moldova driving licence. The implementation of this modern document is part of the Government’s strategy to modernize public services and represents an extremely important step in the European integration of our country.
Mircea Eșanu, Director of the Public Services Agency: “The introduction of the new driving licence model is a direct result of our ongoing efforts to modernize public services. This initiative was fundamentally driven by the need to align the legal and technological framework of the Republic of Moldova with the provisions of European Union legislation. The transposition of the European Directives regulating this area (European Directive 2006/16 EC and European Union Directive (EU) 2025/2205) ensures that the documents issued to our citizens comply with the highest safety and interoperability standards in the European community.”
The new driving licence model will be put into circulation by the end of May 2026.
What is new about the 2026 driving licence model?
The new card-type document features an updated design and an increased level of protection against counterfeiting. While the first driving licence issued had 4 security features, the new model has as many as 40 advanced security features.
1. The main innovation is the introduction of a QR code on the back of the driving licence, designed for instant electronic verification of authenticity.
By scanning the QR code and using the Government Data Verification Portal (verifica.gov.md, developed by the Electronic Governance Agency), authorities and authorized persons will be able to access the following information in real time:
Information about the holder: first name, last name, IDNP, date of birth and digital photograph;
Information about the driving licence: document number, date of issue, expiry date and current status (valid/invalid);
Details about categories: categories held, date of obtaining and expiry, as well as medical or general restrictions applicable to the right to drive.
2. Expansion of the field containing information on possible medical restrictions applicable to drivers.
What will happen to current driving licences?
The PSA emphasizes that citizens are not required to replace their current driving licences if they are still valid. All documents currently in circulation remain valid until the expiry date indicated on them.
Validity periods for the new model
10 years – for holders up to 70 years of age;
5 years – for holders over 70 years of age.
Tariffs
The new tariffs will not differ significantly from the current tariffs. They will enter into force upon approval of the amendments to Government Decision No. 966/2020. For example, issuing a new driving licence within 20 working days will cost 440 lei (currently, issuing a driving licence within 20 working days costs 420 lei).
The project on the basis of which the new driving licence was put into circulation was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
