Croatia phases out old paper driver's licenses, new EU-standard cards due by 2033

Croatia is moving away from old paper driver's licenses, with all drivers required to replace their existing documents with new, standardized card-based licenses by January 19, 2033. This transition is part of a broader European Union initiative to create a unified, more secure, and easily verifiable format for driving permits across all member states.

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There are 200 different security elements within this card. Some are visible to citizens, and others can only be read with forensic tools.

While drivers do not need to rush for immediate replacement, the deadline for the old paper licenses is firm. The new licenses are designed as multi-layered plastic cards incorporating numerous security features, a significant upgrade from the older paper documents where photos could degrade or no longer match the driver's appearance. "There are 200 different security elements within this card. Some are visible to citizens, and others can only be read with forensic tools," explained Blaž Sviličić, director of the Production Sector at the Agency for Commercial Activities, to Dnevnik Nove TV.

The security enhancements go beyond the material. The photograph is now integrated into the card, making it much harder to alter or forge. Machine-readable data allows for quick verification of information in other EU member states. Sviličić elaborated, "One of the fundamental differences is that on old licenses, the photo was glued on, while on all newer ones, it is integrated into the document itself. Additionally, the new card-style license has an electronic data carrier containing all the information on the card, making it machine-readable in multiple ways, including a special machine-readable zone."

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One of the fundamental differences is that on old licenses, the photo was glued on, while on all newer ones, it is integrated into the document itself. Additionally, the new card-style license has an electronic data carrier containing all the information on the card, making it machine-readable in multiple ways, including a special machine-readable zone.

This modernization of driver's licenses is a key component of a wider European reform aimed at improving road safety. "The goal of these measures is to modernize the framework for driver's licenses and improve road safety. It is estimated that around 20,000 people are injured on EU roads annually, and last year this number was 19,400," stated Sinan Alispahić from the Croatian Automobile Club. Applications for the new license can be submitted at police stations, with electronic applications available via the e-Građani system for standard procedures. The regular process costs 20.04 euros, with an additional charge for home delivery.

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The goal of these measures is to modernize the framework for driver's licenses and improve road safety. It is estimated that around 20,000 people are injured on EU roads annually, and last year this number was 19,400.