Loss of Swiss driving licence while holidaying abroad

The authority responsible for issuing a Swiss driving licence or a duplicate licence is the cantonal road traffic office in your Swiss place of residence.

If you lose your Swiss licence, you should contact your road traffic office directly, who will explain what you need to do to obtain a duplicate licence. Normally, the following documents are required:

  • an application form for a duplicate Swiss driving licence and loss/theft report for the original driving licence, completed in full and signed
  • a recent colour passport photo (35x45mm)
  • original official identity document of applicant

The time it takes to process the duplicate licence application may vary from one canton to another.

Should you find your lost licence, you must return it to the competent cantonal authority within 14 days (Federal Ordinance on the Licensing of Persons and Vehicles for Road Traffic Purposes, SR 741.51).

The Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA) website features a list of all cantonal driver and vehicle licensing agencies.

If you live abroad, please go to the section Loss of Swiss driving licence – residence abroad and follow the instructions of the local road traffic agencies.

Loss of Swiss driving licence – residence abroad

Ordinance on the Licensing of Persons and Vehicles for Road Traffic Purposes (SR 741.51) (de, fr, it)

Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA) (de, fr, it)