Convert a foreign driver’s licence in Israel
You can drive on your foreign licence for one year from the day you enter Israel. After that, you need an Israeli licence. If you held a full, valid licence without a break for the 5 years right before your aliyah, you can usually convert it without a driving test.
Based on the Nefesh B'Nefesh guide. Reviewed 27 Oct 2026.
The three dates that matter
Which route are you?
It depends on how long you held a full, valid licence right before your aliyah date. Learner and probationary licences do not count, and driving after your aliyah does not count.
5 years or more
No theory test and no driving test. You need proof of the issue date. If you failed the conversion test twice, you take a practical driving test.
Short driving test
A Mivchan Shlita, a short conversion driving test. No theory test.
Theory and driving test
The theory test and a Mivchan Shlita. New-driver rules apply.
The steps, for the 5-year route
Each step shows who does it when you work with us.
- 1
Apply online
We prepare itYou confirmThe online form replaced the paper "Tofes Yarok" (green form). We fill in your details, with your name in Hebrew. The last part is a medical declaration about your own health, so you answer it yourself. A code also comes by SMS to your phone. If you answer yes to any medical question, you need a letter from an Israeli doctor first.
- 2
Eye test and photo
You goAt an approved optician (Issta or Femi-Premium). Bring your Teudat Zehut and your glasses. It usually costs ₪50 to ₪80. The optician uploads the results.
- 3
Misrad HaRishui visit
We book itYou goAppointment only. You bring the documents below and get a temporary licence, valid for 6 months.
- 4
Pay the licence fee
You payThe temporary licence is not valid until you pay. Pay online, by phone at *5678, at a licensing machine or at the post office.
- 5
The card arrives by mail
We track itUp to 3 months, to the address on your Teudat Zehut. Update your address first if it changed.
What to bring to Misrad HaRishui
Bring the originals and a copy of each.
- Teudat Zehut
- Teudat Oleh or Teudat Zakaut
- Your valid foreign licence, plus a copy of the front and back
- Proof of 5 years of driving before your aliyah: the issue date on the licence, or a DMV driving record
- If you are 75 or older: a medical form signed by a doctor and an optometrist
Hebrew words you will hear
Search for these words and you'll find the right forms faster.
| Word | Meaning | Hebrew |
|---|---|---|
| Misrad HaRishui | The licensing office of the Ministry of Transport | משרד הרישוי |
| Tofes Yarok | "Green form", the old name for the licence application | טופס ירוק |
| Mivchan Shlita | Short conversion driving test | מבחן שליטה |
| Mivchan Teoria | Theory test | מבחן תיאוריה |
| Daraga | Licence class, for example B for a private car | דרגה |
| Teudat Oleh | Your immigrant certificate, which shows your aliyah date | תעודת עולה |
Where people get stuck
Questions
Can I drive in Israel on my US licence?
Yes, for one year from your last entry to Israel. After that, you need an Israeli licence.
Do I need driving lessons?
Not if you held a full licence for 5 years before your aliyah. With 2 to 5 years, you take a short conversion test. Under 2 years, you take the theory test as well.
How long does it take?
The office visit gives you a temporary licence the same day, once you pay. The permanent card can take up to 3 months by mail.
Can you go to Misrad HaRishui for me?
No. The eye test and the office visit need you in person. You also answer the medical part of the form yourself. We do everything else: we prepare the form, book the appointment, check your documents and follow up.
Hand us the licence paperwork.
Twenty minutes, free. We check your route, your documents and your deadline.
Olim Landed is a private, paid service. We are not the Ministry of Transport or Nefesh B'Nefesh. You can always do the conversion yourself.
Official sources: Ministry of Transport, foreign licence conversion (gov.il). Nefesh B'Nefesh, Converting your Foreign Driver's License.