Kaktus.media shares information on how to make the exchange and what to consider.
Background
In August 2025, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev announced the need to replace indefinite driver's licenses for citizens planning to travel abroad, as such documents are not recognized internationally. For those who do not intend to leave the country, there is no need to worry.However, in November 2025, new documents for Kyrgyz citizens were presented at a presentation in the Presidential Administration, and it became clear that everyone would need to replace their indefinite driver's licenses.
Who needs to replace their licenses?
All indefinite driver's licenses issued from 2009 to 2012, as well as those that have expired, need to be replaced.Total number of documents
The State Enterprise "Unaa" could not provide exact statistics, but it is known that the number of such licenses is quite large.Drivers' reactions
The information about the need to replace driver's licenses caused a storm of emotions. Nevertheless, until 2026, despite the increase in the number of exchanges, there was no significant rush at the State Enterprise "Unaa".Moreover, applications for exchange could be submitted through the online application "Tunduk".
Current situation
After the New Year holidays, many drivers began actively exchanging their licenses. For this, a medical certificate of form 083 was required, which could only be obtained at a clinic, and it was not possible to sign up for an appointment online.This led to long queues at medical institutions.
Everyone was upset - drivers, doctors experiencing a heavy workload, and ordinary patients who could not see a doctor.
On January 14, the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic announced that the medical certificate 083 is only required when obtaining a driver's license for the first time, and it is not needed for exchange.
Deadlines for license replacement
Currently, the deadline for replacement has not been established.On January 13, 2026, it was announced that free exchanges of indefinite licenses would be possible until February 15, 2026, after which a fee of 799 soms would be charged.
On January 19, the information about the extension of the free exchange period was confirmed, and now documents can be exchanged until March 15. However, it was also clarified that the deadline is extended until the complete exchange of old licenses for new ones. The exact date was not announced.
Required documents for exchange
Currently, drivers whose licenses are visible in the "Tunduk" state services application can submit an application for exchange online.This is possible in the "Documents" section.
The application is submitted in the "Services" → "Road Transport and Driving" → "Application for Replacement of Driver's License" → "Submit Application".
During the promotion period for exchanging indefinite licenses, it is sufficient to provide two documents: a passport of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic (or ID card) and the old driver's license. A form 083 medical certificate and a certificate of completion from a driving school are not required for drivers exchanging documents without an expiration date.
The processing of the application and the issuance of new licenses will take from 4 to 7 working days. After that, a notification about the readiness of the document will be sent, but it is advisable to check the status of the application, as it is possible that the photograph may not be suitable.
Those whose licenses do not appear in "Tunduk" need to contact the GCRTS (State Center for Registration of Transport Vehicles and Drivers) or the State Enterprise "Unaa" in person.
It is also possible to digitize the document in "Tunduk" in the "Data does not match" section → "Digitization of Driver's License" → select the organization for digitizing the license (at the place of document issuance) → upload photos of both sides → wait for confirmation of digitization.
Digitization may take up to 4-5 working days. If the surnames on the driver's license and passport differ (for example, after a name change due to marriage), the "Tunduk" system should automatically update it.
What about subcategories?
Each driver's license contains subcategories for operating various types of vehicles. When exchanging, a practical exam will need to be passed.This means that it is necessary to go to the GCRTS and sign up for the exam, which can also be done later, after the exchange.
If a driver wishes to obtain an additional category, the State Enterprise "Unaa" recommends exchanging now, and then, when the rush subsides, undergo training, take the exam, and update the documents.
Any questions?
You can find the addresses of all branches at the link.Some branches of the State Enterprise "Unaa" and GCRTS operate from 08:30 to 23:00.
For inquiries, you can contact the following phone numbers:
- 0312 63 39 31;
- 0312 63 20 08;
- 0312 63 28 33.
