These laminated permits in the format of an identity card are valid for ten years. In 2023, the validity of the first copies will therefore expire.
Monitor well
Unlike the electronic identity card, you do not receive a notification regarding this. “It is and remains the responsibility of each driver to have a valid driving license”, indicates the Federal Public Service Mobility and the office of the Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo).
And in 2023, 10 years following the generalization of the European license in Belgium, there are potentially 426,341 Belgian motorists who will have to be careful! And in 2024, 488,319 more.
Nevertheless,“because of the importance of this document”the Minister of Mobility, Georges Gilkinet (Écolo), has decided to release a budget for the municipalities“so that reminder letters can be sent to citizens whose permit expiration is approaching”.
To renew his license, the driver must contact his municipality three months before the expiry date. The operation costs around twenty euros. To make things easier, you will also be able to request the renewal of the driving license online via a BelDrive application.
Heavy fines, in theory
Drivers who circulate today, most often without knowing it, with an expired driving license theoretically risk a fine of 1,600 to 16,000 euros and a withdrawal of license from eight days to five years.