Kazakhstan and China draft agreement to mutually recognize driver's licenses

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 26, 2026 at 11:59 AM

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Kazakhstan and China draft agreement to mutually recognize driver's licenses

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has published a draft agreement with China on mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses. The document, posted on the Open NPA portal on August 25, allows citizens of both countries to drive passenger cars in the other country using their national licenses. Public discussion runs until August 30, 2026.

Key Facts

The draft agreement was published on the Open NPA portal on August 25, 2026, with public discussion open until August 30.
Under the proposed agreement, citizens of Kazakhstan and China could drive passenger cars in the other country using their valid national driver's licenses, subject to local requirements.
License exchange would be possible without retraining or passing qualification exams, but must follow the legislation of the country where the exchange takes place.
The new rules would apply to both permanent residents and temporary visitors in either country.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs expects the agreement to reduce administrative procedures and boost tourism, business, and transport ties between the two countries.

Draft Agreement Details

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan developed a draft government decree on signing an agreement with China on mutual recognition and exchange of driver's licenses. The document was published on the Open NPA portal on August 25, 2026, and public discussion will continue until August 30, 2026. If the agreement is signed and enters into force, citizens of Kazakhstan and China will be able to use their current national driver's licenses to drive passenger cars in the other country, provided they comply with the established requirements. The draft specifically mentions category B1 driver's licenses.

License Exchange Without Exams

The agreement would allow citizens of both countries to exchange their driver's licenses without undergoing retraining or passing qualification exams. However, the exchange procedure must be carried out in accordance with the legislation of the country where the exchange takes place. The new rules would apply to both permanent residents and those temporarily staying in the other country. The Ministry of Internal Affairs expects the agreement to reduce administrative procedures and provide more convenient conditions for citizens of both states.

Expected Benefits

The Ministry of Internal Affairs believes the agreement will simplify travel and reduce bureaucratic procedures for citizens temporarily or permanently residing in the other country. The initiative is also expected to boost tourism, business, and transport connections between Kazakhstan and China. The agreement would create a mechanism for cooperation between the competent authorities of Kazakhstan and China on recognition and exchange of driver's licenses. The new rules are not yet in force; the document is currently only a draft government decree.

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