The situation when a driver's license (DL) is sent for replacement is familiar to many car owners. The reasons may be different: expiration, change of surname, damage to the document or its loss. But the main question that worries drivers during this period: Is it possible to continue driving the car until the new license is ready? The answer depends on several factors - the type of replacement, the availability of a temporary permit and compliance with the procedure at the traffic police.
In 2026, the rules remain the same, but many drivers still confuse the concepts "temporary resolution" and "regular replacement of rights". Some are confident that they cannot drive without physically having a new license, while others drive at their own peril and risk, risking a fine. We will look at all the nuances: when driving is allowed and when it threatens sanctions, how to get a temporary permit and what to do if your license is taken away for a violation.
It is important to understand: the law does not prohibit driving a car while changing your license, but only if certain conditions are met. If you simply submitted documents for a replacement and are waiting for a new driving license, this does not automatically give you the right to drive without it. However, there are legal ways to avoid fines - more on that later.
1. When is a driver’s license considered “replacement”?
The period for replacing rights begins from the moment the application is submitted to the traffic police or through Public services and ends with the issuance of a new document. But not every replacement is equivalent from the point of view of the law. Let's look at the key cases:
✅ Scheduled replacement after expiration — if your license was valid for 10 years and the deadline for replacement has approached, you can initiate the process in advance (6 months before the end). In this case, the old VU remains in your hands until you receive a new one.
❌ Replacement due to loss or theft - here the old ID is not physically present, and you cannot present it to the inspector. This is a risky scenario unless you have a temporary permit.
⚠️ Attention: If you are submitting replacement documents through Public services, the “replacement” status begins only after confirmation of the application by the traffic police. Simply filling out the form online does not give you the right to travel without a valid driving license.
The production time for a new certificate is usually 5–10 working days (depending on the workload of the department). In Moscow and large cities when applying via Public services You can get your license already through 3–5 days.
2. Temporary permit to drive a vehicle: how to get it and where it is valid
The only legal way to drive while changing your license is temporary permit to drive a vehicle. This document is issued by the traffic police upon personal application and confirms that your old driver's license is being replaced.
📌 Where is a temporary permit issued?
- 🏛️ In any traffic police department at your place of residence or stay.
- 🖥️ Via Public services (but only as a preliminary appointment - the permit itself will be issued upon your visit).
- ❌ Temporary permit at the MFC they don't issue - They only accept documents to replace licenses.
⚠️ Attention: Temporary permit valid only on the territory of the Russian Federation. If you are planning a trip abroad, you will have to wait for a new driver's license or apply for an international license (if the old license is still valid).
📄 Documents for obtaining a temporary permit:
- 📋 Application (filled out on the spot).
- 🆔 Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
- 📄 Old VU (if you have it in your hands).
- 📷 Photo 3x4 cm (if the department does not have a photo booth).
- 💳 Receipt for payment of the state fee (3500 ₽ for a plastic license, 2000 ₽ for a temporary permit).
Validity period of temporary permit - up to 2 months. If the new rights are not ready within this time (which is extremely rare), the permit can be extended.
Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation|Old driver's license (if available)|Photo 3×4 cm|Receipt for payment of state duty|Medical certificate (if required)-->
3. Fines for driving without a license during a substitution
If you get behind the wheel without a valid driver's license and without a temporary permit, the traffic police inspector has the right to fine you according to Art. 12.7 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The amount of the fine depends on the situation:
| Situation | Fine (2026) | Additional measures |
|---|---|---|
| Driving without a license (forgot at home) | 500 ₽ | Verbal warning |
| Driving with an expired license | 5 000–15 000 ₽ | Evacuation of vehicles to impound lot |
| Driving without a license (lost, on replacement, without a temporary permit) | 5 000–15 000 ₽ | Detention of the vehicle until the violation is eliminated |
| Driving with a temporary permit, but without MTPL insurance | 500–800 ₽ | — |
🔍 Nuance: If you have it in your hands protocol on acceptance of documents for replacement of rights (issued by the traffic police), some inspectors may turn a blind eye to the lack of a temporary permit. However, this is not a guarantee - the decision remains at the discretion of the traffic police officer.
⚠️ Attention: If you are fined for driving without a license during a replacement, you can appeal the fine in court by presenting evidence of submitting documents for a new driving license (for example, a screenshot of the status of the application for Public services). However, judicial practice in such cases is ambiguous - much depends on the wording of the protocol.
If you are stopped without a temporary permit, politely explain to the inspector that your license has been replaced and show confirmation from the traffic police. Sometimes this helps to avoid a fine or reduce it to the minimum amount (500 rubles).
4. Features of replacing rights through State Services
Registration of a replacement driver's license through Public services convenient, but has its own nuances in terms of the ability to drive. Let's take it step by step:
1️⃣ Apply online — you fill out the form, attach photos and documents, pay the state fee with a 30% discount (2450 ₽ instead of 3500 ₽). At this stage You can't drive without an old driver's license - it still works.
2️⃣ Confirmation from the traffic police — after your application is approved, you will be given a date for your visit to the department. You can request here temporary permit, if the old ID is confiscated (for example, when a surname is changed or damaged).
3️⃣ Obtaining a new driver's license - on the appointed day you come to the traffic police, hand over your old license (if you had one in hand) and receive a new one. The temporary permit is canceled automatically.
⚠️ Attention: If you are submitting documents via Public services after expiration of rights, a temporary permit is not issued - you will have to wait for a new driver’s license without the right to drive a vehicle.
📌 Benefits of online replacement:
- ⏱️ Saves time (no need to stand in line).
- 💰 30% discount on state duty.
- 📅 Convenient choice of date and time of visit.
📛 Disadvantages:
- 🚫 It is not possible to obtain a temporary permit remotely.
- 📄 You will have to upload the photo yourself (strict requirements: white background, no glasses, neutral facial expression).
What to do if the photo on State Services has not been moderated?
If your photo is rejected, try the following options:
1. Take a new photo in the photo booth marked “for documents” (they usually know the traffic police requirements).
2. Use free online services to crop photos according to a template (for example, Photomaster or Passport Photo Booth).
3. Contact the MFC - they can help you with photos right on the spot (paid service, ~200 ₽).
5. Is it possible to drive if your license was taken away for a violation?
The situation gets more complicated if your driver's license confiscated by court order (for example, for drinking or speeding 60+ km/h). In this case temporary permit is not issued, and driving is strictly prohibited.
📜 What does the law say?
- 🚔 If the rights are withdrawn for administrative violation (Article 12.8, 12.9, 12.26 Code of Administrative Offenses), driving a vehicle before the expiration of the deprivation period prohibited.
- ⚖️ Driving during a period of deprivation is punishable by fine 30,000 ₽, compulsory work up to 200 hours or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.
- 🔄 After the expiration of the period of deprivation, you must pass the traffic rules exam and get your license back.
⚠️ Attention: If you have been deprived of your license, but you continue to drive, the inspector has the right detain the vehicle until the violation is eliminated (i.e. until another driver with a valid driving license gets behind the wheel).
🔄 How to get your license back after deprivation?
- Wait until the deprivation period expires (check the date in the court order).
- Pay all available fines (check on the website traffic police or through Public services).
- Take a theoretical exam on your knowledge of traffic rules at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.
- Submit an application for the return of the temporary residence permit (you can through Public services).
- Get your license at the traffic police department.
Driving while deprived of a license is one of the most serious administrative violations. The risk of a RUB 30,000 fine or arrest is not worth the potential time savings.
6. Frequent mistakes made by drivers when replacing licenses
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to fines or delays in registration. Here are the most common:
🚫 Error 1: Driving with an old license after submitting documents for a replacement
Many people think that until the new driver is ready, they can drive with the old one. That's right only if the old ID is still valid (for example, when replacing in advance). If the period has expired, this is already driving with an expired license (fine 5,000–15,000 rubles).
🚫 Error 2: Lack of a medical certificate for a planned replacement
From 2026 no medical certificate required when replacing your license after the expiration of the term, if you do not have medical restrictions. However, if you change your username due to deterioration of health (for example, there is a visual impairment), a certificate is required.
🚫 Error 3: Untimely replacement of rights when changing surname
If you changed your last name (for example, after marriage), you have 10 days to replace a driver's license. Driving with an old license after this period is equivalent to driving without documents (fine 500 ₽).
🚫 Error 4: Submitting documents to the MFC without temporary permission
MFC accepts documents to replace rights, but does not issue temporary permit. If you hand over your old driver's license to the MFC, you remain without the right to drive a vehicle until the new license is ready.
🚫 Mistake 5: Ignoring checking fines before replacing
If you have unpaid fines, the traffic police can refuse to replace rights until they are repaid. Check your debts in advance on the website traffic police or through Public services.
Before visiting the traffic police, take a screenshot of the status of your application for Public services and save it on your phone. This can help in controversial situations with inspectors.
7. Alternative means of transportation during license renewal
If for some reason you are unable to obtain a temporary permit, consider alternative options:
🚖 Taxi and car sharing
- 🚕 Order a taxi (Yandex Go, Uber, Gett) - many services offer discounts for new users.
- 🔑 Take advantage of car sharing (Delimobil, BelkaKar, Whoosh), if you have rights, but they are being replaced (although this is contrary to the rules of the services).
🚆 Public transport
- 🚌 Buses, trolleybuses, trams are a budget option, but not always convenient.
- 🚇 Metro and MCC in Moscow/St. Petersburg are a fast way to travel without traffic jams.
👨👩👧👦 Ask your friends
If you have friends or relatives with rights, you can arrange for temporary assistance. The main thing is register them for MTPL insurance (if they are not included).
📱 Delivery of products and goods
Services like SberMarket, Yandex Food or Ozon will help you avoid shopping trips.
⚠️ Attention: If you decide to drive a car without a license but with a temporary permit, make sure that OSAGO insurance is valid. The policy must indicate that you are allowed to drive this vehicle.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing a driver's license
❓ Is it possible to drive with an expired license if I have already submitted documents for a replacement?
No, driving with an expired license is equivalent to driving without documents and is punishable by a fine 5 000–15 000 ₽ (Article 12.7 of the Administrative Code). Submitting documents for a replacement does not give the right to drive the vehicle until you receive a new driver's license. Apply for a temporary permit from the traffic police.
❓ How much does a temporary permit to drive a vehicle cost?
The state fee for a temporary permit is 2000 ₽ (for 2026). When paying via Public services no discount available.
❓ Is it possible to obtain a temporary permit through the MFC?
No, the MFC accepts documents to replace rights, but does not issue temporary permits. To do this, you need to contact the traffic police directly.
❓ What should I do if I lost my license and don’t have time to get a temporary permit?
In this case, it is better to refrain from driving. If you urgently need to get behind the wheel, apply for a temporary permit from the traffic police on the day of application - it will take no more than 1-2 hours. An alternative is to use a taxi or public transport.
❓ Do I need to take an exam when changing my license?
No, exams are taken only when return of rights after deprivation or when opening a new category. For a regular replacement (after the expiration of the term, change of surname), an exam is not required.