Replace Your Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Swedish Driving Licence

If your Swedish driving licence (körkort) has been lost, stolen, or damaged to the point where it is no longer usable, immediate action is required. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step procedure to report the incident, apply for a replacement, and ensure you can legally drive again with minimal disruption while protecting yourself from potential identity fraud. Following these steps carefully will help you navigate the process with Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency) and other relevant authorities.

Immediate Steps When Your Driving Licence Goes Missing

The moment you realise your driving licence is missing or compromised, acting quickly is crucial. Your first priority is to prevent its misuse and initiate the replacement process. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you suspect theft or simply loss/damage.

Reporting Your Lost or Damaged Licence to Transportstyrelsen

Regardless of whether it's lost, damaged, or stolen, your primary action is to officially report it as missing to Transportstyrelsen. This immediately blocks the licence in the national register, rendering it invalid and protecting you from potential identity fraud.

You have two main ways to make this initial report:

• Online E-service: The quickest and most recommended method is to use Transportstyrelsen's dedicated e-service for reporting lost Swedish driving licences. You will need a Swedish e-identification such as BankID, Mobile BankID, or Freja eID+ to log in to "Mina sidor" (Your Page) on Transportstyrelsen's website. Once logged in, navigate to the relevant section for loss reports.
  • Transportstyrelsen: Report a lost Swedish driving licence (e-service in Swedish)
• By Phone: If you cannot access the e-service, you can call Transportstyrelsen's customer service.
  • Phone number: +46 (0)771 81 81 81.

When Theft is Suspected: Involving the Swedish Police

If your driving licence was stolen, or if you suspect it was taken as part of a crime (e.g., a break-in, pickpocketing), it's vital to report the theft to the Swedish Police (Polisen) in addition to Transportstyrelsen. This step is crucial for:

• Identity Protection: A police report provides official documentation that your identity details (on the licence) might be compromised, which is essential for protecting yourself against identity theft.
• Insurance Claims: If your licence was stolen along with other valuables, a police report is often a prerequisite for insurance claims.
• Legal Record: It creates an official record of the theft, which can be important for any future disputes or legal issues arising from the misuse of your licence.

You can contact the Swedish Police through the following channels:

• Non-Urgent Matters and Reporting: Call 114 14. This number is for all non-urgent police matters, including reporting theft. You can file a report over the phone or be advised to visit a local police station.
• Urgent Help/Emergency: Call 112 only if you are in an emergency situation where immediate police intervention is required (e.g., you are witnessing a crime in progress, or you are in danger).

You can find more information on contacting the police on their official website:

• Swedish Police: Contacting the Police

The Replacement Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide

After the initial report, the formal process of applying for your new driving licence begins. This involves several distinct steps, each with specific requirements.

Receiving and Completing the Grundhandling (Application Form)

Once you have reported your licence as lost or damaged to Transportstyrelsen, they will automatically send an application form, known as a Grundhandling, to your registered address in Sweden (folkbokföringsadress). This form is crucial for the replacement process.

• Delivery Time: The Grundhandling usually arrives within 2–4 working days after Transportstyrelsen receives your loss report.
• Completion: Carefully review the information on the form. Sign it as instructed. Ensure all details are correct before returning it.
• Return: Follow the instructions on the Grundhandling for where and how to return the completed form to Transportstyrelsen. This is typically via postal mail.

Photography Requirements for a Replacement Licence

For a replacement driving licence, a new photograph is always mandatory. You cannot reuse an old photo from a previous licence or submit a self-taken one.

• Where to Get Your Photo Taken: You must visit one of Trafikverket's Driver Test Offices (Förarprovskontor) to have your photo taken. These offices are equipped with special photo booths designed to meet the official requirements for driving licence photos.
  • Trafikverket: Find a photography office (in Swedish)
• No Appointment Needed: Typically, you do not need to book an appointment for photography at these offices; it's a drop-in service during their opening hours.
• What to Bring: You must bring a valid and approved form of identification to prove your identity when getting your photo taken. This can be your passport or another approved Swedish national ID card.
  • If you lack a valid ID, you might need someone to vouch for your identity. Contact Trafikverket or Transportstyrelsen for specific guidance in such cases.
• Digital Transmission: The photo taken at Trafikverket is directly sent digitally, along with your signature, to Transportstyrelsen for inclusion on your new licence.

Understanding Costs and Payment for Your New Licence

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Swedish driving licence incurs a few fees. It's important to understand these costs and the payment process to ensure there are no delays in receiving your new card.

Cost Breakdown

The total cost for a replacement licence typically consists of two main parts:

Item	Cost (SEK)	Notes
Licence Production Fee	375	This fee covers the administrative cost and physical production of your new driving licence card by Transportstyrelsen.
Photo Fee (Trafikverket)	200	This is the charge for having your official driving licence photograph taken at a Trafikverket Förarprovskontor.
Total Estimated Cost	575 SEK	This is the standard combined cost for a replacement Swedish driving licence, assuming no special circumstances (e.g., express delivery if offered, which is rare).

Payment Process

• Invoice: Transportstyrelsen will send you an invoice (inbetalningskort) for the licence production fee. This invoice may be included with the Grundhandling or sent separately, sometimes via digital post services like Kivra if you have registered for them. The photo fee might be included on the same invoice or invoiced separately.
• Payment Requirement: Your new driving licence will not be produced until all applicable fees have been paid and registered by Transportstyrelsen. Ensure prompt payment to avoid delays.
• Payment Methods: Common payment methods include bank transfer or Swish, as indicated on the invoice.

What to Do While Waiting for Your New Licence

It can take some time for your new driving licence to be processed, produced, and delivered. Understanding what you are permitted to do in the interim is essential to stay compliant with Swedish law, especially regarding driving.

Driving in Sweden with a Lost Licence Report

If you have reported your Swedish driving licence as lost or damaged to Transportstyrelsen, you are generally permitted to continue driving in Sweden provided you carry another valid form of photo identification. This is because your driving entitlement remains in the register, and the additional ID serves to verify your identity to law enforcement.

Approved Forms of Identification for Driving:

• A valid Swedish passport.
• A valid Swedish national ID card.
• Approved ID cards issued by other Nordic countries (in some cases, for Nordic citizens).

Always carry one of these documents when driving after reporting your licence lost.

Temporary Permit for Driving in Nordic Countries

If you need to drive in other Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Finland, or Iceland) before your new physical driving licence arrives, Transportstyrelsen may offer a temporary permit (provisoriskt körkort).

• How to Obtain: You can usually access and print a temporary permit from "Mina sidor" on Transportstyrelsen's website after logging in with your e-identification.
• Validity: This temporary permit is typically valid for 3 months from its issue date.
• Geographic Restriction: Critically, this temporary permit is only valid within the Nordic region (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland). It is not valid for driving in any other country, including other EU/EEA member states outside the Nordics.

Proof for Employers or Other Needs

If you require proof of your driving entitlement for an employer, rental company, or other administrative purposes while waiting for your new licence, you can:

• Refer to Transportstyrelsen's Register: Advise them that your driving entitlement is recorded in Transportstyrelsen's official register. Some entities may be able to verify this directly.
• Decision Letters: If Transportstyrelsen sends any official confirmation or decision letters regarding your application, these might serve as interim proof.

Delivery and Collection of Your New Swedish Driving Licence

Once your application, photo, and payment have been processed, Transportstyrelsen will produce and dispatch your new driving licence.

Production and Delivery Timeline

• Production: Once Transportstyrelsen has received your signed Grundhandling and confirmed payment of all fees, your new licence is typically produced within 5 working days.
• Delivery Method: The new driving licence is sent to you as a registered letter (rekommenderat brev - REK). This means it will not be delivered directly to your home but to a designated postal agent (e.g., a PostNord, Schenker, or DHL collection point) nearest your registered address.
• Notification: You will receive a notification (usually via SMS, app, or physical letter) when your registered letter is ready for collection, indicating the collection point.

Collection Requirements

• In-Person Collection: You must collect the registered letter in person.
• Valid Identification: To collect your new driving licence, you must present a valid and approved form of identification. This is a strict requirement to prevent fraud.
  • Accepted ID: This typically includes a valid Swedish passport or a valid Swedish national ID card.
  • No Other ID: If you do not have any other valid approved ID (since your driving licence is being replaced), this step can be challenging.
  • Vouching Witness: If you lack a valid ID, you may need a certified witness (en intygsperson), such as a close family member who possesses valid ID, to accompany you to the postal agent and vouch for your identity. The witness must also have their own valid ID. It is crucial to verify the specific requirements for vouching with the postal agent or Transportstyrelsen in advance.

Important Considerations and Special Cases

Replacing a driving licence can sometimes involve specific situations or rules that are important to be aware of.

The Novice Period (Prövotid)

If your original driving licence was still within its two-year novice period (prövotid) when it was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement licence will not reset this period. Your prövotid continues from the original start date and will end as scheduled. All conditions and rules associated with the novice period remain in effect.

Loss While Abroad

If you lose your Swedish driving licence while outside Sweden:

• Report Immediately: You should still report the loss or theft to Transportstyrelsen via their e-service as soon as possible, ideally from abroad.
• Police Report (if stolen): If stolen, report it to the local police in the country where it occurred. Obtain a copy of the police report.
• Delivery Address: Transportstyrelsen cannot send a replacement licence to a foreign address. It will be sent to your registered folkbokföringsadress in Sweden. You will need to arrange for its collection upon your return or have someone collect it for you if permissible (requires specific authorization and valid ID from the collector, often with power of attorney).
• Driving Abroad: You cannot legally drive in most countries without a valid physical driving licence. Plan for alternative transportation until you can collect your new licence in Sweden.

Finding Your Old Licence After Reporting It

As mentioned, if you find your original driving licence after you have reported it as lost or stolen to Transportstyrelsen, the old licence is no longer valid. You must not use it.

• Destroy or Return: Cut the old card in half through the chip and photo to permanently invalidate it. You can also mail the destroyed card to: Transportstyrelsen 701 97 Örebro

Higher Categories (C, CE, D, DE) and Medical Certificates

While the core replacement process is the same for all licence categories (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE), holders of higher categories (C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE) typically have licences with shorter validity periods (e.g., five years). If your licence was due for renewal and replacement due to loss/damage, you might also need to submit a medical certificate or a health declaration and visual examination certificate to maintain those categories. Transportstyrelsen will inform you if this is required based on your licence categories and situation.

Preventing Identity Misuse: A Checklist

A lost or stolen driving licence can be a gateway for identity theft. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk.

• File a Police Report (if stolen): Always report a stolen licence to the Swedish Police (114 14) to create an official record. Keep the police report number handy.
• Inform Your Insurer: If the theft was part of a larger incident (e.g., car broken into), inform your insurance company.
• Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.
• Review Digital Mailboxes: If you use digital mail services like Kivra, keep an eye on incoming mail from authorities or financial institutions.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Contact: Be wary of emails, calls, or texts purporting to be from banks or authorities asking for personal details, especially if they mention your lost licence.
• Secure Other ID: Ensure other forms of identification (passport, national ID card) are secure.
• Update Passwords: If you believe any of your digital accounts might have been compromised, change your passwords immediately.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the replacement process can have pitfalls. Awareness of these common mistakes can help you avoid unnecessary delays and complications.

1. Delaying the Loss Report:

   • Mistake: Waiting days or weeks to report a lost or stolen licence to Transportstyrelsen.
   • Consequence: Increases the window of opportunity for identity fraud and misuse of your licence details.
   • Remedy: Report the loss immediately via Transportstyrelsen's e-service or phone number as soon as you realise it's missing.

2. Skipping the Police Report for Theft:

   • Mistake: Treating a stolen licence simply as a "loss" and only reporting to Transportstyrelsen.
   • Consequence: You lack official documentation of theft, which can complicate identity theft protection and insurance claims.
   • Remedy: Always report a stolen licence to the Swedish Police (114 14) in addition to Transportstyrelsen.

3. Outdated Registered Address (Folkbokföringsadress):

   • Mistake: Not having your current residential address registered with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency).
   • Consequence: The Grundhandling and the new driving licence (as a registered letter) will be sent to the wrong address, causing significant delays or non-delivery.
   • Remedy: Ensure your folkbokföringsadress is always up-to-date. If you've recently moved, update it with Skatteverket promptly. If mail needs forwarding, contact Adressändring.

4. Attempting to Use the Old Licence if Found:

   • Mistake: Finding your old licence after reporting it and believing it's valid again.
   • Consequence: The old licence is permanently blocked and invalid. Using it can lead to legal issues if you're stopped by police.
   • Remedy: Destroy the old licence immediately by cutting it through the chip and photo.

5. Not Bringing Valid ID for Photo or Collection:

   • Mistake: Arriving at Trafikverket for a photo or at the postal agent for collection without approved photo identification.
   • Consequence: You will be turned away and unable to proceed until you can present valid ID.
   • Remedy: Always double-check what specific valid ID documents are accepted for both photography and registered letter collection. If you don't have one, investigate the process for a vouching witness well in advance.

6. Expecting the New Licence to Be Mailed Home Directly:

   • Mistake: Waiting for the new licence to arrive in your home mailbox.
   • Consequence: The new licence is sent as a rekommenderat brev (registered letter) to a postal agent, requiring personal collection and ID.
   • Remedy: Monitor for collection notifications (SMS, app, letter) and be prepared to pick it up at the specified postal agent.

7. Assuming the Temporary Permit is Universally Valid:

   • Mistake: Believing a printed temporary permit allows you to drive anywhere outside Sweden.
   • Consequence: The temporary permit is only valid in Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland). Driving elsewhere with it is illegal.
   • Remedy: Understand the strict geographical limitations of the temporary permit. Do not drive outside the Nordic region without your physical, valid Swedish driving licence.

8. Incorrectly Paying the Fees:

   • Mistake: Paying the wrong amount or using an unapproved payment method.
   • Consequence: Payment will not be registered, delaying the production of your licence.
   • Remedy: Follow the instructions on the invoice precisely regarding the amount and accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, Swish).

Official Sources and Further Information

For the most up-to-date and official information, always refer to the Swedish authorities.

• Transportstyrelsen (Swedish Transport Agency): The primary authority for driving licences in Sweden.

  • General information on driving licences: Visit transportstyrelsen.se and search for "I have a driving licence" or "driving licence replacement".
  • E-service for reporting a lost licence: https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/forlustanmalan
  • Customer Service: +46 (0)771 81 81 81

• Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration): Manages driving test offices where photos are taken.

  • Find a photography office: Visit trafikverket.se and search for "fotografering körkort" or "driving licence photography".
  • Trafikverket: Find a photography office (in Swedish)

• Polisen (Swedish Police Authority): For reporting stolen property and identity theft.

  • Contact information: https://polisen.se/en/contacting-the-police/
  • Non-urgent reports: 114 14
  • Emergencies: 112

• Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency): For ensuring your registered address is correct.

  • Visit skatteverket.se and search for "change of address" or "folkbokföring".

Key Terminology for Driving Licence Procedures

Prepare for Your Driving Theory Test

While you await your replacement driving licence, it's a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge of Swedish traffic rules and prepare for any future theory test requirements. Staying updated on regulations ensures you remain a safe and competent driver.