The new plastic card driving license features 200 security elements and is interoperable across the European Union. Applications are submitted at police stations or via e-Citizens, with prices ranging from 20 to nearly 60 euros.
The days of pink paper driving licenses in Croatia are numbered. They are officially becoming a thing of the past, and citizens must replace them with the new plastic card document. Experts say it is one of the most secure personal documents.
"It contains 200 different security elements within the card. Some are visible to citizens, while others can only be read with forensic tools. It's important to note that it is interoperable across all EU member states," said Blaž Sviličić, Director of the Production Sector at the Agency for Commercial Activities (AKD), for Nova TV's Dnevnik.
Old licenses are often worn out, with photos over 20 years old, and the data on them is often barely legible. One of the key differences compared to the new ones is the photo production itself.
"One of the main differences is that on old licenses, the photo was glued, while on all newer ones it is integrated into the document itself. Additionally, the new card license has an electronic data carrier containing all the card's data. This means it is machine-readable in multiple ways, as it also includes a special machine-readable zone," added Sviličić.
The replacement of driving licenses is part of a broader European reform focused on road safety. "These measures aim to modernize the driving license framework and improve road safety. It is estimated that around 20,000 people die on EU roads annually, and last year that number was 19,400," said Sinan Alispahić from the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK).
The procedure for obtaining a new driving license is quite simple. Applications can be submitted at a police administration or station, as well as through the e-Citizens system.
The production cost depends on the speed of the process. In the regular timeframe, which takes up to 30 working days, production costs 20 euros. For an expedited process of three working days, you need to set aside 26 euros. Those who urgently need the document can get it within one working day, but this urgent procedure costs 59.73 euros. Citizens who want the new license delivered to their home address will pay an additional 24.02 euros.
It is important to note that citizens with an electronic ID card do not need to submit a new photo. A medical certificate is also not required, except for professional drivers.
