From January 19th 2013, all new driving licences issued across the EU will have a standard European format and tougher security protection. Existing licences are not affected, but will be changed to the new format at the time of renewal or at the latest by 2033.

All new European driving licences will be issued according to a new format, a plastic "credit card", with a standard European format and tougher security protection from 19 of January 2013. The European Commission announced that from the entry into force of the new rules, these new licences will progressively replace the more than 100 different paper and plastic models currently in use by more than 300 million drivers across the EU.

The measure is part of the entry into force of a broader package of measures (3rd EU Driving Licence Directive) coming into force designed to enhance free movement, tackle driving licence fraud and improve road safety across the EU. Existing licences are not affected, but will be changed to the new format at the time of renewal or at the latest by 2033. The European driving licence can be adapted to incorporate national symbols as decided by each Member State.

According to the Commission, the new driving licences includes a number of security features to make it "tamper proof" and to avoid falsification. Also, under the new rules, licences must be renewed, for car drivers and motorcyclists, every 10-15 years, depending on the Member State.