Licensing procedures, vehicle documents and insurance requirements
Licence and paperwork
The General Traffic Directorate issues Iraqi driving licences by category. Applicants must meet the minimum age for the class, pass medical, theory and practical tests, and hold a learner permit before driving on public roads with a qualified supervisor. Carry your licence, registration (sanad), and valid insurance whenever you drive; the vehicle must also pass periodic inspection.
Documents and insurance
- Third-party insurance is compulsory; it covers injury and damage you cause to others, not your own car.
- Registration ties the vehicle to its owner and plate; update it after a sale.
- A foreign licence may be accepted for a limited period or require conversion; an International Driving Permit is useful but not a substitute for local rules.
- Keep copies of documents, but carry originals where required.
Worked example
You buy a used car privately. The seller hands you the keys and the old insurance certificate. That is not enough: you must transfer the registration at the traffic directorate, obtain insurance in your name, and confirm the vehicle has a current inspection. Driving on the seller's insurance is an offence and may leave you uninsured in a crash.
Traps
Assuming insurance covers your own vehicle; letting registration or inspection lapse; and driving on an expired licence while 'waiting for renewal'.