The security features and appearance of the driving licence are updated every few years. The latest changes were made in the spring of 2024. Since 2013, new driving licences have complied with the standardised single European driving licence model used across the EU. In Finland, the centralised registration of driving licences dates back to 1972.
A standardised driving licence model will be introduced in the European Union over the period 2013–2033. Driving licences issued before 2013 can be used in Finland until 2033.
Driving licence model introduced in 2024
The latest updates to the appearance and security features of the driving licence were made in April 2024.
The card got a new background printing pattern, and some of the security features were further improved. The new card includes a transparent window with the licence holder’s facial photograph, for example.
Driving licence model introduced in 2019
The appearance of the driving licence was previously updated in April 2019. The card got a new background printing pattern, and some of the security features were improved.
The raised engraving on the front side of the licence was changed so that it overlaps with the facial photograph, for example.
On the back, the category LT for road-rated tractors was removed from the table of licence categories because it is no longer used.
Driving licence model introduced in 2013
The first driving licence model that complied with EU standards was introduced on 19 January 2013.
An optically variable device (OVD) was added to the lower-right corner of the holder's photograph, and the variable laser image in the lower-right corner of the card was amended to display either the holder's photograph or date of birth.
The card's background design was also altered, and the words for "driving licence" were added to the header in English and French.
When Croatia joined the European Union in June 2014, the Croatian term for "driving licence" was added to the background design of the licence.
At the same time, the f in Trafi's logo on the reverse of the licence was changed from a capital F to a lower-case f.
