On January 24, Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan announced that Armenia no longer requires a physical version of the driver’s license within the country. Presenting the ministry's 2025 strategic plans to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, she clarified that digital licenses are now fully valid for domestic use.
Sargsyan noted that physical versions are still required abroad, but for internal operations, digital formats are sufficient. “Previously, patrol officers fined drivers for not carrying the plastic license. That’s no longer the case,” she said.
The minister introduced a digital platform already used in around 600 transactions and awarded as an "Innovative Project." Vehicle registration certificates have also been digitized.
The meeting also addressed Armenia’s roadmap toward visa liberalization with the EU, biometric infrastructure expansion, the launch of a unified 112 emergency center by February, and digitization across police services. Sargsyan highlighted that platforms for community and criminal police are in development and will integrate real-time data, including behavioral and medical profiles, with AI tools enhancing police operations.
Police reforms have already yielded results. In 2025, drug seizures increased by 80% year-on-year to 768 kg, while road fatalities dropped by 50. Over 14,969 crimes were recorded by the Patrol Service, up from 11,948 the previous year.
Sargsyan emphasized that private sector entities are also responsible for maintaining adjacent sidewalks year-round, as per municipal standards.
Additionally, Armenia’s net migration balance turned positive in 2025 (excluding COVID years), with 8,660 more citizens entering than leaving, signaling a shift in the country’s migration dynamics.
