Guide to Getting a Permanent Driver's License in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know

To get a permanent Mexican driver's license: (1) obtain temporary license first (1 year valid, 600-800 pesos, requires CURP Mexican ID number, medical certificate 300-500 pesos, passport, proof of address, old driver's license, written test in Spanish covering 40 traffic law questions needing 80% pass rate), (2) after 1 year upgrade to permanent (5 years valid, 1,200-1,500 pesos, 2-4 weeks processing). Most foreigners must start with temporary, only permanent residents may skip directly to permanent. No US reciprocity agreement with Mexico City (though Quintana Roo differs). Process: get CURP at INM office or gob.mx online, get medical certificate at approved clinic (vision test, blood pressure, physical exam), go to Secretaría de Movilidad office early (Tue/Wed mornings least busy), bring all documents, fill form SOL-29-01, pay fee, take Spanish written test (study sample test online 1-2 hours, most pass first try), take photos. Don't hire gestoria intermediary, they charge 2,000-4,000 pesos for 600 peso process you can do yourself in hours. Digital license app (MiLicencia) available after receiving physical license.

Getting a Mexican driver's license is one of the first bureaucratic hurdles you'll face as an expat. After watching dozens of friends navigate this process, I've gathered the definitive guide to getting your permanent license without losing your mind or wasting months in the process.

The Two-Step Process

Mexico requires two licenses: a temporary license (valid 1 year) and a permanent license (valid 5 years). Most foreigners need to start with the temporary license first, then upgrade to permanent after one year. If you have permanent residency, you may be able to go straight to permanent.

What You Need for Your Temporary License

Documentation varies by state, but for Mexico City, you'll typically need:

• Valid passport or residency card
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
• Two passport-sized photos (4x4 cm)
• Medical certificate (from an approved clinic)
• Your old driver's license (from home country)
• CURP (Mexican ID number)
• Filled out application form (SOL-29-01 for Mexico City)

Get your CURP first. You can get it at any INM office or online at gob.mx. This is essential, you can't get a license without it.

Getting the Medical Certificate

You need to visit an approved clinic for a medical evaluation. In Mexico City, these clinics are scattered throughout the city. The evaluation includes vision test, blood pressure check, and basic physical exam. It costs around 300-500 pesos. Get this done before going to the license office because they require it.

The Application Process

In Mexico City, go to the Secretaría de Movilidad office (Oficina de Licencias). You can find your nearest office online. Bring all documents in person. Arrive early, offices get busy. You'll fill out the form, pay the fee (approximately 600-800 pesos for temporary), take a written test in Spanish, and take photos. The written test covers basic traffic laws. It's in Spanish, but questions are straightforward.

Pro tip: Study the sample test online beforehand. Most people pass on the first try.

The Written Test

The test has about 40 questions covering traffic signs, driving rules, and safety. You need 80% to pass. Questions are not tricky, they're testing if you know actual traffic laws. You can't use your phone or any assistance. Study for one or two hours and you'll be fine.

The Driving Test

For permanent licenses, you may need to do a practical driving test. This varies by state. In Mexico City, the requirement has changed multiple times. Call ahead to confirm. If required, the test is basic: parallel parking, lane changes, basic maneuvers. It's not rigorous compared to US standards.

Timeline and Costs

Temporary License: 1-2 weeks processing time, 600-800 pesos (roughly $35-50 USD), Valid for 1 year

Permanent License: 2-4 weeks processing time, 1,200-1,500 pesos (roughly $70-90 USD), Valid for 5 years

After one year with your temporary license, you can apply for permanent. Same process, just different form and fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not getting your CURP first. You can't proceed without it.
• Forgetting the medical certificate. Offices reject applications without it.
• Bringing expired documents. Check expiration dates on everything.
• Not studying the traffic laws. The written test is easy if you're prepared.
• Using an intermediary who charges triple the official fee. Go directly to the office yourself.
• Incorrect address documentation. Your proof of address must match your official residency address.

Converting Your Foreign License

Some countries have reciprocity agreements with Mexico, allowing you to convert your foreign license directly. If you're from the US, unfortunately there's no reciprocity agreement with Mexico City (though Quintana Roo has different rules). You'll need to take the test.

Check with your specific state, rules vary by location.

Hiring Help vs. Doing It Yourself

You don't need to hire a gestoria (intermediary service) to get your license. Yes, they can do it faster, but they charge 2,000-4,000 pesos to do something that costs you 600 pesos and a few hours. Unless you're extremely time-constrained, do it yourself. The process is straightforward once you understand it.

Digital License App

Mexico now offers a digital license app (MiLicencia) that you can use on your phone as proof of license. Download it after receiving your physical license. It's convenient and officially recognized.

Renewing Your License

Permanent licenses last 5 years. Before expiration, you can renew at any Secretaría de Movilidad office. Just bring your existing license and passport. The renewal is simpler than getting your first license, no medical certificate or written test required unless your vision category changed.

Pro Tips From Experience

• Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Mondays are busiest, Fridays everyone is trying to finish their week.
• Bring extra passport photos, they sometimes ask for more than stated.
• Know your blood type before the medical exam.
• Have all documents in a folder ready to show.
• Take a photo of every document you bring so you have proof of what you submitted.
• If you fail the written test, you can retake it immediately after (usually free).

Final Thoughts

Getting a Mexican driver's license is genuinely one of the easiest bureaucratic tasks in Mexico. The process is clear, the cost is low, and most offices are reasonably efficient. Don't overthink it. Gather your documents, take the test, and you'll have your license within weeks. It's a small victory in the expat bureaucracy wars, and you should celebrate it.

Related Mexico City Resources

• Mexico City Complete Guide
• Legal and Professional Services in Mexico City
• Frequently Asked Questions About Mexico
• How to Travel Like a Local in Mexico City
• Add Your Business