Getting a Driver's License in Panama

It’s not easy getting a driver’s license in Panama. Many foreigners living here are used to a simple, fast driver’s license process in their home countries. However, I often tell clients “You’ll learn Patience while in Panama”. The new, digitalized driver’s licenses look like a credit card in the back. That’s so the police just simply swipe the license in a computer terminal to determine if there are unpaid traffic tickets with a history of your driving infractions and other personal information. What if you already have a valid driver’s license from another country? These licenses are only valid for up to 3 month while visiting or residing in Panama. The entry stamp date in your passport determines when that 3 –month limit began. Here if what you have to do in order to get a driver’s license in Panama as a foreigner. You will need to present copies of the following documents at the driver’s license office: Residency card, your passport, and driver’s license for your country of origin, your blood type and a Glucose test report from a Panama medical clinic showing that you are within normal range. These two tests usually cost from $10 - $15. You must go to your Embassy to get your foreign driver’s license authenticated (notarized copy) which may cost you $30 to $50.

Then take your notarized copy of your driver’s license to the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores) located at Edison Plaza on Tumba Muerto near Via Brazil in Panama City. They need to authenticate your notarized copy. They will give you a slip to deposit $2 into the Banco Nacional and you must purchase two pink timbres (like a postage stamp) for an additional $2 from the bank teller. The Banco Nacional is also located at the ground floor of Edison Plaza. You must first fill out the $2 bank deposit slip for “Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores” and then get into the bank teller’s line. Return the deposit receipt and the two pink stamps to the Ministry of Foreign Relation. They will tell you when to return (usually 3 or 4 hours) to pick up the authenticated document.

Now you can go to Albrook Mall to the Sertracen office with all your documents. When driving there turn right before the El Rey Supermarket (after the turn for Albrook Airport) and take your first left near the Union Fenosa office. Go up the road for a couple of minutes and you will see their office on the right. There is a map on their website at: http://www.sertracen.com.pa/ .

They will give you a hearing and vision test. It cost $20 for the driver’s license and another $20 for the vision & hearing test.

Now you have a valid Panama driver’s license good for 4 years.

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Article by Steve Rich, Marketing Manager for Panama Offshore Legal Services www.pos-inc.com (507) 227-6645 e-mail marketing@pos-inc.com .