How To Get Your
Panamanian Drivers License
Only foreigners with residency status in Panama (either temporary or permanent) are eligible for a Panamanian driver’s license, foreigners with tourist status are not. Below we have summed up the steps to follow to obtain a Panamanian driver’s license for you.
What documents do I need?
1. Original and copy of your migration ID card (valid and legible).
2. Original and copy of your passport (valid and legible).
3. Your driver’s license (valid and legible).
4. Authenticated certification of the validity of your license.
5. Blood type: If your driver’s license does NOT show the blood type and RH factor, a certification issued by an authorized Panamanian laboratory must be submitted. The laboratory certification is valid for six (6) months, counted from the date of issuance of the document.
Names and surnames must be identical or coincide in all documents or requirements presented. All documentation provided must be in good condition and not damaged.
Step 1: How do I get my license certified?
Keep in mind to verify that your name, personal information, driver’s license number, etc. are written correctly on the certification when you pick it up. In addition, the certification must contain the following information:
1. The term «certify» or «declare»,
2. Name of the officer in charge of validating the information,
3. Name of the applicant, identification number, number of the license to be validated; in addition to the date of issuance and expiration. If the license does not have an expiration date (indefinite) the certification must state so.
4. Place or country of issuance of the driver’s license.
5. Description of the different categories of vehicles,
6. Stamp and original signature of the officer issuing the certification.
7. Apart from the certification the consulate/embassy must issue an authenticated copy of both sides of your driver’s license (front and back), with original stamp and signature of the officer in charge of validating the information.
Step 2: How can I authenticate the certification?
Step 3: Get an appointment at SERTRACEN
On the day of the appointment you must present all documents to the officer in charge at the SERTRACEN office, your personal data (including emergency contact, organ donor or not etc.) and the photo for your new license will be taken, also an eye and hearing test must be performed. People who wear glasses can use them for the eye test.
The cost of the driver’s license is USD$40.00 (includes eye and hearing test). The driver’s license is valid for four (4) years. If you are a temporary resident in Panama and you do not have your permanent residency yet, your Panamanian driver’s license will have the same validity as your residency.
Licenses issued with age restrictions will not be approved, nor will international licenses. Licenses issued in one of the EU countries must comply with the new EU format.”Old” licenses (Papierführerschein) will not be accepted.
Special requirements for drivers over 70 years of age
Drive carefully!