Driving License

Getting a driving license in the Dominican Republic

Driving License

You can use your home driver’s license for up to 3 months from when you arrive. In case you plan to stay longer, you should obtain a Dominican driver’s license. There are two options for foreigners who wish to do so.

Valid driving license

When your embassy validates the driver’s licence

You must present valid licences from your country of origin for certification from the Dominican embassy or consulate offices of your country who will verify the validity of the licence.

Once you have this you need to take your documents to be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  (Mirex). You will need to provide photocopies of all documents, and pay the applicable taxes. 

When your embassy does not validate the driver’s licence

If your embassy cannot validate your licence, you will need a cedula, an identification card for Dominican citizens. You can find out how to obtain one here, before you can apply.

Once you have the cedula and the authenticated licences from your embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles and take along the following:

  • A valid licence from your country
  • Passport (valid at least for a year more)
  • Payment of fees for medical exam, blood test and licence at Banco de Reservas
  • Medical exam and blood test results

The cost for foreigners is more expensive than for the locals since there are the added costs of the documentation fees and both driving and medical tests.

Further reading

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