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Assistance In Obtaining Driving Licenses 

Foreigners may drive vehicles in Panama carrying the driving license of their country of origin for a maximum period of 90 (ninety) days. 


After this period, foreigners will need to obtain a Panama driver's license.


Foreigners may only opt for a driver's license in categories "A", "B", "C", "D".

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They will not be able to apply for the Driver's License issued for public transport, since it is only for Panamanians.

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APPROXIMATE MANAGEMENT TIME:
 
From its presentation it can take from 2 weeks to 1 month.
 

REQUIREMENTS:
 
1. Certify the valid foreign license. (See details of options to certify the license).


2. You must attach a document of a faithful copy of the license duly stamped and signed by the entity that issues the certification.


3. Certify the document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


4. Original and copy of the immigration card. (it must be valid).


5. Original and copy of Passport, it must be valid.


6. Original and copy of valid foreign license.


7. Present blood type test issued by laboratories authorized by the Transit and Land Transportation Authority (herein ATTT). It must indicate the full name of the user, identity card number for nationals or passport number for foreigners, stamp and fresh signature of the doctor. Exception: If the license has the Typing, no blood type test result is required.


8. Perform visual and auditory validations at the branch where you request the procedure.


9. You must be in good standing with the ATTT.


10. Payment must be made at the ATTT boxes located in the SERTRACEN branches where you carry out the procedure.
 

IMPORTANT NOTES:

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There are three options to certify the foreign driver's license:

 

Certification Issued by Diplomatic Representation in Panama:

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  • Certify the valid driver's license at the embassy or consulate of the country where the license was issued.

  • It must include a true copy of the certified license, duly stamped and signed by the embassy or consulate.

  • Authenticate the Certification in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Panama

 

      Apostilled:

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  • Certify valid driver's license in the license issuing entity in the country of origin.

  • You must include a true copy of your original certified license, duly stamped and signed by a representative of the issuing entity of the driver's license.

  • Apostille the Certification in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country of origin. Only for signatory countries of the Hague Convention.

 

       Consular Endorsement:

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  • Certify driver's license in the license issuing entity in the country of origin.

  • You must include a true copy of your original certified license, duly stamped and signed by a representative of the issuing entity of the driver's license.

  • Authenticate the Certification in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country of origin.

  • Authenticate the certification of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country of origin in the Consulate of Panama.

  • Authenticate the certification of the Consul of Panama in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.

 

The Certifications of the Embassies or Consulates must present the following information:

 

  • The term "Certify or Declare"

  • Name of the Consul or autonomous person in charge of validating the information

  • Username and Passport No. as established in the passport of your country License No., to be validated and expiration date.

  • Place or country of issuance of the license.

  • Describe the vehicle categories (in case the license details the categories, it is not necessary for the certification to detail it, a copy of the license is left on both sides).

  • Proof that it is a true copy of its original.

 

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ASSOCIATED SERVICES:

 

 Lima y Asociados can assist you with all the services surrounding the application for a Permanent Residence permit that includes but is not limited to:

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-         Assistance in opening a bank account

-         Translation services

-         Transportation services

-         Notary visits

-         Document certification

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FEES:

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Depending on the service to be performed, it may have a variable cost per hour or a fixed cost per package.

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