HOW TO GET A DRIVING LICENSE IN PANAMA FOR YOU EXPATS

To get a Panamanian driver's license as a resident, you must have a valid residency card, pass a driving school course, and complete tests at Sertracen. The process involves a blood type test, written exam (available in English), and a practical driving test. The initial fee is generally $40, and you must have a valid immigration status.

Requirements for First-Time Applicants

Residency Status: You must have a temporary or permanent residency visa and an immigration ID card (E-card or Carnet).

Driving School Certificate: Take a theoretical and practical training course from an authorized agent by A.T.T.T..

Blood Test: Get a blood type certificate from an approved laboratory (costs roughly $10-$25).

Documents: Present your original, valid passport, a copy of it, and your original migration card.

No Pending Fines: You must not have accumulated more than 50 points on your driving record.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Complete Training: Take a training course (typically 16-32 hours) at an authorized driving school.

Book Appointment: Schedule a time for the exam and license application on the Sertracen website.

Pass Exams: At Sertracen, you will undergo a visual/hearing test, a 10-question multiple-choice written exam, and a driving test (parking and maneuvering).

Pay and Receive: Pay the $40 fee (or $36 for permanent residents) and receive your license, often within 60 minutes of approval.

Alternative: Homologation (Converting Foreign License)

If you already have a driver's license from your home country, you may be able to convert it instead of starting from scratch:

Authenticate License: Get your license authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy in your home country or in Panama City and notarized.

Translate: Get an official translation of your license.

Sertracen Conversion: Bring your documented license, immigration card, and blood test to a Sertracen office for approval.

Important Notes

Foreign License: Tourists can drive with their home license for only 90 days, after which they must have a Panamanian license.

Age 70+: Applicants aged 70+ require a physical/mental health certificate from a specialist.

Validity: The license for temporary residents matches the expiration of their migration card, up to a maximum of 4 years.