Driver's Licenses in Mexico for Foreigners: Using Yours and Getting a Mexican License

Yes, as a visitor. Mexican authorities generally accept a valid license from your home country for tourists. Keep these points in mind:

• Carry your passport and immigration document with your license.
• An International Driving Permit is not usually required, but it can help as a Spanish translation of your license.
• Insurance: you need Mexican liability insurance; most foreign policies do not provide it. Mexican law requires liability insurance on federal highways.
• Foreign-plated cars need a temporary import permit outside the border zone and the Baja peninsula. See temporary vehicle import permits.

For entry rules, see visiting Mexico as a tourist.

Mexico has no single national rule for private drivers. Each state has its own traffic law and decides who must hold a local license. In practice:

• Many residents keep using their foreign license for a while, and police often accept it.
• Some state rules expect residents to get a local license, and insurers may question a claim if a long-term resident drove on a foreign license.
• A Mexican license is also a handy local ID.

If you live in Mexico on a temporary or permanent resident card, getting a license in your state is the safest choice. Keeping your home-country license valid is also useful for trips home.

Apply at the vehicle and driver office of the state where you live (in Mexico City, the Mobility Secretariat, SEMOVI). Many states let you book or pay online first. Expect to bring:

• Residence card and passport.
• CURP. See how to get a CURP.
• Proof of address in that state, usually a recent utility bill.
• Your foreign license, which in some states can reduce the tests you take.
• Blood type in states that print it on the license.
• Payment of the state fee, which depends on the state, the license type and how many years it is valid.

Depending on the state, you may take a written test on traffic rules, a practical driving test, and a vision test. Tests are usually in Spanish. The license is often printed the same day.

If you want to drive professionally, you also need work permission on your residence card. See work permits for residents.

• Renewal. Licenses are valid for a set number of years chosen when you pay. Renew before the expiry date; many states let you renew online if your data has not changed.
• Residence card first. Some states will not issue a license valid for longer than your residence card. When you renew your residency, you may need to renew or update the license too.
• Lost or stolen license. Report it and request a replacement at your state office. Keep a photo of the license and your card on your phone.
• Moving to another state. A license from one Mexican state is valid across Mexico while it is valid. When it expires, you renew in the state where you then live, with proof of your new address.
• Buying a car. A local license makes it easier to register a car and get Mexican plates. See Mexican plates.

• Traffic laws are local. Speed limits, fines and alcohol limits vary by state and city.
• Mexico City restrictions. The "Hoy No Circula" program limits which cars can drive on certain days based on plates and emissions stickers. Cars with foreign or out-of-state plates have their own rules. See Mexico City.
• Checkpoints. Police and military checkpoints and breathalyzer checkpoints are common in some areas. Stay calm and have documents ready.
• Fines. If stopped, you can ask for a written ticket (infracción) and pay it at the official office or online.
• Road safety. Speed bumps (topes), livestock and poor lighting make night driving on rural roads riskier. See safety in Mexico.
• Emergency number: 911.