The MOPT has confirmed to us via email the two key points related to the extension of driver’s licenses for foreigners.

First: There is a new grace period valid until June 1st, 2021 for tourists who entered the country after December 17th, 2019, and whose foreign drivers’ licenses have expired, in accordance with Resolution N° DJUR-0031-03-2021-JM issued by the Immigration Department which officially extends the validity of entry stamps until June 1st, 2021.

According to resolution N ° 2021-000196, published Friday, March 26, 2021, it is correct to interpret that a tourist who entered the country after December 17, 2019 can drive with a foreign license until June 1, 2021, even if the driver’s license is expired. The entry stamp will be deemed valid until June 01, 2021 as long as the tourist has validated their insurance through ICT as detailed here. 

We recommend that tourists who are covered by the June 1, 2021 extension carry the following with them:

• Passport showing the entry stamp.

• Foreign driver’s license.

• Insurance policy.

• Email showing that the insurance policy was sent to ICT. If ICT is yet to reply to your request, carry the email you sent them.

• Carry a copy of Resolution 2021-000196 (click to download the PDF) and the clarification email below, just in case.

Second: Grant a new grace period to foreign nationals who have filed an application at the Immigration Department and whose foreign drivers’ licenses are valid or expired from March 20th, 2020 onwards so that they can legally drive until September 30th, 2021.

The MOPT confirmed that indeed people with applications in progress, duly filed at the Immigration Department can legally drive until September 30, 2021 even if their foreign drivers’ licenses expired after March 20, 2020. Those who have a residency application in progress must always carry: 

• Passport with valid entry stamp.

• Foreign driver’s license.

• Application filing receipt (plantilla showing your expediente number). The law makes does not state that the plantilla needs to be recently issued.

• Carry a copy of Resolution 2021-000196 (click to download the PDF) and the clarification email below.

In summary, tourists who are covered by the June 01, 2021 extension are free to drive until such date as long as their insurance is validated up to June 01, 2021. People with applications in progress are free to drive until September 30, 2021.