You can use a valid driver’s license from your own country while driving in Mexico. However, if you plan to live and drive in the country, you will sooner or later be required to get a Mexican driver’s license. Remember that you only have one year to get a local license after registering a car in your name.
So how do you get your Mexican driver’s license as an expat driving in Mexico? Here’s a step-by-step guide that will come in handy:
Are you planning on traveling or living in Mexico? West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect yourself from the unexpected. Fill out their Application Form to get a quote for the most reliable Mexican Insurance coverage available throughout Mexico.
Step 1: Prepare your paperwork.
To obtain a Mexican driver’s license, you will need to provide the original and a copy of your immigration card, passport, and proof of address in Mexico.
If your name is not on the proof of address document (for example, if your spouse or a friend/partner’s name is on the lease), you have two options:
● You can provide a marriage certificate if the person named on the lease is your spouse.
● If the person named on the lease is your friend or a partner, you will be required to present a utility bill to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) with their name on it along with a letter from your friend or partner confirming that this address is also your address and can be used as your own proof of a utility bill in Mexico. Once INM, confirms this, they will issue a formal letter stating that you are also qualified to use the same address as your own. You will need to bring the original proof, a copy of this letter and the utility bill from the property. Keep in mind that you will only be provided with one original copy of the letter — therefore, we recommend that you should safeguard the original for proof in the future if asked for it.
Step 2: Submit your papers.
Now that you have your paperwork in order, you can head to the Secretaría de Seguridad Pública (SSP) office to hand it over to the staff to process the paperwork. The receptionist at the front desk will ensure you have everything you need.
Remember that the entire process will be in Spanish — starting from the moment you enter the office and continuing through the driving test. If you don’t speak any Spanish, you will need the assistance of a friend or a translator that can help you along the way.
Private insurance provides access to better healthcare.
Because private global health insurance provides coverage at private clinics and hospitals and the option to pick your doctor, many American expats in Mexico prefer to combine public and private health insurance. Private hospitals have shorter waiting times, better infrastructure, and provide superior care compared to public hospitals in Mexico.
Step 3: Head to the medical center.
Next, you will make your way to the medical center. At the center, you will be required to provide information about yourself, such as your age and blood type, and have your eyesight tested. As soon as you have completed the process, you can move to the testing station.
Step 4: Take a written test.
You can take the written test in either Spanish or English — however, you should be aware that there have been complaints regarding the translations for the latter. There are ten questions on the test, and you will need to answer 8 of the 10 correct or you will fail and the test will be over.
If you do not pass the written test, they will keep your documents for 15 days. You are free to come back any time during these 15 days and retake the test. Once the deadline has passed, you must restart the process.
Step 5: Take your driving test.
Now that you have passed your written test, the final step in getting a Mexican driver’s license is now to take the driving test.
You will be issued a plastic card and asked to bring it as well as your photo ID, because it’s time to get in your vehicle and drive it to the end of the line and wait until it is your turn to take the driving test. It is worth noting that this is a test of your ability to parallel park, with cones 1.5 meters in front of and behind the car. Essentially, you get three tries to perform five maneuvers. You have passed your test if your car is parked at the center without hitting the cones.
CONGRATULATIONS! You passed and the next step is to wait for your paperwork and pay.
Lastly, you will have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned, and then you will have to wait a few more minutes for your Mexican Driver’s license to print.
Do not forget to secure Mexico Auto Insurance.
Even if you are covered by insurance in your home country, it does not assure you that you will be covered if you get involved in an accident in Mexico. Important note that the Mexican Auto insurance that you secure should directly relate to where your vehicle is registered. Working with a reputable broker such as West Coast Global Insurance Services can help ensure that you have the correct coverage. Whether you are looking for Mexico Auto Insurance, Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, or anything in between, West Coast Global Insurance Services can help you find the best plan for your needs and budget.