Dominican Republic – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Dominican Republic on their home country licence, and for how long?

Foreign nationals arriving in the Dominican Republic are entitled to drive on the licence issued by their home country for a maximum of 90 days. Once that grace period is over, a Dominican driving licence must be obtained. This 90-day allowance applies uniformly, regardless of which country originally issued the licence.

The applicable rules vary according to immigration status. Visitors entering on a tourist card — which typically covers stays of 60 to 90 days — may drive freely using their own national licence throughout their stay. However, the situation changes considerably once an individual transitions from visitor to resident.

Foreign nationals who have taken up legal residency in the Dominican Republic are expected to secure a Dominican driving licence promptly. This requirement is tied not merely to the 90-day window but to the establishment of residency itself: even if a resident is technically still within their 90 days, they should begin the licence application process without delay upon formalising their status.

One important practical consideration is that a Dominican licence application cannot be submitted until the applicant holds a cédula — the Dominican national identity card — which is only issued to permanent residents and citizens. Those whose residency applications are still being processed should carry documentation evidencing their application’s progress. Tourist visas do not satisfy the requirements for a licence application; confirmed Dominican residency is a prerequisite.

Does Dominican Republic have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

In contrast to many European nations, which benefit from bilateral or EU-wide arrangements permitting straightforward licence swaps, the Dominican Republic has no broad international exchange framework in place. There is no universal agreement currently in force that would allow foreign nationals to trade in their existing licence for a Dominican one without completing additional steps.

A limited number of nationalities do have some form of conversion pathway — Canada is one example — but the United States and the United Kingdom are not among them. Even where such a pathway exists, expats and legal practitioners on the ground report that the process is far from simple, typically involving documentation requirements, medical assessments, and INTRANT review. Holders of US licences, in particular, face a specific structural barrier: because US licences are issued at the state rather than federal level, the US embassy is unable to apostille or certify them, and INTRANT requires apostille or official certification as part of any exchange process. This effectively closes off the direct exchange route for US nationals.

It is also worth noting that legislative initiatives have been proposed in other jurisdictions that could eventually affect this situation. For instance, a 2023 bill introduced in New York State proposed that the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles negotiate a reciprocity agreement with INTRANT, enabling residents of New York in the Dominican Republic and Dominican residents in New York to swap licences. However, readers should verify directly with INTRANT whether any such arrangement has since been enacted, as legislative proposals do not automatically translate into operational policy. The most current information can be found at intrant.gob.do.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Dominican Republic?

Where a conversion route is open to nationals of a given country whose licences are accepted by INTRANT, the procedure shares certain features with exchange systems elsewhere — including the need for an authenticated foreign licence and a medical assessment. The steps outlined below reflect the process as documented by legal professionals and official sources within the Dominican Republic. Requirements can change, so it is always advisable to confirm the current procedure directly with INTRANT before proceeding.

1. Obtain legal residency and secure your cédula. Applicants must be legal residents of the Dominican Republic and hold a cédula (Dominican identity card) before the licence process can begin. No application will be accepted without this.
2. Obtain certification of your foreign licence from your country’s embassy or consulate. A letter or certificate from your home country’s embassy or consulate confirming the validity of your driving licence is required, and this document must be duly authenticated and legalised through the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This step can be particularly complex for applicants whose licences are issued by sub-national bodies rather than a central government authority.
3. Submit your application at INTRANT. The application is lodged in person at INTRANT offices, where you will complete the necessary forms and present all required documents for review.
4. Undergo a medical examination. All applicants must complete a medical assessment at an authorised clinic, including tests for vision and hearing. Eye examinations and blood type tests are conducted at INTRANT’s main headquarters in Santo Domingo or at one of its regional offices.
5. Sit a written and/or practical examination if required. At the discretion of the reviewing inspector, applicants may be required to sit a written and practical driving test. This is not automatically waived simply because you hold a valid foreign licence — come prepared regardless.
6. Pay the applicable fees. Payment receipts from BanReservas (Banco de Reservas) are required as proof that all taxes and fees associated with the licence application have been settled. Check the current fee schedule at intrant.gob.do or through the INTRANT virtual office, as amounts are liable to change.
7. Collect your licence. Once processing is complete, your Dominican driving licence can be collected from INTRANT offices. It is strongly recommended to begin the process well ahead of the 90-day deadline to avoid any gap in your legal entitlement to drive.

Unlike the administrative licence swaps available in certain other countries — for example, France’s system whereby EU licence holders can exchange their document without any testing — the Dominican Republic does not guarantee a test-free conversion even where an exchange pathway formally exists. The embassy legalisation requirement introduces a significant additional step that applicants should factor into their timelines and may wish to seek legal assistance to navigate.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Dominican Republic from scratch?

For those who do not hold a convertible foreign licence — or whose exchange route is unavailable, as is the case for many nationalities — the standard path is to apply for a Dominican driving licence from the beginning. This process involves demonstrating that the applicant meets the required physical and moral standards, as well as showing sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge of road rules and current legal provisions.

The Dominican system incorporates a learner-permit stage prior to the issuance of a full licence, a structure broadly similar to provisional or learner licence arrangements found in many other countries. Following a successful theory examination, applicants are issued a Learning Permit valid for two weeks, after which — provided at least 15 days have passed — they sit the practical test to qualify for their full licence.

1. Make an appointment online. Any application for a driving licence in the Dominican Republic must begin with an online appointment booking, after which you will receive a QR code to present at your nearest INTRANT office.
2. Assemble the required documents. Essential documents include your cédula (Dominican identity card), proof of your address, and a Certificate of Good Conduct obtained from the Attorney General’s office, which is required to establish moral suitability.
3. Sit the written theory examination. Applicants must demonstrate their understanding of Dominican traffic law by completing a written test at INTRANT premises. The examination covers road rules, traffic signs, and other driving-related matters. The test is conducted in Spanish, and practice materials are available online.
4. Complete the medical and vision examination. A vision test and blood type assessment must be completed at the central INTRANT headquarters in Santo Domingo or at one of the organisation’s regional offices.
5. Receive your Learning Permit and observe the waiting period. After the theory test is passed, your Learning Card is issued. You must wait a minimum of 15 days before sitting the practical examination (45 days in the case of minors), and the card must remain within its six-month validity window.
6. Pass the practical driving examination. The practical test requires a minimum score of 75 points. Examiners may use real vehicles, simulators, or a combination of both to assess candidates.
7. Pay the applicable fees. Fees can be settled online through the INTRANT Virtual Office, by card at the point of service, or at a BanReservas branch. Since fee levels are set by CODITRANT (the INTRANT Board of Directors) and are subject to periodic revision, always verify the current amounts on the INTRANT website.
8. Receive your full driving licence. Once all stages have been completed and fees paid, your Dominican licence will be issued. The overall timeline from Learning Permit to full licence typically spans at least a few weeks.

Both citizens and legal residents from the age of 16 upwards are eligible to apply. Given that all testing is conducted in Spanish, applicants with limited fluency should dedicate time to preparation — many expats report working through multiple online practice tests before attempting the official examination.

How do you renew a driving licence in Dominican Republic?

A Dominican driving licence remains valid for four years for holders under the age of 65, and for two years for those aged 65 and above. The shorter renewal cycle for older drivers is established under Law 63-17, the country’s primary land transit and transportation legislation. This provision is framed as a road safety measure rather than a discriminatory one, and is designed to ensure that all drivers — including those who may encounter age-related changes affecting their driving fitness — remain adequately assessed on a regular basis.

The documentation required for renewal closely mirrors what is needed at the initial application stage. Applicants must present proof of a recent eye examination carried out at a central or regional INTRANT office, their expiring or expired Dominican driving licence, and their cédula. A BanReservas payment receipt confirming settlement of the applicable renewal fee is also required.

Renewal payments can be made through the INTRANT virtual office or directly at a BanReservas branch. Following public concern about renewal fees for older drivers, INTRANT clarified that charges are applied consistently across all applicants based on licence category, irrespective of age. For the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, consult intrant.gob.do directly, as the INTRANT Board of Directors reviews these figures periodically.

Foreign nationals who hold a Dominican driving licence and maintain valid residency renew on exactly the same terms as Dominican nationals — the renewal process is licence-based, not nationality-based. That said, it is essential to ensure your cédula and residency status remain current, as expired residency documentation can create complications when renewing.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic acceded to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, signing on 19 September 1949 and ratifying it on 15 August 1957. The country is not a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention. As a state party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, the Dominican Republic officially recognises International Driving Permits issued under that convention. Travellers whose home countries issue IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention format should be aware that this version does not carry the same recognised status in the Dominican Republic, and should seek to obtain an IDP issued under the 1949 Convention format wherever possible.

Under the terms of the 1949 Convention, an IDP is valid in the Dominican Republic for a period of one year. This makes it a useful option for long-stay visitors or those in the process of establishing residency who require a legally sound basis for driving while their local licence application is being completed.

It is essential to understand that an IDP functions solely as a translation and companion document — it does not stand alone as a driving authorisation. It must be carried alongside a valid national licence from the issuing country at all times. If stopped by police or other authorities, both the IDP and the domestic licence must be produced. An IDP should be regarded as a bridging solution for those in transition, not a permanent arrangement for anyone who has taken up long-term residence in the Dominican Republic.

Those relocating permanently to the Dominican Republic are expected to comply with local licensing requirements once residency is established. An IDP is appropriately used as a stopgap while the residency and licence application process is underway, but should not be relied upon as an indefinite substitute for a Dominican licence.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic operates a penalty framework for road traffic offences, with consequences that vary according to the nature and severity of the violation. The primary legislative instrument governing these matters is Law 63-17, the Land Transit and Transport Law, which overhauled the country’s traffic regulations and formally established INTRANT as the central regulatory authority.

In accordance with Law 63-17, a points-based licence system is being introduced to enable more rigorous monitoring of traffic violations. Once fully operational, this system is expected to function similarly to penalty points regimes in countries such as France and Spain, where the accumulation of points can ultimately result in licence suspension or disqualification.

Among the most commonly encountered licence-related offences and their typical consequences are the following:

• Driving without a valid licence: This is treated as a serious legal violation under Dominican law and may lead to financial penalties, the impoundment of the vehicle, and potentially detention. For current fine amounts, check with INTRANT directly, as figures are subject to revision.
• Driving on an expired foreign licence: Once the 90-day grace period has lapsed, continuing to drive on a foreign licence without obtaining a Dominican one constitutes a legal infringement. Fines and vehicle impoundment are among the possible consequences.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Offenders may face a custodial sentence of up to three months along with a financial penalty. The permitted blood alcohol limit is 30 mg per 100 ml of blood — considerably stricter than in many other countries, such as the United Kingdom where the limit stands at 80 mg per 100 ml. Drivers should exercise particular caution in this regard.
• Driving without insurance: All drivers in the Dominican Republic are legally required to hold at least third-party liability insurance. This obligation applies regardless of whether the driver holds a foreign or Dominican licence.

Penalties for road traffic offences can be severe, and full compliance with Dominican traffic law is essential to avoid fines or the risk of imprisonment. For a current and comprehensive schedule of penalties and fines, consult the INTRANT website at intrant.gob.do or seek guidance from a qualified local legal professional, as specific amounts are subject to periodic revision.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Dominican Republic?

All matters relating to driving licences in the Dominican Republic fall under the remit of INTRANT — the Instituto Nacional de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre — the government body charged with regulating land-based transit across the country in all its forms. INTRANT is the single point of contact for first-time licence applications, renewals, conversions, penalty point enquiries, and all related administrative matters.

INTRANT operates both a central headquarters and a network of regional offices, and provides an online virtual office through which appointments can be booked and payments processed. Its contact details and online services are accessible at:

• INTRANT Official Website: intrant.gob.do
• INTRANT Virtual Office: Accessible via the official website for appointment scheduling and online fee payment
• INTRANT headquarters: Santo Domingo (main office), with regional offices in Puerto Plata, Santiago, and other major population centres across the country

INTRANT has initiated a procurement process to select a company to manage the full end-to-end issuance of driving licences in the Dominican Republic. Planned enhancements include the introduction of high-security polycarbonate licence cards featuring laser engraving and advanced anti-fraud measures, bringing the country’s credentials into line with international standards. Digital licences are also in development, with an initial target of 10% of licences being issued in digital form to facilitate electronic verification.

Fee payments are handled through BanReservas (Banco de Reservas), the state bank through which official government charges are collected. Payments by card at INTRANT offices are also accepted. For matters concerning vehicle registration and associated taxation, the relevant authority is the Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII). Full details on all INTRANT services can be found at the official website: intrant.gob.do.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Dominican Republic with my foreign licence straight away?

Yes — foreign nationals may drive in the Dominican Republic using their home country licence immediately upon arrival, for a period of up to 90 days. Once that period has elapsed, or once you have established legal residency, you are required to hold a Dominican driving licence. Your licence should be kept with you at all times and must be valid.

Do I need to retake my driving test to get a Dominican Republic licence?

Whether you are required to sit a written and practical test depends to some extent on the reviewing inspector, and in some cases holders of valid foreign licences may not be required to do so. However, the majority of foreign nationals — particularly those whose licences cannot be officially certified for exchange purposes — will need to pass both examinations. It is advisable to prepare for both tests regardless of your expectations.

How long does it take to get a Dominican Republic driving licence?

After passing the theory test you will be issued a Learning Permit, and following a minimum waiting period of 15 days you may sit the practical examination to obtain your full licence. In reality, accounting for document gathering, authentication steps, and appointment availability, the full process commonly takes several weeks to a few months. Beginning well before your 90-day foreign licence window closes is strongly recommended.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of getting a Dominican licence?

An IDP is only valid when presented together with a valid national licence from your home country, and is a temporary measure rather than a replacement for a locally issued Dominican licence. In the Dominican Republic, an IDP issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention is recognised for up to one year. If you are settling in the country permanently, obtaining a Dominican licence once residency is in place will be necessary.

Which type of IDP does Dominican Republic recognise?

The Dominican Republic is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and has not acceded to the 1968 Vienna Convention. Accordingly, only IDPs issued under the 1949 Convention carry formal recognition in the country. If your home country offers IDPs under both convention formats, ensure you obtain the 1949 version prior to travelling.

Do I need to surrender my foreign licence when I get a Dominican one?

Your foreign licence is generally required as part of the application process, but unlike certain European jurisdictions, it is not routinely confiscated or surrendered. The specifics may vary depending on your nationality and the type of application you are making. It is best to confirm the current position directly with INTRANT at intrant.gob.do before submitting your application.

How much does a Dominican Republic driving licence cost?

Licence fees are determined by CODITRANT, the governing board of INTRANT, and are reviewed and revised from time to time. Payments are made through BanReservas or via the INTRANT virtual office. Rather than relying on any specific figure found online — which may be outdated — always verify the current fee schedule directly on the official INTRANT website.

How often do I need to renew my Dominican driving licence?

A Dominican driving licence is valid for four years for holders under 65 years of age, and for two years for those aged 65 or over. Renewing your licence requires a vision test and payment of the applicable fee through BanReservas or the INTRANT virtual office. Make sure your cédula and any residency documentation are also kept up to date at the time of renewal.