In the isthmus country, regulations to consider are established by "Sertracen", the agency responsible for regulating and supervising land traffic and transport. On the ground, the agents of the land transport authority (ATT) are often responsible for traffic regulation. If you enter Panama for the first time as a tourist with a valid driver's license from your home country, you can use it for 90 days from the date of entry.
⚠️ Important Warning
Initiating your migration process immediately prohibits you from using your foreign license in Panama. No longer a tourist, you no longer have the right to drive a vehicle on Panamanian soil, even if the 90-day period has not elapsed. You must wait to have a Panamanian driver's license to drive again. Besides a fine of $50, the police can immobilize your vehicle, and in the event of an accident, you may not be covered by your insurance.
Options After Obtaining Migration Status
Homologation (exchange): If you have a driver's license from your home country and want to exchange it. Documents not written in Spanish must be translated by an authorized interpreter in Panama. Often, it is faster and less costly to retake the driving test in Panama directly.
Starting from scratch: If you do not have a license or do not wish to homologate, you must attend a driving school certified by Sertracen. Panama Contact Services guides you through partner schools.
License Validity
Foreign licenses are valid for three months and allow driving under categories A, B, C, and D. Public transport driving is not authorized with these categories.
In Panama, the Panamanian license is issued for a period of four years. For foreigners with temporary or provisional status, the validity coincides with their residence card. Only permanent residents benefit from the full four-year validity.
