The three situations
| Situation | What they can do | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Drive on a valid home-country licence for up to 90 days; cannot obtain a Panamanian licence or an extension | Traffic Regulations, Executive Decree 640 of 2006 |
| Temporary or provisional resident | Validate the licence; the Panamanian one expires with the immigration card or after four years, whichever comes first | Sertracen, requirements for foreigners |
| Permanent resident with E cédula | Validate the licence with four-year validity; afterwards renews like any resident | Sertracen |
| Vehicle with foreign plates | May circulate for 90 days with a Transit Authority permit | Traffic Regulations |
Validation requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Immigration status | Original and copy of a valid immigration card with passport, or a valid E cédula |
| Foreign licence | Physical, valid and undamaged |
| Validity certification | Issued by the home country’s traffic authority or its consulate; it must state that it certifies or declares, with the signatory’s name, holder’s details, number, validity, categories, seal and signature; apostilled or legalised through the consulate and the Foreign Ministry |
| Blood type | Blood typing and RH factor certificate |
| Tests | Vision and hearing check at the branch; category D requires a negative drug test from the last six months |
| Categories | Only A, B and C, and D where applicable; public transport categories are not validated |
| Appointment | Mandatory, booked in advance on Sertracen’s website |
| Times | One validation per person; afterwards renewed as a Panamanian licence |
| Cost | 40 balboas for adults up to 54 for women and 59 for men; 36 up to 69; 16 from 70 |
The detail that stops most applications is the certification: the physical licence alone is not enough, nor is a translation. It must come from the issuing authority, with a Hague Convention apostille if the country is a party, or legalised at the Panamanian consulate and then at the Foreign Ministry. Citizens of countries without apostille, such as Canada until recently, must do the double legalisation.
Renewal, categories and fines
The Panamanian licence lasts four years, two for those over 70. Renewal costs the same as the first issue, 40 balboas, and must be done within 30 days of expiry to avoid repeating the full process. Since November 2025 the physical licence has a new design with a QR code and the digital version is valid by Transit Authority resolution. There are eleven categories, from A for bicycles and light motorcycles to J for public transport buses. Driving without carrying a licence or with an expired one costs 50 balboas and the vehicle being held, under article 132 of the regulations; the cap on traffic fines is 300 balboas. Itza Milord, Sertracen’s spokesperson, said in July 2025 that “prices have stayed the same since 2007”.
The international licence
Panama does not require an international licence from tourists: the home-country one suffices within the 90 days. To drive outside Panama on a Panamanian licence, the Touring and Sports Automobile Association issues the international licence, at about 159 dollars including tax according to its own rates.
Context
Sertracen has operated licence issuance under concession since 2007, with seven addenda, and has paid the State 116.2 million dollars for that right; issuance collects about 12.5 million a year. Simón Henríquez, director general of the Transit Authority, reported in August 2025 that “the latest addendum runs until 31 December 2026” and that the service will then be tendered, which could change requirements and prices from 2027.
What nobody has answered yet
- How many licences are validated for foreigners each year? Neither the Transit Authority nor Sertracen publishes the figure.
- What will happen to the price after the 2027 tender? The contract expires in December 2026 and there is no public tender document.
- Is there a specific fine for driving on an expired foreign licence? The regulations do not distinguish it; the expired-licence fine, 50 balboas, applies.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a foreigner drive in Panama on their own licence?
90 days as a tourist, on a valid home-country licence. After that they cannot drive or obtain a Panamanian licence while still a tourist.
How is a foreign licence validated in Panama?
At Sertracen, by appointment, presenting the immigration card or E cédula, the valid physical licence, an apostilled or legalised certification from the issuing authority, blood type, and passing a vision and hearing check. It costs 40 balboas and is done once only.
How long is a Panamanian driving licence valid?
Four years; two for those over 70. For temporary residents, until the immigration card expires if sooner.
What is the fine for driving without a licence in Panama?
50 balboas and the vehicle being held, both for not carrying it and for having it expired, under the Traffic Regulations.
Related articles
- The ten most expensive legal mistakes foreigners make in Panama
- Panama Metro: lines, fares and hours
- Guide to buying a Chinese car in Panama
Sources
- Transit and Land Transport Authority, Traffic Regulations, Executive Decree 640 of 2006.
- Sertracen, foreign licence validation requirements.
- Sertracen, licence fees.
- La Estrella, licence categories and costs.
- TVN, Sertracen statements on prices.
- Telemetro, fine for expired licence.
- Transit and Land Transport Authority, new licence design with QR code.
- Panamá América, tender for licence issuance.
- La Estrella, Transit Authority clarification on foreign licences.
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