Procedure guide · Living in Panama

Panama Driver's License for Foreigners: Converting Your License

How long you can drive in Panama on a foreign license and how to convert it at Sertracen once you are a resident: requirements, steps and cost.

As a tourist: 90 days with your license
Where: Sertracen (ATTT concessionaire)
Cost: USD 40 in general, with reduced rates by age
Updated: October 3, 2026

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In short

As a tourist you can drive in Panama with your valid home-country license for 90 days. Once you have residency, you can convert your foreign license into a Panamanian one without retaking the driving tests, at Sertracen, the concessionaire of the Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT). Conversion is only allowed once, when you apply for your first Panamanian license.

What do you need to convert your license?

A valid immigration card or, if you are a permanent resident, your foreigner ID card (cédula E).
Your original passport for the nationality shown on the card.
Your physical foreign license, valid and in good condition.
A certification of the license and a certified copy (both sides), issued by the agency that issued it or by your country's consulate or embassy in Panama.
The signatures on that certification authenticated: with an apostille, if your country is party to the Hague Convention, or legalized by the Panamanian consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Your blood type and Rh factor, from a laboratory authorized by the Ministry of Health, if your license does not show them.
Being in good standing with the ATTT and having no more than 50 points on your driver record.
Translation by an authorized interpreter in Panama of any documents not in Spanish.

Required documents

Immigration card or cédula E
Original and valid
Passport
Original
Foreign driver's license
Valid and in good condition
Certification and certified copy of the license
From the issuing agency or your consulate in Panama
Apostille or legalisation
Blood type and Rh factor
Only if the license does not show them

Step by step

01
Request the certification and certified copy of your license
From the agency that issued it in your country or from your country's consulate in Panama.
02
Authenticate the signatures
With an apostille or with consular legalization and legalization by Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
03
Translate anything not in Spanish
By an authorized interpreter in Panama.
04
Book an appointment at Sertracen
At licencia.com.pa. Seniors, retirees, pensioners and people with disabilities can go without an appointment.
05
Go to the branch
You submit the documents, take the vision and hearing check and pay at the ATTT cashier.
06
Receive your Panamanian license
If your residency is temporary, the license is valid until your immigration ID card expires or 4 years, whichever comes first.

Costs

First driver's licenseRetirees and pensioners get a discount by showing their accreditation: USD 40 in general, with reduced rates by age
Certification, authentication and translation: Depends on the country

Frequently asked questions

How long can I drive on my license as a tourist?

For 90 days, with your valid license. As a tourist you cannot get a Panamanian license: to convert it you need residency.

Is there a discount for retirees and pensioners?

Yes. The retirees and pensioners benefits law also applies to the cost of the license, on showing the document that proves it (see retiree discounts).

Does my country have an exchange agreement?

Some countries have their own exchange procedure: for example, Sertracen publishes one for Spanish licenses. Check whether one exists for your country before starting the conversion.

Which categories can I convert?

Those equivalent to Panamanian categories A, B, C and D. With limited immigration status, only A, B and C, and public transportation categories are reserved for Panamanians.