BajaNomad - Mexican drivers license

Mexican drivers license

jauran - 7-21-2014 at 03:26 PM

I currently have a revoked drivers license in my home state in the USA. If I move to mexico, will I be able to get a Mexican license and start driving again? Do you get checked when crossing the border?

bledito - 7-21-2014 at 04:08 PM

it all depends. what was your license revoked for?

DENNIS - 7-21-2014 at 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jauran
I currently have a revoked drivers license in my home state in the USA. If I move to mexico, will I be able to get a Mexican license and start driving again? Do you get checked when crossing the border?

Mexico DLs are for driving Mexico plated cars. I don't know what you drive.

BajaBlanca - 7-21-2014 at 06:17 PM

Any foreign license is good for a certain amount of time in any other country, as far as I know. The length of time this is true for, I don't know and may depend on each individual country.

For sure you can get a driver's license here in Mexico as long as you have an address somewhere here, they usually ask for a bill in your name here in La Bocana and they did the same in .santa Rosalia. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes from beginning to end in Santa Rosalia ( because we had our old ones) and the cost was $500 pesos thereabouts.

BajaBlanca - 7-21-2014 at 06:24 PM

I forgot to mention a very Mexican moment.....the questionnaire asks all sorts of questions, your weight, your height, eye color blablabla

One of the questions is Do you want to donate your organs? So, I said YES.

When I got the license, there was no mention of this so I asked why he hadn't included this vital information. You need a special letter from a hospital he answered. Hahaha, obviously, right?

Amazing, just amazing. They do however, put your blood type down and they also put your next of kin name and phone number right on the back of the license. I just hope Les and I are not together cause we put each other down.

bajaguy - 7-21-2014 at 06:52 PM

You need some type of Immigration status such as Permanent or Temporary Resident, an FMM won't cut it.

Also need something that proves your residence such as an electric (CFE) bill

chippy - 7-21-2014 at 06:58 PM

I drive into the states with my mexxie license and car. I also rent american cars in the usa with my mexxie dl.

BajaGringo - 7-21-2014 at 07:20 PM

Interesting topic...

I know of a guy in San Diego ( a contractor ) who got a DUI and had his CDL revoked years back. He simply came down to Rosarito, got a "constancia de domicilio" from his cousins address, went down and got a Baja drivers license, bought a Baja plated truck and kept on trucking. Last I heard, he is still living and working in San Diego and driving that Baja plated truck...

Whale-ista - 7-21-2014 at 08:41 PM

Here are the requirements for an international drivers license. I believe you can get one at the auto club if you're a member.

Does anyone know if those are valid in Mexico? (you DO have to have a valid license in the US To get one.)

From auto club website: Although many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs are honored in more than 150 countries outside the U.S. (See AAA’s application form for the list of countries.) They function as an official translation of a U.S. driver's license into 10 foreign languages. Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949) authorizes the U.S. Department of State to empower certain organizations to issue IDPs to those who hold valid U.S. driver’s licenses. These permits are not intended to replace valid U.S. state licenses and should only be used as a supplement to a valid license. IDPs are not valid in an individual’s country of residence. An IDP is valid for one year from the effective date provided the state license is still valid throughout that period.

The Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) is issued in accordance with the Organization of American States Convention on Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic (Washington, 1943). The IADP is also valid for one year from the effective date provided the state license is still valid throughout that period. It is not valid for driving in the United States or its territories. IADPs must be carried along with the applicant's regular driver's license.

The Department of State has designated the American Automobile Association (AAA) as an authorized distributor of IDPs. Before departure, you can obtain an IDP or IADP by contacting your local AAA office or:

AAA (the American Automobile Association, Inc.)
1000 AAA Drive, MS 28
Heathrow, FL 32746-5063
Need additional information? Contact AAA International Relations.

[Edited on 7-22-2014 by Whale-ista]

IDP

bajaguy - 7-21-2014 at 08:51 PM

What Is an International Driving Permit?

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that grants someone the privilege of driving a motor vehicle legally while abroad. It does not replace your government-issued driver’s license.

Essentially, an IDP serves as a basic translation of your driver's license. It is translated in 10 languages and features your:
Photo.
Full name.
Relevant driver information.

The following requirements and restrictions apply:
You must carry both your IDP and your driver’s license when driving abroad.
You must obtain your IDP in the same country that issued your driver’s license.
You can never use your IDP to drive in the country in which it was issued.
It is valid for up to 1 year (provided your driver’s license is valid for the full year).

International Driver’s License vs. International Driving Permit

You may hear the term “international driver’s license” or “IDL” used; however, this is an incorrect reference to the international driving permit.

How to Apply for an International Driver Permit

You can only apply for your international driving permit through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the National Automobile Club (NAC). You will need:
A completed IDP application:
AAA application.
NAC application.
A valid driver’s license issued by your state DMV.
2 photos (must be passport-sized).
The backs of the photos must show your signature.
Payment for the applicable fee.
See the application for fees and accepted payment methods.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for an international driving permit.

NOTE: You can apply by mail in most cases, and you may even be able to apply while traveling abroad. Contact your local AAA or NAC for more details.

Mulegena - 7-21-2014 at 09:16 PM

Mexican Driver's License requirements:

1) Constancia de Domicilio - proof of a Mexican address, such as electric bill
2) You need to provide a valid passport.
3) Provide an appropriate-sized photo (they'll take one in the office for 10 pesos)
4) $500 pesos for the license/good for one year

BajaGringo - 7-21-2014 at 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Mexican Driver's License requirements:

1) Constancia de Domicilio - proof of a Mexican address, such as electric bill
2) You need to provide a valid passport.
3) Provide an appropriate-sized photo (they'll take one in the office for 10 pesos)
4) $500 pesos for the license/good for one year

Up here in San Quintin it's good for five years...

Mulegena - 7-21-2014 at 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Up here in San Quintin it's good for five years...

Hmmm... can we renew up there do you think?

BajaGringo - 7-21-2014 at 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Up here in San Quintin it's good for five years...

Hmmm... can we renew up there do you think?

Sure thing. You're more than welcome to stay at the house here with us for a few days...

Howard - 7-21-2014 at 09:45 PM

Interesting, my Mexican DL issued in Loreto and the renewal was good for only for 3 years each.

BajaGringo - 7-21-2014 at 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
Interesting, my Mexican DL issued in Loreto and the renewal was good for only for 3 years each.

Geez...

Maybe we should setup a bed n breakfast to handle all the traffic.

:lol:

bajaguy - 7-21-2014 at 09:58 PM

Original license in Ensenada was for 9 months, follow-up was for 5 years

Go figure

BajaGringo - 7-21-2014 at 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
Original license in Ensenada was for 9 months, follow-up was for 5 years

Go figure

Seems it does vary from office to office. Good news for our up and coming bed n breakfast....

:lol:

DENNIS - 7-22-2014 at 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
What Is an International Driving Permit?

They're a waste of time in Mexico.

DENNIS - 7-22-2014 at 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Hmmm... can we renew up there do you think?

You could renew it on Mars if you know the art of fiscal negotiation.
Mexico may be changing, but...c'mon folks. :lol:

bajabound2005 - 7-22-2014 at 08:14 AM

friend of mine just got hers in Ensenada. here's her story:
"When dealing with a bureaucracy, experiences may vary. Something I had forgotten when, boosted by a report here of another person's relatively easy experience obtaining their driver's license, I plunged ahead on my own quest.

He advised arrive early. I am first person there at 8am opening. So far so good.

I am quickly shown to a monitor by a woman who asks the standard preguntas in Spanish. I reply by showing her copies of my Light bill, FM-3 and required blood type from a Lab (Nunez in Maneadero).

Next is a 15 question electronic test in Spanish.
The other fellow wrote his moderator spoke English and was friendly and translated. I look wildly around for someone who can help translate. Too late.

My moderator speaks only Spanish and is bored with my slow translations.

I fail. But there's a second chance.

Fortunately the bored moderator has wandered off. Halfway through the exam I snag the English speaking guy as he walks by.
I pass.

Next interview with Crux Rojo if you're an organ donor expect to pay $167pesos for donating your body parts after you no longer need them.

The driving exam. The other fellow's was waived because he had a driver's license from the States. So do I. No waiver. But easy-peasy if you know the words in Spanish for "Turn right at the corner" "Turn left." Yes, I do.

I now pay at the window.
The other fellow's license is for FIVE years;I've been issued a provisional license for 9 months because I am told it is my first time. I have to renew when the provisional license expires and that one will be for five years. (I am told I won't have to repeat the morning's process. Will see if that's accurate next April.)

The other fellow's process took an hour. Mine took an hour and twenty minutes.

I pay a total of $725 for the morning's entertainment (The price will be about the same for renewal.) and bounce out of the Licencia department with my driver's license in hand inordinately happy."

BajaBlanca - 7-22-2014 at 06:14 PM

Wow, experiences do vary.

No test in La Bocana or Santa Rosalia. First and second one both good for 3 years.

Regarding the International Drivers License, when I first moved to the States from Brazil, I had both my Brazilian and Int'l licenses. One day, when I stopped a cop to ask for directions and he then asked me for my license, I gave him, logically, the Int'l one. He looked me in the eye and said, don't you have one from the country you got this in? So, I handed it to him.

. He said, next time just hand over this one. Go figure.

[Edited on 7-25-2014 by BajaBlanca]

vandenberg - 7-22-2014 at 07:04 PM

Here in Loreto they're only good for 3 years. Go figure?

Maybe a revenue issue??

[Edited on 7-23-2014 by vandenberg]

bajabound2005 - 7-22-2014 at 07:16 PM

remember...driver's licenses are issued by the STATE. they would be different from Baja Calif to Baja Sur.

Mula - 7-22-2014 at 07:32 PM

3 years validity in Comondu and a little over 200 pesos. Only need to know your blood type. Nothing else.

Baja Norte is getting more Americanized, sounds like.

BajaBlanca - 7-25-2014 at 04:12 PM

Just had a chat with Les and the validity of ours is 3 THREE YEARS and not five. I went back and changed my post saying 5 years. Sorry but sounds like both north and south Baja issue three year licenses.

bajajudy - 7-25-2014 at 04:44 PM

When we first moved down here, we got international driving licenses. After we had got them from AAA, we noticed that it said not valid n Mexico.....of course that could have changed in 15 years.

Mulegena - 7-25-2014 at 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Just had a chat with Les and the validity of ours is 3 THREE YEARS and not five. I went back and changed my post saying 5 years. Sorry but sounds like both north and south Baja issue three year licenses.

You got yours in the Sta. Rosalía office, Blanca & Les, in the pólice department up on the hill? They gave us 1 year each for 500 pesos apiece-- dirty ratz!

BajaBlanca - 7-25-2014 at 05:55 PM

that is so odd that it would not be valid in Mexico ....

International Driving Permit (IDP)

bajaguy - 7-25-2014 at 06:04 PM

"NOTE: Your driver’s license issued by your state DMV will allow you to drive legally in Canada and Mexico. However, an IDP can come in handy in Mexico because it’s translated into Spanish"

http://www.dmv.org/international-driver-permits.php

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
When we first moved down here, we got international driving licenses. After we had got them from AAA, we noticed that it said not valid n Mexico.....of course that could have changed in 15 years.

BajaGringo - 7-25-2014 at 08:05 PM

Just checked and my drivers license issued here in San Quintin in 2011 expires in 2016...

wetto - 7-26-2014 at 07:15 AM

Mexican Drivers License. We always thought that it was the bottle of Pacifico we opened just before getting in our car. :lol:

DENNIS - 7-26-2014 at 07:22 AM

Quote:

I doubt it has changed.

bajabuddha - 7-26-2014 at 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wetto
Mexican Drivers License. We always thought that it was the bottle of Pacifico we opened just before getting in our car. :lol:

That's your Mexican A/C. A friend from Mexicali says this time of year is "La Tierra del Juevos Hielados" there. That's when you put a cold ballena of TKT between your legs with the windows down.
:wow: