Driver licence panama

I was tired of the random traffic stop hassle. Of course, as with anything having to do with the government in Panama, these steps could change at any moment with little or no warning.

Steps one and two will apply to U. Citizens of other countries will need to visit their own embassy or consulate. After step 3 the routine should be the same for everyone. Step 1: Having two copies of your valid American or your home country if not from the U.

Just bring these copies with you and save yourself the hassle of having to run around getting copies later. Of course, bring the originals with you as well. Embassy, which is located in the Clayton area. Do not go to the embassy without an appointment. Even if the place is completely empty, it is highly unlikely they will assist you without an appointment. Alfaro, also known as Tumbo Muerto. This is the same plaza where the Banco Nacional is located. You should see the sign from the street that says Ministero de Relaciones Exteriores above the bank.

The office itself is located on the second floor. The door is somewhat hidden, inside of a hallway, so just go all the way to the right side on the second floor and you should see it. You will need to bring your valid U. Step 4: You will leave both your license and the notarized form with the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores.

Parking is a hassle at Plaza Sun Tower, so I recommend just leaving your car there if you drove and walking to the lab to get the blood type test. The lab is right around the corner.

Cross the first street you come to. Almost directly across from the Blockbuster is a small lab called Clinico Del Castillo. The El Dorado shopping mall has some stores and few restaurants, so you can hang around that area for awhile. It was about p. Their website lists locations at www.

A reader, and friend, Gary M. It seems they only renew them there. Now, for first time licenses, you have to go to the office in Plaza Carolina. Next to it is a big open field where you can park. This building used to be a call center, so the room you start in is like the security checkpoint. When you reach the end of that line, the person behind the counter will check to make sure you have all of your paperwork in order. Have the blood type test results, the notarized form from the U.

Ok, almost there. Give all of your forms to the agent at the desk. The last time I visited this office in Plaza Carolina was to renew my license, and when I got to this point, the woman I was working with spoke no English, so we both kind of laughed our way through the process.

She called over a partner to help decipher my horrible Spanish. They ask you a few questions, have you sign, and take your photo. Listen for your name. Just wait for them to call your name.

Pretty easy even for non-Spanish speakers. Wait for your name to be called. Still, I think you can see why you may not want to go through the process until you have a permanent residency card or one that lasts longer than months.

The regular license, for Panamanians, permanent residents, and pensionados, is good for four years. Just a little something to add to this article. I no longer had to deal with getting harassed by cops who wanted a payout. The first time I got pulled over was on the way to Las Tablas. It was just getting dark and a cop flagged me over on the Pan-American Highway. Boy was I wrong. He took my license, stuck it in this little machine, and out came my ticket.

He handed it to me and told me to get it fixed. Maybe I was better off without the darned license. I have just been stonewalled here at the licensing bureau.

Follow the Procedure below. Expect all of this to take 2 days. Emailed results are not acceptable to Sertracen. Just take your Passport and your Drivers License.

Make sure you check their office hours before you show up. Ricardo J. Alfaro, El Dorado. Get a ticket and wait until your number is called. They will take your documents, and give you a deposit slip for their account with Banco Nacional de Panama. The account number is They will advise you when to return for your authenticated document.

A hearing test will also determine whether you can hear cars honking and other noises while driving. A copy of both sides of the license must be presented. Contact Us for all of your Panama Relocation needs. Have a question? We're here to help. Give us a call or send us a message and get a free Panama legal consult. Browse our eBooks and guides on Panama immigration, relocating to Panama, doing business in Panama and more.