Exchange of Spanish
Driving License
Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Panama
Table of equivalence between driving licenses of the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Panama (Annex No. 1)
| CATEGORÍA DE LICENCIA DE CONDUCIR DEL REINO DE ESPAÑA | EQUIVALENTE DE TIPO DE LICENCIA EN PANAMÁ |
|---|---|
| Categoría A2 | Tipo B |
| Categoría B | Tipo C |
| Categoría C1 | Tipo D* |
| Categoría C | Tipo F* |
| Categoría C+E | Tipo G* |
| Categoría D1 | Tipo E2* (No aplica a extranjeros) |
| Categoría D | Tipo E3 y F* (Extranjeros sólo tipo F) |
IMPORTANT NOTE
To exchange the Spanish driving license for a Panamanian driving license, you must meet the following requirements:
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The exchange of a Spanish driver’s license for a Panamanian driver’s license is a one-time process.
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No tests are required if opting for categories B and C.
Remember to check the validity of your Spanish driver’s license.
On Saturdays, some branches do not have an ATM available; therefore, the payment for the driver’s license process can be made through the Telered ATM network or online banking (depending on your bank’s availability). -
If you opt for a license of type D, E2, E3, F, or G, you must complete the practical validation(s) according to your request. It is important to bring the appropriate vehicle.
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Individuals with hearing disabilities must present a medical diagnosis issued by an Otolaryngologist and an audiometry test with a validity of no more than six (6) months from the date of issuance. The document must include the individual’s full name, personal identification number (ID card or passport), signature, and fresh seal of the diagnosing physician, along with the test results. With this documentation, individuals with hearing disabilities will not be required to undergo the auditory validation process.
Note: The SENADIS disability card will not be accepted, as it is only valid for the economic benefits granted by Law 134 of 2013. The Ministry of Health disability card will also not be accepted, as it is solely for medical care within the health system.
To carry out your procedures, it is essential to schedule your appointment through licencia.com.pa
*Seniors, retirees, pensioners, and individuals with disabilities do not require an appointment.
REQUIREMENTS
- Original and copy of the valid migration card. If you have a permanent resident permit (ID E), you must present the original and a copy of your personal identity card (valid, with no damage to the plastic and seal, with legible data and photograph).
- Original passport according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- Original and copy of personal identity card. If you are Panamanian with ID N, you must present the original and a copy of your personal identity card (valid, with no damage to the plastic and seal, with legible data and photograph).
- Present the original driver’s license from your issuing country, valid with the security features indicated by the Spanish government. We do not accept damaged licenses. *This license must be submitted for the driver’s license exchange process.
- Certification of the driver’s license issued by the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in Panama.
- Verification of the license, stamped and signed by the Embassy or Consulate of Spain in Panama.
- Authenticate the signature of the certification and license verification document at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
- If not indicated on your license, you must present blood type and RH factor from a laboratory authorized by the Technical Health Council of Minsa (The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport number or permanent resident number (ID E) for foreigners, stamp and fresh signature of the laboratory technician).
- Perform visual and auditory validation at the branch according to the procedure established by the A.T.T.T.
- Holders of a Panamanian driving license requesting the exchange for equivalent Spanish licenses for class C1 (corresponding to category D in Panama) must take both the theoretical and practical exams, using the vehicle authorized by the driving license.
- For category D, a negative result from a laboratory authorized by the Technical Health Council of MINSA for marijuana and cocaine use is required. This result is valid for six (6) months from the document’s issuance date. (The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport number or permanent resident number (ID E) for foreigners, stamp and fresh signature of the laboratory technician). Requirement by Law 146 of April 15, 2020, effective May 15, 2020.
- You can perform the practical validation on a simulator, free of charge, according to available categories https://www.sertracen.com.pa/sucursales/
- Bring your vehicle for practical validation according to the requested category(ies), it must be in good condition with a valid plate (sticker and decal).
- Sertracen does not rent vehicles.
- Cost of the driver’s license procedure https://www.sertracen.com.pa/costos-de-licencia/
- You must be clear with the A.T.T.T.
Important:
- If you are elderly, disabled, pensioned, or retired, you can request your in-person procedure without an appointment.
- Any person aged seventy (70) or older may opt for a driver’s license, which will be valid for two (2) years. Additionally, you must present a certificate of good physical and mental health issued by a specialist in internal medicine or geriatrics, and the certificate must be no older than 6 months. The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport or permanent resident number (ID E) for foreigners, stamp and fresh signature of the doctor with their specialty.
- Payment must be made at the branch where you complete your procedure.
- You can make your payment in cash, credit, and debit card at the A.T.T.T. counters within Sertracen branches. Also, by online banking or ATM, once the operator provides you with the control number for your new procedure in case of payment through ATM.
- The names, surnames, and document number must match or be identical in all requirements presented; if there is any difference in the data, supporting documents will be requested to validate that it is the same person and will be subject to verification.
- All documents submitted must be valid, in good condition, with no damage, and the data and photograph legible, following the security guidelines; except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented as the original according to the nationality described in the migration card (applies to all requirements).
- Foreigners with a new document number: to carry out the driver’s license procedure after any identity document change (passport to passport, passport to ID, ID to passport, or ID to ID), records must be updated to the new number:
- Vehicle registration (vehicles they own must be updated).
- Minor infractions (pending ones must be paid, and payment arrangements must be updated to the new document number).
- Weights and dimensions (vehicle procedures under their name must have concluded, i.e., card withdrawals and payments).
- Traffic courts (restrictions and police reports must be resolved or updated to the new number).
- The vehicle used for the practical validation must be in good condition with a valid plate (sticker and decal).
- Vehicle access to the practical validation area:
- Vehicles marked by the authorized driving schools of the A.T.T.T. can only be used by users who have a valid certificate with the corresponding category(ies) for the vehicle(s) issued by said school.
- Any vehicle with an assigned route must have an off-route permit. Only one (1) test per day is allowed per permit.
- Any private vehicle can enter for one (1) test.
- Foreigners registered under a limited immigration status can only opt for categories A, B, and C.
- The issuance of the driver’s license is conditioned on compliance with traffic regulations and that all requirements are valid at the time of document printing; except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented as the original according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- For foreigners with temporary residence, the validity of the driver’s license is determined by the expiration of the migration card or up to four (4) years, whichever comes first.
- Once the procedure is started, it must be completed at that branch.
- The exchange of a Spanish driving license for a Panamanian one is done only once.
- The exchange of driving permits (minors) or international licenses is not allowed.
- You must not have accumulated more than fifty (50) points on your driving record at the time of requesting the procedure. (Requirement by Law 146 of April 15, 2020, effective May 15, 2020).
- The foreign driver’s license exchange procedure does not apply to public transport categories, article 113, item b.1, which requires “Being Panamanian.”
REQUIREMENTS
- Original and copy of the valid migration card. If you have permanent resident status (E ID), you must present the original and copy of your valid personal identity card (without deterioration in the plastic or seal, with clear data and photo).
- Original passport according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- Original and copy of personal identity card. If you are Panamanian with an N identity card, you must present the original and copy of the valid personal identity card (without deterioration in the plastic or seal, with clear data and photo).
- Original driver’s license from your issuing country, valid with the security features outlined by the Spanish government. We do not accept damaged licenses. *This license must be handed in for the exchange of the driver’s license.
- Certification of the driver’s license issued by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Panama.
- Verification of the license, stamped and signed by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Panama.
- Authentication of the signature on the certification and verification document of the Spanish driving license at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
- Blood type and RH factor from an authorized laboratory by the Health Public Technical Council of MINSA (if not indicated on the license).
- Negative drug test result (marijuana and cocaine) from a laboratory authorized by the Health Public Technical Council of MINSA, valid for six (6) months.
- Certificate of physical and mental health with the signature and stamp of the doctor, with a validity of six (6) months.
- Visual and auditory validation at the branch according to the procedure established by the A.T.T.T.
- Theoretical and practical tests for holders of a Panamanian driving license who request the exchange of licenses equivalent to Spanish licenses of class C (which corresponds to class F in Panama).
- Bring your vehicle for the practical validation according to the requested category(s), it must be in good condition with a valid plate (current sticker and decal).
- Sertracen does not rent vehicles.
- Cost of the driver’s license process available on Sertracen’s website.
- Be clear with A.T.T.T.
Important:
- If you are elderly, disabled, retired, or pensioned, you can request your process in person without an appointment.
- People over 70 years old can apply for a driver’s license, valid for two (2) years, by presenting a physical and mental health certificate issued by an internal medicine or geriatrics specialist, with a validity of no more than 6 months.
- Payment for the procedure must be made at the branch where the process is completed, with payment options available in cash, credit or debit card, online banking, or ATM once the operator provides the control number for the new procedure.
- Name, surname, and document number must match in all submitted requirements. If there are discrepancies, supporting documents will be requested to validate that it is the same person.
- Documents must be valid and in good condition, with clear data and legible photos, complying with security guidelines, except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented in the original, according to the nationality described in the migration card (applies to all requirements).
- Foreigners with a new document number: to process a driver’s license after changing identity documents (passport to passport, passport to ID, ID to passport, or ID to ID), records must be updated with the new number: – Vehicle registration (update the vehicles they own). – Minor infractions (pending fines must be paid, and payment arrangements must be updated with the new document number). – Weights and dimensions (vehicle processes related to their name must be completed, including removing cards and making payments). – Traffic courts (restrictions and police reports must be resolved or updated to the new number).
- Vehicles for practical validation must be in good condition with a valid plate (current sticker and decal).
- Vehicle access for practical validation:
– Vehicles marked by authorized driving schools can only be used by users with a valid certificate that matches the vehicle category issued by the school. – Vehicles with an assigned route must have an out-of-route permit. Only one (1) test per day is allowed for each permit. – Private vehicles can enter only once for the test. – Foreigners with limited immigration status can only apply for categories A, B, and C. - Driver’s license issuance is conditional upon compliance with traffic regulations and that all requirements are valid at the time of document printing, except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented in the original according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- Temporary residents’ driver’s license is valid until the expiration of the migration card or up to four (4) years, whichever comes first.
- Once the procedure is started, it must be completed at the same branch.
- The exchange of a Spanish driver’s license for a Panamanian license is done only once.
- No exchange for minors’ driving permits or international licenses.
- No more than 50 points should be accumulated in the driving history when applying for the process (Law 146 of April 15, 2020, which applies from May 15, 2020).
- Public transport categories do not apply for the exchange of foreign driver’s licenses, according to article 113, section b.1, which requires “Being Panamanian.”
REQUIREMENTS
- Original and copy of the valid migration card. If you have permanent resident status (E ID), you must present the original and a copy of your personal identity card (valid, without deterioration in the plastic or seal, with clear data and photo).
- Original passport according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- Original and copy of personal identity card. If you are Panamanian with an N ID, you must present the original and a copy of your valid personal identity card (without deterioration in the plastic or seal, with clear data and photo).
- Present the original driver’s license from your issuing country, valid with the security features outlined by the Spanish government. We do not accept damaged licenses. *This license must be handed in for the exchange of the driving license.
- Certification of the driver’s license issued by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Panama.
- Verification of the license, stamped and signed by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in Panama.
- Authenticate the signature of the document certifying and verifying the Spanish driving license at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
- Blood type and RH factor from an authorized laboratory by the Public Health Technical Council of MINSA (if not indicated on the license). The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport number, or permanent resident number (E ID) for foreigners, with the lab’s seal and fresh signature.
- Negative drug test result from an authorized laboratory by the Public Health Technical Council of MINSA for marijuana and cocaine, valid for six (6) months from the issue date. (The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport number, or permanent resident number (E ID) for foreigners, with the lab’s seal and fresh signature). (Requirement under Law 146 of April 15, 2020, effective from May 15, 2020).
- Visual and auditory validation at the branch according to the procedure established by the A.T.T.T.
- Panamanian driver’s license holders requesting the exchange for equivalent Spanish licenses in classes C + E (corresponding to category G in Panama) must take both theoretical and practical tests using a vehicle authorized for those categories.
- Bring your vehicle for the practical validation according to the requested category(s), it must be in good condition with a valid plate (current sticker and decal).
- Sertracen branches
- Sertracen does not rent vehicles.
- Driver’s license procedure cost
Cost of the driver’s license - Be clear with A.T.T.T.
Important:
- If you are elderly, disabled, retired, or pensioned, you can request your process in person without an appointment.
- Anyone over 70 years old can apply for a driver’s license, valid for two (2) years, but must present a certificate of good physical and mental health issued by an internal medicine or geriatrics specialist, with a validity of no more than 6 months. The document must include the full name, ID number for nationals, passport number, or permanent resident number (E ID) for foreigners, with the doctor’s seal and fresh signature.
- If you have an active payment arrangement, the validity of the driver’s license will depend on the clause established with A.T.T.T.
- Payment must be made at the branch where the procedure is completed.
- You can pay in cash, credit/debit card at the ATTT counters within Sertracen branches, or via online banking or ATM once the operator provides the control number for the new procedure in case of ATM payment.
- Names, surnames, and document numbers must match in all submitted documents. If there are discrepancies, supporting documents will be requested to validate that it is the same person and will be subject to verification.
- All documentation submitted must be valid, in good condition, without deterioration, with clear data and legible photos, meeting security guidelines; except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented in the original, according to the nationality described in the migration card (this applies to all requirements).
- Foreigners with a new document number: To process a driving license after a change of identity documents (passport to passport, passport to ID, ID to passport, or ID to ID), the records must be updated with the new number:
- Vehicle registration (update the vehicles they own).
- Minor infractions (pending fines must be paid, and payment arrangements must be updated with the new document number).
- Weights and dimensions (vehicle processes related to their name must be completed, including removing cards and making payments).
- Traffic courts (restrictions and police reports must be resolved or updated to the new number).
- The vehicle for the practical validation must be in good condition with a valid plate (current sticker and decal).
- Vehicle access for practical validation:
- Vehicles marked by authorized driving schools approved by the A.T.T.T. can only be used by users with a valid certificate for categories that match the vehicle(s) used, issued by that school.
- Vehicles with an assigned route must have an out-of-route permit. Only one (1) test per day is allowed for each permit.
- Private vehicles can enter only once for a test.
- Foreigners with limited immigration status can only apply for categories A, B, and C.
- Driver’s license issuance is conditional upon compliance with traffic regulations and that all requirements are valid at the time of document printing, except for the passport for foreigners, which must be presented in the original according to the nationality described in the migration card.
- For foreigners with temporary residency, the validity of the driver’s license is determined by the expiration of the migration card or up to four (4) years; whichever comes first.
- Once the procedure is started, it must be completed at the same branch.
- The exchange of a Spanish driver’s license for a Panamanian license can only be done once.
- The exchange of minor driving permits or international licenses is not allowed.
- No more than 50 points should be accumulated in the driver’s history when applying for the process. (Requirement under Law 146 of April 15, 2020, effective from May 15, 2020).
- Public transport categories are not applicable for foreign driver’s license exchanges, as article 113 section b.1 requires “Being Panamanian.