Applying for a Permanent Driving License in CDMX: Steps and Requirements
Return of Permanent Driver's Licenses in Mexico City and State of Mexico
After a decade-long absence, the Mexican City government has announced the return of the permanent driver's license. This long-term license offers convenience and permanence, with the program running until December 2025.
Eligibility and Validity
The permanent driver's license allows you to drive indefinitely without the need for renewal. It is valid nationwide in Mexico, regardless of where it was issued.
Where to Apply
Applications can be made either online or in person at authorized modules of the Secretaría de Movilidad (Secretary of Mobility) in Mexico City or similar offices in the State of Mexico.
Application Process
- Visit the official Secretaría de Movilidad website for your state.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Upload necessary documents such as your official identification, proof of address, birth certificate, etc. (specific documents may vary).
- Schedule an appointment if required (in some cases, this may be needed for in-person processes or to provide biometrics).
- Pay the fee for the permanent license, usually higher than for temporary licenses due to its indefinite validity.
- Take the required driving and vision tests, if applicable. Some places allow you to submit test results if you already hold a valid license.
- Receive your permanent license either by mail or pick it up at the designated location.
Typical Requirements
- Official identification with photo (e.g., passport, voter ID, or current driver’s license)
- Proof of address within Mexico City or the State of Mexico (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
- CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población), the Mexican personal ID code
- Payment of the license fee
- Passing a vision test and possibly knowledge/skills test if required or if you don't hold a valid license
- For some categories, medical clearance may be required
Additional Notes
- Permanent licenses were mostly exclusive to Mexico City before but are now available also in the State of Mexico and several other states like San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Oaxaca.
- The permanent license avoids the hassle of periodic renewals and is valid for life unless revoked for legal reasons.
Important Links
- To make an appointment for the permanent license, use the link: https://licenciapermanente.cdmx.gob.mx/
- To schedule a theoretical driving exam, use the link: http://app.semovi.cdmx.gob.mx/citas/
Please note that renewal of the permanent license is limited to those who already had a license. The permanent driver's license type A is not valid for riding a motorcycle. For more detailed information, visit the official Secretaría de Movilidad website for your state.
- The permanent driver's license, now available across Mexico City, State of Mexico, and several other states like San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, and Oaxaca, is valid nationwide for driving purposes.
- Interestingly, the financial implications of obtaining a permanent driver's license are higher compared to temporary licenses due to its indefinite validity, aligning it with other long-term assets such as home-and-garden property or automotive vehicles.
- In the realm of lifestyle adjustments and transportation facilities, the return of the permanent driver's license signifies a shift towards greater convenience and hassle-free driving for the people of Mexico.
