If you are a foreigner and plan to live and drive in Uruguay, it is essential to obtain a local driver’s license. This article is designed to explain the necessary steps to get your Uruguayan driver’s license.
The procedure to obtain the license varies according to the region of Uruguay in which you reside, as each municipality has its own regulations. The websites of the intendancies will provide you with specific instructions according to your situation.
The following is a general guide to obtain a driver’s license in Uruguay as a foreigner.
Requirements for Driver’s License in Uruguay
As a foreigner, you can validate your driver’s license from your country of origin to obtain a valid Uruguayan license. For example, if you are Argentinean, you can have your Argentinean license homologated at the corresponding local government office, which will allow you to obtain an Uruguayan license and keep your Argentinean one.
If you need to obtain your license for the first time in Uruguay, you must take the corresponding practical and theoretical exams in the department where you live.
Recommendations:
The Intendencias suggest that all applicants for a driver’s license in Uruguay ensure that they have no outstanding debts before starting the process.
In addition, the following is advised for processing:
- You can do the procedure in person at the Transit offices.
- It is important to have legal residence in Uruguay.
- You must bring your own vehicle, as the intendencias do not provide vehicles for practical exams.
- Verify that all your documentation is complete and correct before your appointment.
- Review the available Driving Guide to adequately prepare for the exams.
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Steps to Validate Driver’s License in Uruguay
To validate your driver’s license as a foreigner, you will need:
- Uruguayan identity card.
- Your original driver’s license in good standing.
- An apostilled certificate of your driver’s license, issued by the competent authority of your country.
- A medical examination performed at an authorized medical facility in the department where you will be applying for your license.
- Validation Procedure for Foreigners
The steps are as follows:
- Determine the Uruguayan category equivalent to your current license.
- Complete the medical examination at an authorized facility in your department.
- Gather all the documentation required by the municipality where you will do the procedure.
- Schedule an appointment for the validation of your foreign license at the corresponding local government office.
- Present the medical exam and the necessary documentation on the day of your appointment.
Homologation Process
To homologate a foreign license:
You must have a valid license and present a certificate issued by the corresponding authority, legalized or apostilled as the case may be.
Licenses must be in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation.
Only categories A, G1 and G2 are revalidated, maintaining their seniority.
The cost of the procedure is $2300 Uruguayan pesos plus $638 for the certificate of psychophysical aptitude.
Important Validation Considerations
Please note that:
- Your license must have more than one year of validity remaining.
- Only amateur licenses are validated, not professional licenses.
- There is an exchange agreement with Spain.
- You will not be able to obtain a license if you have unpaid traffic tickets.
Exchange of Licenses with Spain
- There is an agreement with Spain that facilitates the exchange of licenses between the two countries:
- Licenses are revalidated according to the corresponding exchange table.
- Professional licenses require a psychophysical examination.
- The revalidated license must be retained in accordance with the agreement.
- If the license does not clearly specify which vehicle it entitles, a certificate from the embassy or consulate with this information is required.
At Vivir en Uruguay, we offer a complete service to help you in your process of settling and obtaining documents in Uruguay. Contact us for free personalized advice and take advantage of all the benefits Uruguay has to offer.
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