Dominican Republic Driving Licence : Obtaining a driver’s license in the Dominican Republic allows you to legally operate vehicles on public roads.
This guide covers how to get a new or renew an existing Dominican Republic driver’s license, change your address, take the driver exam, pay traffic tickets, and understand DR driving laws.
Acquiring a New Dominican Republic Driving Licence
To obtain your first Dominican Republic driver’s license, you must:
Meet Age Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.
- Be 18 years old to apply for a full driver’s license.
Provide Required Documents
- Completed license application form.
- Valid Dominican Republic ID card or passport.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill.
- Two passport-size photos.
- Applicable license fees.
Pass Required Exams
- Vision exam verifying visual acuity.
- Traffic sign recognition test.
- Rules of the road knowledge exam.
- Practical road driving test.
Get Your New License
- If you pass all exams, you’ll be issued a photo driving license.
- This allows you to legally operate vehicles in the DR.
- Licenses must be renewed every 6 years.
Renewing a Dominican Republic Driver’s License
To renew an expiring DR driver’s license, you must:
- Apply up to 90 days before your license expires.
- Complete and submit a renewal application.
- Provide updated ID documents if anything changed.
- Pass a vision test re-confirming visual acuity.
- Pay license renewal fees.
- New photo may be required if appearance changed significantly.
If your license is expired, you may have to retake the written and road exams before renewing.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen DR Driver’s License
If your Dominican Republic license is lost or stolen:
- Immediately report it to the police and obtain an incident report.
- Bring the police report to the licensing agency and apply for a replacement license.
- Show confirmation of identity such as passport or ID card.
- Have a new photo and signature captured.
- Pay fees for the replacement license.
Prompt reporting gives you the best chance of avoiding re-taking exams.
Changing Your Address on a DR Driver’s License
After moving to a new permanent address in the Dominican Republic, you must update your driver’s license:
- Visit your local license office in person.
- Fill out an address change application.
- Provide proof of your new address (lease, utility bill, etc).
- Pay any applicable fees.
- Have an updated license issued showing your new address.
Some agencies allow address changes to be submitted by mail with proper documentation.
Taking the Driver Exam in the Dominican Republic
To qualify for a new Dominican Republic driver’s license, you must pass:
Knowledge Exam
- Computerized multiple choice test on road signs, laws, rules.
- Oral questioning on safety procedures.
- Vision screening for minimum visual acuity.
Road Sign Exam
- Identify common signs like stop, yield, speed limit.
Practical Driving Exam
- On-road test with examiner evaluating your driving skills.
- Assesses parallel parking, 3-point turns, coordination.
- Points deducted for errors – must achieve passing score.
Practice tests can help prepare for the exams. Most applicants need 2-3 attempts before passing.
Paying Traffic Fines in the Dominican Republic
If you receive a traffic ticket for violating DR driving laws, you can pay the fines:
- In person at the court listed on the citation.
- By mailing a cheque or money order to the court.
- Using the online court system to pay by credit card.
- Over the phone by calling the court and paying with a card.
Fines must be paid within 30 days or late fees apply. Failure to pay may result in license suspension.
Overview of Traffic Laws and Rules in the DR
When driving in the Dominican Republic, you must follow these key rules:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- Obey posted speed limits (60km/hr urban, 100km/hr highways).
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Mandatory seat belt use by driver and passengers.
- Drinking and driving is illegal – zero tolerance laws.
- Use signals when turning or switching lanes.
- Headlights must be on at night and in poor weather.
- Obey traffic officers, signs, and signals.
- Pull over for emergency response vehicles.
Violating DR traffic laws can lead to fines, arrest, licence suspension and vehicle impoundment. Always drive safely.
FAQs About DR Driver’s Licenses
How old do you need to be to get a driver’s license in the DR?
The minimum age to obtain a full Dominican Republic driver’s license is 18 years old. You can get a learner’s permit starting at 16 years old.
How long are DR driver’s licenses valid for?
Dominican Republic driver’s licenses are valid for 6 years from the issue date. They must be renewed before expiring to keep driving legally.
Is a Dominican Republic driver’s license valid internationally?
No, a DR driver’s license is only valid for driving within the Dominican Republic. To drive abroad you’ll need an International Driving Permit or a local license.
What documents do I need to renew my Dominican Republic license?
To renew your DR driver’s license, you’ll need current ID, updated documents if anything changed, new photos if appearance changed significantly, and to pay the renewal fees.
Can I change my address on my Dominican Republic driver’s license online?
Unfortunately address changes must be completed in-person at your local DR license office – they cannot be done online currently. You’ll need proof of your new address.