I am a US citizen interested in obtaining a legitimate Dominican Republic drivers license.

Who can I contact in the Dominican Republic to walk my application though and be sure that it
is approved quickly?

Sincerely

Rick Weidman

You don't need a contact. It's a very easy process. You just have to go and buy a "tax ticket", and then you have to walk through a series of numbered steps. I did arround a year ago and it was no hassle at all. Avoid buscones if possible!

Dan,

Thanks for the comment. That's perfect.
Recognize that I know very little about the infrastructure of the country.

Where do I go for a tax ticket? AND, how do I know what th next steps are?

Honestly, I would pay you to do this for me.

OR, alternatively,
pay someone to take me through to the appropriate places.

How much time would it take?
I live in the U.S. but would plan a visit there if necessary.

Why bother?
Your licence is good for 6 months.
Most Dominicans don't have one.
They are very careless drivers.
Be VERY carefull.
Use all 3 mirrors and watch steady.
Have fun!
Tom.

He needs one if he is going to insure a car in his property here. If he doesn't have a drivers license, his insurance won't cover if he damages or injures a 2nd or 3rd party, even less his own car or medical coverage/bail.

I don't know whether you hold an American DL.
The latest information about exchanging those seems to be this:
"Nota (2): Las Licencias de Conducir de lo Estados Unidos de América no se Homologan por lo tanto para la obtención de la licencia Dominicana deberán optar por el proceso de emisión de una licencia Nueva."
You also need a 'residencia' to apply for a Dominican DL.

See:
" CAMBIO DE LICENCIA EXTRANJERA A DOMINICANA
1- Licencia de conducir del país extranjero vigente a la fecha del cambio.
2- Certificado por la misión diplomática o consular acreditando la validez y la vigencia de la Licencia y legalizada en la cancillería.
3- (2) fotocopias de la Licencia de Conducir Extranjera.
4- Pago de impuestos y servicios.
Nota: debe presentar su Licencia, Cédula y su Residencia original, al hacer el cambio deben estar vigente."

The fees for obtaining the DL itself are less than 30$.

m'frog

According to the above you SHOULD bother.

Dominicans get away with murder (sometimes).
You won't.

m'frog

on the tax ticket issue.....
Where do I get this or how do I get this?

Thx...

This is the process which is quite stupid and reflects the incompetence of government officials and its institutions.

US drivers licenses are not exchangeable due to the US consulate/Embassy will not conduct background checks on US driver licenses.

step-1:
You must first pay a tax at Banco De Reservas approximately 900 pesos.(perhaps more)

step-2:
Present the proof of payment at the dominican motor vehicle department (another joke)

step-3:
At Dom DMV you will need to take a written exam in Spanish. If you pass the exam you have to wait 45 days to take the practical/driving exam.



It is beyond me why one would have to wait 45 days. This is raw stupidity. But then again it is a Dom Rep.