Moving to Medellín opens up exciting opportunities, and having a Colombian driver’s license gives you the freedom to fully explore this beautiful region. Whether you’re planning to buy a car or just want the flexibility to rent one for weekend trips to Guatapé or Santa Fe de Antioquia, getting your license is a straightforward process. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your license in Medellín.
Do You Need a Colombian Driver’s License?
If you’re planning to stay in Colombia for more than three months and want to drive, you’ll need a Colombian license. While your foreign license is valid for the first 90 days after arrival, having a local license ensures you’re fully compliant with Colombian law and covered by insurance.
For expats who have moved to Medellin, it’s a great feeling to have your drivers license and be able to go where you want on your own terms. At first, the roads of Medellin can seem very intimidating. There are motorcycles on all sides of your car, people in the streets, honking – it’s a lot to take in. But after a while of driving you quickly adapt and the chaos becomes normalized!
Prerequisites Before You Start
Before beginning the process, you’ll need:
- A valid visa (tourist visas don’t qualify – you’ll need a digital nomad, resident, marriage, student or work visa)
- Your passport and cédula de extranjería
- Your current foreign driver’s license (if you have one)
- Proof of address in Medellín
The minimum age to obtain a driver’s license in Colombia is 16, though most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
The Simple Process
Medical Examination
Your journey begins with a quick medical examination at a certified transit center (CRC). The exam is straightforward and includes basic health screenings to ensure you’re fit to drive. Through Medellin Tours, we can direct you to centers where English-speaking staff are available, making the process smooth and comfortable.
Documentation
You’ll need to prepare several documents:
- Original passport
- Cédula de extranjería
- Medical examination certificate
- Proof of blood type
- Your foreign driver’s license (if applicable)
If your documents aren’t in Spanish, they’ll need to be translated. Our team at Medellin Tours handles all the translation and authentication, making this step effortless for you.
How Medellin Tours Makes It Easy
We’ve helped hundreds of expats get their Colombian driver’s license, and we’ve streamlined the process to make it as simple as possible. Our comprehensive service includes:
- Scheduling your medical examination at English-friendly centers
- Document translation and authentication
- Appointment scheduling with transit authorities
- Accompaniment throughout the entire process
We only operate in the Medellín area, where we have built strong relationships with local transit authorities and testing centers. This allows us to provide the most efficient service for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my foreign license? Yes, but only for the first 90 days after entering Colombia.
Do I need to speak Spanish? Not at all! We handle all communication and translation throughout the process.
Can I convert my existing license? While Colombia doesn’t automatically convert foreign licenses, our team makes the process of getting a new Colombian license quick and straightforward.
Ready to Get Started?
Getting your Colombian driver’s license is easier than you might think, especially with our help. Contact Medellin Tours to begin your driver’s license process. We’re here to make this experience smooth and stress-free. You can reach us at: [email protected]
