Driver’s License in the Dominican Republic – What Do You Need to Know as a Tourist?
You arrive in the Dominican Republic, pick up a car from the rental company, and a thought pops into your head: does my Polish driver’s license even work here? Don’t worry – in most cases, everything is simpler than it seems. You just need to know a few rules to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Can you legally drive in the Dominican Republic with a Polish driver’s license?
Yes, and without any complications. As a tourist, you can normally drive using your Polish or any other foreign driver’s license for the first 120 days of your stay (30 days from entry, which can then be easily extended by another 90 days using this procedure). All you need is to be in the country legally – you receive an entry stamp in your passport upon arrival and you’re ready to hit the road.
Do you need an International Driving Permit?
In theory, it is not mandatory, but in practice it is very useful. Mainly during road checks. For the local police, a document in several languages is simply more readable than the Polish version of a driver’s license. This often shortens the conversation to a minimum and saves you stress.
What do you need to carry with you during a traffic check?
The basic set is your driver’s license and your passport with the entry stamp. If you have an International Driving Permit – even better. Rental companies don’t require it, but the police might.
What happens after 90 days?
After this period, a foreign driver’s license is no longer recognized. If someone continues to drive without a local document, they risk a high fine. This is not a symbolic penalty, but a significant cost that can seriously spoil your stay.
Can a tourist obtain a Dominican driver’s license?
And this is where the first complication appears. A tourist cannot obtain a local driver’s license, even if they would like to enroll in a course and pass the exam. The law in the Dominican Republic is clear in this regard – a local document is only available to people with resident status and a Dominican ID card.
Is it possible to exchange a Polish driver’s license for a Dominican one?
Yes, but only if you have arranged legal long-term stay – for example, residency, a work visa, or a student visa. Then you can go through the exchange procedure, but it is not automatic. Among other things, you need a certificate from the embassy confirming the validity of your driver’s license, its legalization at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, medical examinations, and a personal visit to the office in Santo Domingo.
Is the driving exam in the Dominican Republic difficult?
If someone has to go through the full procedure, the good news is that the exams are much less stressful than in Europe. The theory test is taken with the help of a translator, and the practical part is often limited to a short drive and parking. For an experienced driver, it is usually just a formality.