Driver’s License in El Salvador: Foreign Licenses, Exchange and Renewal (2026)

Driving as a Visitor

El Salvador’s traffic regulation (Reglamento General de Tránsito y Seguridad Vial, art. 157) lets people with a license or other driving authorization issued abroad use it as an equivalent if they show a stay of less than 90 consecutive days in the country. Once that period passes, they must get a Salvadoran license; driving on the foreign one after that can lead to the license being confiscated.

In practice, carry your valid home license and your passport with the entry stamp, which shows how long you have been in the country. Article 163 also lets the Viceministerio de Transporte (VMT) authorize foreign license holders to drive their own vehicle for up to 90 days. Planning a road trip? Read our rental car guide.

International driving permits: the regulation says international licenses are issued or endorsed by the VMT under the treaties El Salvador has ratified (art. 158). It does not name a specific treaty, so ask your rental company whether they want one in addition to your license.

Exchanging a Foreign License (Residents)

Foreign residents can exchange a valid foreign license for a Salvadoran one. SERTRACEN, which runs license services for the VMT, calls this homologación de licencia extranjera. You get a Particular class license (cars, pickups and vans up to 3.5 tons, private microbuses up to 15 passengers).

SERTRACEN’s exchange page lists no driving test. If you need a heavier class (Liviana, Pesada or Pesada-T), the separate canje procedure adds theory and practical tests at an authorized driving school ($52.82).

Getting a First License

Never had a license? The first license (primera vez) costs $52.82. Foreigners need their NIT and a residence card valid for more than three months. Everyone needs proof of blood type, a theory and practical exam at a VMT-authorized driving school, a psychological and theory exam at the VMT, and an eye exam at SERTRACEN ($3.39). The minimum age is 18 (juvenile licenses from 15 end at 18; Pesada classes need age 21). You cannot have unpaid traffic tickets.

Renewing (Refrenda)

A Salvadoran license lasts 5 years. Renewal costs $52.82, plus a $5.71 late fine if it has already expired; you have the whole month of expiry to renew. Foreign residents bring the license, a valid residence card and pass the eye exam. SERTRACEN also has an online renewal portal with home delivery or branch pickup.

Salvadorans in the US

Since August 2024, the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Public Works run a system to renew licenses abroad. You apply online on SERTRACEN’s portal (including an online vision test and health declaration), pay by card and, when notified, pick up the license in person at the consulate you chose, where your fingerprint and face are checked. The fee is the same $52.82. The launch covered consulates in Houston, Dallas, El Paso, McAllen, San Antonio, Long Island (New York), Chicago, Springdale, Duluth and Boston; the list may have grown since, so check the portal for current consulates. Also see our DUI and passport guide, because the online process starts with your DUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in El Salvador with my US license?

Yes, while your stay is under 90 consecutive days (traffic regulation art. 157). After 90 days you need a Salvadoran license. Carry your passport with the entry stamp.

How do I exchange my foreign license in El Salvador?

Residents exchange it at SERTRACEN with their NIT, a residence card valid more than three months, the apostilled foreign license, proof of blood type and an eye exam. It costs $57.82 and gives a Particular class license.

How much is a driver's license in El Salvador?

A first license costs $52.82 plus a $3.39 eye exam at SERTRACEN. Renewal costs $52.82, with a $5.71 fine if the license has expired. Licenses last 5 years.

Can I renew my Salvadoran license from the US?

Yes. Apply online on SERTRACEN's portal and pick the license up in person at a participating consulate. The fee is $52.82.

Resumen en español

Los turistas pueden manejar con su licencia extranjera vigente mientras su permanencia sea menor de 90 días consecutivos (art. 157 del Reglamento de Tránsito). Los residentes extranjeros pueden homologar su licencia en SERTRACEN por $57.82 con NIT, carné de residente con más de tres meses de vigencia, licencia apostillada, tipo de sangre y examen visual. La licencia por primera vez cuesta $52.82 más $3.39 del examen visual, dura 5 años y la refrenda cuesta $52.82 ($5.71 de multa si está vencida). Desde Estados Unidos se renueva en línea y se retira en el consulado.