Driving Licence in El Salvador: Exchanging a Foreign Licence
Step by step
How to exchange a foreign driving licence in El Salvador
The documents SERTRACEN asks for to exchange a foreign licence for a Salvadoran one.
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Get a NIT
Obtain a Salvadoran NIT tax number.
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Have a residence card
Hold a temporary residence card valid for more than 3 months, or a definitive residence card.
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Apostille your licence
Have your valid foreign licence apostilled or authenticated.
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Blood group and eye test
Bring proof of your blood group and take an eye test.
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Exchange at SERTRACEN
Apply at SERTRACEN and pay $57.82. You receive a private licence valid for 5 years.
Exchanging a foreign licence
- NIT tax number.
- Residence card: temporary, valid for more than 3 months, or definitive.
- Foreign licence, valid and apostilled or authenticated.
- Proof of blood group.
- An eye test.
Source: SERTRACEN: exchanging a foreign driving licence1
The exchange gives a licence for private vehicles. For another class, such as public transport or heavy vehicles, you then apply to change the licence and meet the requirements of that class. All licence procedures include the eye test.1
A first licence
Foreign residents without a licence to exchange need the NIT, a residence card valid for more than 3 months, proof of blood group, theory and practical tests at an examining school authorised by the VMT, psychological and theory tests at the VMT, and the eye test at SERTRACEN. The fee is $52.82.3
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in El Salvador with a foreign licence?
Visitors can drive on a foreign licence. Residents exchange it for a Salvadoran licence at SERTRACEN, the licence service of the Vice Ministry of Transport.
How much does it cost to exchange a licence?
The exchange costs $57.82 and gives a private licence valid for 5 years.
What do I need to exchange a foreign licence?
A NIT, a residence card, the apostilled foreign licence, proof of blood group and an eye test.
Sources
- SERTRACEN: exchanging a foreign driving licence (in Spanish)
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: travel advice for El Salvador (in Spanish)
- SERTRACEN: first driving licence (in Spanish)
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
