Tourists in Quintana Roo Can Now Get Driver’s Licenses

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The Institute of Mobility of the State of Quintana Roo (IMOVEQROO) has announced that foreign nationals with temporary residency under the "seasonal migration" category can now apply for tourist driver’s licenses in the state. These licenses, valid for up to 12 months, cover both automobiles and motorcycles.

Addressing the Needs of Long-Term Visitors

Rafael Hernández Kotasek, head of IMOVEQROO, emphasized that this initiative responds to the growing number of long-term tourists, primarily from Canada and the United States, who reside in destinations such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Holbox, and Puerto Morelos for several months each year.

The license allows visitors to drive legally within Mexico, simplifying processes such as obtaining vehicle insurance and completing other local formalities.

Application Requirements

To obtain the license, applicants must provide:

• A valid passport
• A migratory document (temporary residency or visitor permit)
• Proof of address (hotel or rental agreement)
• Payment of fees
• A basic medical exam

Government Commitment to Mobility

The measure aligns with the state government’s commitment, led by Governor Mara Lezama, to prioritize access to essential public services, including safe and legal mobility.

Under regulations from the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) and the state’s Traffic Regulations, individuals staying in Mexico for more than 180 days are eligible for this license, which also offers legal protection in case of traffic incidents.

License Issuance Statistics

In the municipalities of Benito Juárez and Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen), approximately 1,800 temporary licenses have been issued to foreigners over the past two years.

Nationally, in 2023, more than 4.7 million long-term tourists were recorded, with 300,000 choosing to stay in Quintana Roo for over 90 days, according to data from the Secretariat of the Interior.