Buying and driving a car legally in the Dominican Republic

There are many questions about car ownership in the Dominican Republic.

It’s great to see that people are eager to explore the island once they settle here long-term. Having your own vehicle enables you to discover every corner of the Dominican Republic, from the stunning beaches of Punta Cana to the scenic hills of Jarabacoa, without any limitations.

Here are the most frequent questions and answers:

“Can I legally buy, own, and drive a car without having a cédula and Dominican driver’s license before being a legal resident?”

Yes, you can buy and register a car in your name even if you aren’t yet a legal resident. The process is straightforward—dealerships and private sellers don’t require a cédula (the Dominican national ID) to sell you a vehicle. However, the challenge lies not in ownership but in legally driving it.

Even though you can own a car without residency, your legal ability to drive it on the island is limited to 90 days from arrival. After the 90-day mark, you risk fines, and there is a chance your vehicle could be impounded if you are caught driving without a valid license.

Obtaining an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is a practical option for expats and long-term visitors who need more flexibility. This permit allows you to drive legally for up to one year in the Dominican Republic, providing more breathing room before obtaining residency.

However, keep in mind that the IDP is only valid if paired with a valid license from your home country, and it’s meant as a temporary solution—not a replacement for the Dominican driver’s license.

If you plan to stay in the DR long-term and purchase a vehicle, getting residency and a cédula is the logical next step. Once you have your cédula, applying for a Dominican driver’s license is relatively simple. The process typically involves:

1. Presenting your Dominican cédula.
2. Certificate of Good Conduct
3. Getting a learner’s permit by passing a theoretical exam.
4. Eye examination and blood type tests.
5. Passage of a practical driving test.

Once you are issued your driver’s license, it is valid for up to four years. For drivers over 65 years old, it is valid for 2 years. Renewal is fast and simple.

You can learn more about the driver’s license process at the government agency’s official website, INTRANT ( Instituto Nacional de Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre), which handles issuing licenses here: www.intrant.gob.do.

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Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.