Automobiles and driver's license

In El Salvador, according to Art. 74 of the Law of Land Transportation, Traffic and Road Safety, it is established that persons with a license or any other type of authorization to drive motor vehicles, issued abroad, may use it as equivalent if they demonstrate a permanence of less than ninety consecutive days within the national territory. Once said term has elapsed, they must obtain the corresponding license, complying with the requirements established for such purpose in the respective Regulations.

The procedures to request the accreditation to drive a motor vehicle in El Salvador, both for nationals and foreigners, are carried out through SERTRACEN, the entity responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, according to the capacity of the vehicle. Licenses are valid for 5 years, except for juvenile licenses that expire when the driver turns 18 years old.