Automobiles and driver's license
Driver’s license for foreigners
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.
Foreigners who wish to have their driver's license certified in the country must present the following documentation:
- Original and valid passport or Tax Identification Number (NIT).
- Temporary resident card valid for more than three months or permanent resident card (original).
- Proof of blood group issued by a clinical laboratory with signature and registration stamp. Applicant can also present proof of blood group issued by a public health institution with the respective seals of the institution.
- Proof of approval of the visual examination performed at SERTRACEN's offices.
- Valid foreign driver's license (original and copy) with an apostille by the competent authority of the country where it was issued.
In case the foreign license has not been apostilled because it comes from a country that has not subscribed to the Hague Convention 1961, the applicant may submit a photocopy of the current Foreign License, completely legible, authenticated in the country of origin and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador.
Cost of the visual exam: $3.39
Cost of the procedure: $54.43
For more information on driver's license procedures, visit Sertracen's official website: httpsc://www.sertracen.com.sv/index.php/homologacion-licencia-extranjera
There is a wide range of internationally renowned companies offering car rental services in El Salvador either for business or tourism, with offices at the International Airport and throughout the country.
Some of the most important companies in this sector include
The Salvadoran automotive market has a wide portfolio of car brands, spare parts, and workshops with agile financial solutions for nationals and foreigners who wish to acquire new vehicles for business or personal use.
These companies offer payment schemes and options to purchase sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, minivans, pickup trucks, and hybrids, among others.
Vehicle dealerships also offer commercial vehicles: Pick Ups, minibusses, and product lines that include the sale or lease of heavy and light machinery for business development such as loaders, dozers, excavators, scrapers, trucks, front loaders, motor graders, and tracked tractors for different types of industries.
Main car sales companies in the automotive sector
- Present the following documentation:
- Proof of current salary.
- Copy of the Certificate of the Salvadoran Institute of Social Security (ISSS) and Income Tax Return.
- Photocopy of DUI and NIT of the applicant or Resident Card.
- Last water or electric power bill.
- At least one year of work seniority.
- Complying with the income quota ratio (4:1).