Blog · 2025-05-05

How to get a driver's licence in Argentina: a complete guide for foreigners

If you are planning an extended stay in Argentina and want to drive, you will need to obtain a local driver's licence - the Licencia Nacional de Conducir. This document is mandatory for residents and allows you to operate vehicles legally anywhere in the country.

Who can get a driver's licence in Argentina?

A driver's licence is available to:

• Argentine citizens;
• foreigners who hold a DNI (national identity document) or a Precaria (temporary identity certificate).

Age requirements:

• Category A (motorcycles) - from age 17;
• Category B (cars) - from age 18;
• Category C and above (trucks, buses) - from age 21.

Documents you'll need to apply

To apply for a driver's licence, you will need:

• a passport or DNI/Precaria;
• a Certificado de Domicilio - official proof of your home address;
• a criminal-record certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales) - which may be required for first-time applicants;
• a medical certificate - issued as part of the application process;
• a photograph - usually taken on site.

How to get a driver's licence in Argentina: step by step

• Complete a road-safety course (Curso de Educación Vial): a mandatory course, available online or in person, covering traffic rules and the fundamentals of safe driving.
• Book an appointment: schedule online at the Centro de Emisión de Licencias serving your area of residence.
• Medical examination: undergo checks of your vision, hearing and reaction time.
• Theory exam: pass a test on the rules of the road.
• Practical exam: take a driving test on a dedicated course.
• Pay the fee: the amount depends on the province and the licence category.

How long an Argentine licence is valid

The validity of the licence depends on the driver's age and the vehicle category:

• 1 year - for drivers above a certain age or with medical restrictions;
• 5 years - the standard term for most categories.

Key points for foreigners

• A foreign driver's licence is valid in Argentina for only 90 days from the date of entry into the country.
• A foreign licence may be valid for up to one year if it was issued by a country that has signed the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) Convention on Road Traffic.
• An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used alongside your national licence, but it does not remove the requirement to obtain an Argentine licence for a long-term stay.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take a course to get a licence?

Yes. Getting a driver's licence in Argentina requires completing mandatory training. This applies to Argentine citizens and foreign residents alike, including holders of a temporary identity certificate (Precaria) or a national identity document (DNI).

Do I still need training if I already hold an international permit?

Yes. If you are a resident of Argentina and want a local driver's licence, holding an international permit does not exempt you from the mandatory training and exams.

Can I exchange my national licence for an Argentine one?

Yes, Argentina does allow foreign driver's licences to be exchanged for Argentine ones, but the conditions and procedure depend on the country that issued the original licence. If there is no mutual-recognition agreement between Argentina and your country, you will have to follow the standard process for obtaining an Argentine licence, including training and exams.

Can I use a foreign licence in Argentina?

Yes, but only for 90 days or one year from the date of entry. For a long-term stay you must obtain a local driver's licence.

Do I need a criminal-record certificate to get a licence?

In some cases, particularly for first-time applicants, a Certificado de Antecedentes Penales may be required.

Where can I take the medical examination?

The medical examination is carried out at the Centro de Emisión de Licencias or at accredited medical facilities.

FAQ