Belize Driving License: Application, Requirements, And More

To get a driver's license in Belize, you must be at least 18 years old and have valid identification, such as a passport, social security card, or voter's card. Non-Belizeans will also need to provide proof of residency. First-time drivers will need to pass a theoretical and practical driving test. The cost of a license is $60 BZD per year, and you can purchase up to three years for $180 BZD.

Required documents for a Belize driver's license

To obtain a driver's license in Belize, you must be at least 18 years old and have valid identification. For Belizean citizens, this can be a passport, Social Security Card, or Voter's Card. Non-Belizean residents must present their passport, proof of permission to reside, residency, or permanent resident status.

In addition to valid identification, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A duly completed and signed application form, stamped by a medical doctor. This can be obtained at any transport department.
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or other official correspondence.
• Your original driver's license from your country of origin. If your license is expired, you may need to take a written and driving test.
• A permanent (not temporary) work permit, Qualified Retirement Person (QRP) status, or proof of Belizean residency or citizenship.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit them at your region's traffic department or the Department of Transport Office. After verification, your photograph and signature will be taken, and you will need to pay the relevant fees. The cost of a Belizean driver's license is BZD60 per year, with a maximum of BZD180 for three years.

Where to submit the application form

To obtain a driver's license in Belize, you must submit your application form in person at your region's traffic department or the Town Council office.

In Belize City, the relevant office is the Belize City Council, located at City Hall, 109 North Front Street. Here, you can submit your application form, along with the required documents, and receive assistance from an officer who will check your details and create an invoice for the license fee.

If you are in San Pedro, you can submit your application at the San Pedro Town Council office. The traffic department is located on the ground floor of this building.

For those in Belmopan, the relevant contact numbers are +(501)-822-2219 and +(501)-822-2038. Similarly, specific contact details are provided for several other regions, including Corozal, Dangriga, Orange Walk, Punta Gorda, and San Ignacio.

It is important to note that you will need to submit your application form in person and provide the necessary supporting documents, such as valid identification and proof of residency, as outlined by the Department of Transport.

Cost of a Belize driver's license

The cost of a Belize driver's license is $60 BZD per year, and you can purchase up to three years for $180 BZD. The license is valid for a maximum of three years.

The cost of renewal is $40 BZD, and the first issue is $70 BZD.

If you are a non-Belizean, you will need to present a passport, permission to reside, residency, or permanent residency. You will also need to submit a duly completed and signed application form, stamped by a medical doctor, proof of address, and a valid driver's license from your country of origin.

If your foreign driver's license has expired, you will need to take a written and practical driving test. You will also need to provide two photos, and the cost of the license is $210 BZD for three years.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your driver's license is lost or stolen in Belize, it is important to act quickly to protect your personal information and prevent identity theft. Here are the steps you should take:

File a police report:

Report the loss or theft of your driver's license to your local police department. This creates a record that can help dispute any negative remarks or identity theft issues that may arise.

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV):

Get in touch with your local DMV office and report your driver's license as lost or stolen. Request a replacement license and follow their instructions on how to legally drive while waiting for it.

Alert the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

Although not mandatory, it is advisable to report a lost or stolen driver's license to the FTC, especially if other personal information, such as your social security number, was also compromised. You can submit a complaint or report identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.

Freeze your credit and monitor it:

Contact the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian) to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit report. This prevents criminals from opening unauthorized accounts in your name. Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized credit card accounts.

Get a background check:

Perform a background check on yourself to proactively uncover any unauthorized charges, debts, violations, or outstanding warrants that may have been incurred using your identity.

Run a Dark Web scan:

Use a Dark Web scanning tool to check if your personal information has been exposed or sold online.

Get identity theft protection:

Consider signing up for identity theft protection services to safeguard your personal information and finances.

Do not drive without a license:

Refrain from driving until you obtain a replacement driver's license. Ensure you follow the proper procedures to obtain a new license and avoid additional violations.

Taking the driving test

To obtain a driver's license in Belize, you must pass both a theoretical and a practical driving test.

First-time drivers must complete a written test and a practical driving test. These are administered at the Town Hall. The written test includes questions about which street has the right of way at each of the roundabouts in Belize City.

If you have a valid US driver's license, you can simply show it and get a Belizean one. You will need to provide a photocopy of your US license, a photocopy of your passport, a photocopy of your PR stamp, and a photocopy of your Belize SS card. You will also need to undergo an eye exam, which must be signed off by a doctor. If your US license has expired, you will need to take a written and practical driving test.

If you are from another country, you will need to take the driving test again unless you have a valid driver's license from your country of origin. In this case, you will need to present your original driver's license. If your license is missing or stolen, this is a sufficient reason for your vehicle to be confiscated or even for you to be arrested.

The cost of a Belizean license is $60 BZD per year, and you can purchase up to three years for $180 BZD. If you need to take the test, they will take your picture and make your license on the spot.

Frequently asked questions