InsidePanamaComparisons
How to drive in Panama: international permit, conversion, or new license? The 4 paths compared with real timelines, costs, conditions and chronology for French, European, American and Latin American expats.
Updated : May 2026
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| Service | Score | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
 Conversion directe via SERTRACENWinnerLa voie royale si votre pays a un accord. 1 journée, ~120 USD, pas d'examen. | 4.8 | 120 USD | See offer ↗ |
Permis Friendly Nations (avec cédula)Une fois la cédula provisoire obtenue, demande de permis simplifiée. Tarif résident. | 4.4 | 95 USD | See offer ↗ |
Permis international (premiers 90 jours)Solution temporaire valide 90 jours. À demander dans votre pays AVANT le départ. | 4.2 | 25 USD | |
Auto-école panaméenne (depuis zéro)Pour ressortissants de pays sans accord. Examens théorique + pratique. 2-4 semaines. | 3.8 | 250 USD |
Conversion directe via SERTRACEN
4.8
La voie royale si votre pays a un accord. 1 journée, ~120 USD, pas d'examen.
Pros
Cons
Permis Friendly Nations (avec cédula)
4.4
Une fois la cédula provisoire obtenue, demande de permis simplifiée. Tarif résident.
Pros
Cons
Permis international (premiers 90 jours)
4.2
Solution temporaire valide 90 jours. À demander dans votre pays AVANT le départ.
Pros
Cons
Auto-école panaméenne (depuis zéro)
3.8
Pour ressortissants de pays sans accord. Examens théorique + pratique. 2-4 semaines.
Pros
Cons
Our pick
If you're French, Belgian, Swiss, Spanish or American, direct conversion via SERTRACEN is unbeatable: 1 day, ~$120 all-in (apostille + official translation + issuance). No exam.
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Yes, up to 90 days after arrival. After that you must convert to a Panamanian license. France has a bilateral agreement, so direct conversion without exam — bring original license + Hague apostille + official translation (~$30-50 from a sworn translator in Panama City).
France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Czechia, USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela. Updated list: SERTRACEN.
Direct conversion: ~$120 (apostille $30 + translation $40 + SERTRACEN fees $50). License from scratch: ~$250 (driving school $150 + theory + practice exams $100). For an expat without bilateral agreement, count 2-4 weeks.
Not mandatory if your original license is in Latin alphabet (FR/EN/ES). International license is a plus for road checks but not mandatory in the first 90 days. A simple translation suffices.
Yes in countries that signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, including France, Spain, Germany. Valid as long as the license is. For driving more than 90 days in some European countries, local conversion possible.
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