Exchanging a driving licence in Paraguay: a guide for foreigners

Licences are issued by the municipality where you live, and a foreign licence can be exchanged only with a Paraguayan identity card. The exchange takes a day and costs $60-110.

The short answer: a tourist drives in Paraguay on a valid foreign licence for up to three months from entry. A resident needs a Paraguayan licence and can exchange a foreign one only after getting a Paraguayan identity card. Licences are issued by the municipality where you live: with a complete set of documents the exchange takes one day, and all costs come to $60-110. A first Paraguayan licence is valid for five years.

The procedure varies between municipalities: some require only a medical, others ask for a theory test or a first aid course certificate. So check the list of documents with your municipality before applying.

How long you can drive on a foreign licence in Paraguay

Under the road traffic law a foreigner drives on a valid foreign licence for up to three months from entry, provided the category covers the vehicle. Residents staying longer need a Paraguayan licence. Licences not in Latin script are best carried with a Spanish translation.

Who exchanges a licence without a test

Only a resident with a Paraguayan identity card can exchange a foreign licence: a tourist or a foreigner who does not yet have the card cannot. A medical and psychotechnical check is mandatory, while tests depend on the municipality: many do not require theory or driving tests to exchange a valid licence, while some ask for a theory test and a first aid course certificate.

Licences from non-EU countries, including Russia

There are no special rules for Russian or other non-EU licences: they are exchanged like licences from any country, with a resident's identity card. Authenticity is confirmed by a statement before a notary, an apostille on the licence is usually not required, and a Spanish translation is needed for licences not in Latin script. Test requirements are the same as for other countries and depend on the municipality.

Documents for exchanging a licence

• the valid foreign licence and a copy;
• a Paraguayan identity card and a copy;
• a residence certificate from the police station;
• a vision and hearing report from a clinic the municipality works with;
• a blood type certificate;
• a notarial statement on the authenticity of the foreign licence;
• a Spanish translation of the licence if it is not in Latin script.

How the exchange works: steps

1. Get a Paraguayan identity card after your residence permit.
2. Get a residence certificate at the police station and a blood type test.
3. Make the notarial statement on the licence's authenticity and a translation if needed.
4. Pass the vision and hearing check and, if the municipality requires it, a theory test.
5. Pay the fee and receive the Paraguayan licence at the municipality.

How much exchanging a licence costs in Paraguay

All exchange costs come to $60-110 at the Central Bank of Paraguay rate of 7 October 2026: the municipal fee, the medical, the residence certificate, the blood type test and the notarial statement, which is the largest item. If the municipality requires a first aid course or a theory test, add their cost.

If your licence has expired

Expired foreign licences are not exchanged in Paraguay. Renew the licence in the issuing country, or obtain a Paraguayan licence as if for the first time: a medical and theory and practical tests at the municipality where you live.

This topic in other countries

Deadlines, tests and documents for exchanging a licence differ in every country, so it is best to plan the exchange before the move, together with the residence permit: that way you will not spend months on taxis or risk a fine and your insurance.

Exchanging a licence in other countries: Georgia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Turkey, UAE, Portugal, Cyprus, USA, Italy.

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