Chapala area traffic commandant Hector Magaña Rios has launched a “No Coyotes” campaign after learning that some foreign residents were paying third-party facilitators more than double the cost of fixed fees to obtain Jalisco driver’s permits.
Magaña insists that expats should have little trouble handling the process on their own, no matter how limited their Spanish language skills. To that end, he has assigned bilingual officer Victor Manuel Ramirez to assist licensing official Saray Camerana in fielding common questions and, as needed, guide applicants through eye exams and the computerized test on state traffic regulations. Together they have drawn up an English version of the paperwork requirements to apply for different types of licenses, renewals and replacements.
To drive home the point, office staff whipped up a handmade poster showing a drawing of the famed cartoon character Wile E. Coyote framed in the universally understood red circle and slash, underscored with the somewhat fractured English legend, “The procedure is personal and free. Do not bring a translator (to) help you here.” A banner listing current license fees is prominently displayed next to the entrance. All payments are collected off the premises either at the state tax office, located two blocks away, or at the local Banamex branch.
Driver’s License Application Guide
Jalisco driver permits are issued at the Chapala SVT office, Calle Flavio Romero at Guerero. Apply for new licenses Monday-Friday, 9-1; renewals 9-2.
Foreign residents will be asked for the original and one full-size, black and white photocopy of the following documents:
• Valid immigration document for permanent (FM-2) or temporary (FM-3) residence.
• Valid passport.
• Proof of domicile - current receipt for telephone, CFE, property tax or water bill, bank statement showing applicants surname, or a letter of residence issued at city hall.
- Also required: receipt of fee payment; pass eye exam.
- For first-time license: Pass written and driving tests.
- For renewals: present expired license.
- To replace a lost or stolen Jalisco license: Start by soliciting certification of issuance from the state registry via Chapala SVT office-procedure usually takes 3-5 days.
Payments: Accepted at Chapala’s state tax office, Calle Degollado 306, open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by deposit at Banamex, Avenida Madero 222 , to Cuenta 55534-9, sucursal 870, referencia.
Types & Fees:
Licencia de Automovilista (automobile driver’s license - New, $435; Renewal, $364
Licencia de Chofer (chauffer’s license-obligatory for driving stake bed and pickup trucks or other vehicles with capacity for hauling up to 3,500 kilos of cargo) - New, $494; Renewal, $435
Licencia de Motociclista (motorcycle driver’s license - obligatory for driving motorcycles and ATVs on public roads) - New, $239; Renewal $185
All of the above are valid for four years from date of issuance.
Permiso Para Menor (driving permit for minors, age 16-18) - New or Renewal, valid for 6 months-$270; valid for 1 year-$541