A mobile unit from the Jalisco Traffic Department (SeMov) is scheduled for a return visit to Chapala at the end of this month, facilitating the issuance of first-time or renewed driver’s permit to local residents.
SeMov staff will set up on Monday, July 31 in the auditorium of the Chapala waste water treatment plant situated adjacent to the north side of Cristiania Park, with service starting between 10 and 10:30 a.m.
However, in-advance applicants should appear at Chapala City Hall July 27 or July 28, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to file the requisite documentation at the desk outside the office of Secretary General Miguel Mendoza, located on the upper level.
Foreign citizens will be asked for the original and a photocopy of the following: valid passport and immigration card, recent utility bill, bank statement or other proof of domicile, printout of CURP identification and receipt of the license fee payment.
Mexican citizens show IFE voter ID (or naturalization papers if applicable) instead of passport and immigration card. A current or expired Jalisco license is required for renewals. All persons must also provide their blood type.
The license fee may be paid at the Recaudadora 026 (state tax office), Calle Degollado 306, open week days 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or by deposit at the local Banamex branch to account number 70106100819.
The current peso rates are set according to vehicle type as follows: motorcycles, new 307 pesos, renewal 290 pesos; automobiles up to 15 seats, new 558 pesos, renewal 469 pesos; cargo vehicles (up to 3,500 Kg), new 630 pesos, renewal 558 pesos.
After revision of the paperwork, the desk clerk will return original documents and hand out a numbered ficha (ticket) to be turned in upon arrival at the mobile unit.
Once there, renewal applicants line up for document revision and license photos. The more lengthy process for new permits additionally entails passing a multiple choice written exam on Jalisco traffic laws and a practical driving test that boils down buckling the seat belt, adjusting mirrors and squeezing one’s vehicle into a parallel parking space marked by rubber cones.