Mexico City Ends Permanent Driver’s License Sign-Ups on Dec. 31, 2026

Mexico City will stop issuing its permanent driver’s license after Dec. 31, 2026, according to Revista Merca2.0, which reports that Head of Government Clara Brugada confirmed the deadline. Drivers who want a license that never needs renewing have until the end of the year to finish the process.

The outlet says the city kept the option open this long because demand for appointments has been heavy and the program has brought in record revenue.

What it means for drivers in the capital

A regular Mexico City license has to be renewed every three years. The permanent version has no expiration date, so holders skip future renewals and the fees and paperwork that come with them.

The permanent license costs 1,500 pesos. Payment is made through a línea de captura (a payment reference), which applicants get when they start the process online or at a service office.

Who can apply

The permanent license is only for Type A licenses, which cover private vehicles. Merca2.0 reports that people with sanctions under the city’s “Conduce sin Alcohol” breathalyzer program, or with court rulings over road crashes, cannot get one.

First-time applicants must pass a written test on the traffic regulations (Reglamento de Tránsito) and road safety rules. Drivers who already hold a valid license bring it with them to switch to the permanent card.

Where to get it

The license is processed by SEMOVI (Mexico City’s mobility ministry) at several locations:

• SEMOVI service modules spread across the city.
• The large service center (macromódulo) in Magdalena Mixiuhca, which is open seven days a week.
• Extra modules in the alcaldías (boroughs) of Coyoacán, Cuajimalpa, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztacalco, Magdalena Contreras, Tláhuac and Xochimilco.

An appointment is required before going in. It can be booked on SEMOVI’s appointment portal, with a Llave CDMX account (the city’s digital ID login) or by calling Locatel, the city hotline, at *0311.

Documents to bring

• Valid official photo ID: INE voter card, passport, cédula profesional (professional license) or military service card.
• Proof of address no more than three months old, such as an electricity, water or phone bill or a bank statement, showing an address in Mexico City or the State of Mexico.
• The paid payment reference for the 1,500-peso fee.
• Your current driver’s license, if you are switching from an existing one.

The deadline

Dec. 31, 2026, is the last day the procedure will be available, according to the report. Because every visit needs a booked appointment, applicants have to secure a slot before that date to complete the process.

Source: Revista Merca2.0