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Gringal

Aug 4, 2005, 1:50 PM

Post #1 of 30 (2360 views)

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Update on Drivers License confiscation

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I went in for my Mexican Drivers license this morning, accompanied by my Mexican lawyer/facilitator/translator and all went smoothly until the official explained that I had a choice: either surrender my California Drivers License or take the test, in Spanish. Since I am still Spanish language-impaired, I really had no choice. I handed over the driver's license. The official stapled the license to the rest of my application and it was removed to the office by a clerk. Now I am equipped with a shiny new Mexican license. I hope this entitles me to park anywhere as long as my flashers are on and to cross three lanes of traffic to grab a parking spot on the other side of the street. Ole.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Aug 4, 2005, 1:52 PM)

gpk

Aug 4, 2005, 2:48 PM

Post #2 of 30 (2326 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Was this in San Miguel? When I got my Mexican license in Leon several years ago, there was no test and no surrender of my US (PA) license. Different office/different times--who knows.

Gringal

Aug 4, 2005, 2:53 PM

Post #3 of 30 (2323 views)

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Re: [gpk] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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This was in SMA. It seems it is a recent development. Others I know have not had this happen in previous years.

patricio_lintz

Aug 4, 2005, 4:51 PM

Post #4 of 30 (2296 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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How about applying for a duplicate California licence?

You do not need a reason, they assume that it was lost or stolen.

Esteban

Aug 4, 2005, 5:24 PM

Post #5 of 30 (2283 views)

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Re: [patricio_lintz] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Just a suggestion: How about learning the minimal Spanish it takes to pass the test? Then, you keep your license and the discussion is non existent.

Gringal

Aug 4, 2005, 5:39 PM

Post #6 of 30 (2279 views)

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Re: [patricio_lintz] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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It's not that simple. California DMV requires that one appear in person, with all necessary I.D., to get a duplicate.

Gringal

Aug 4, 2005, 5:55 PM

Post #7 of 30 (2273 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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As of now, my Spanish is minimal indeed, but I don't think it was a good time to find out how minimal the requirements were for taking the test. I need the license, since my California license expires in three weeks.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Aug 4, 2005, 6:18 PM)

Cynthia7

Aug 4, 2005, 5:58 PM

Post #8 of 30 (2269 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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I got my license in SMA but my facilitator sat with me when I took the test and was most helpful with the answers. This sounds like a new deal..

Georgia

Aug 4, 2005, 7:21 PM

Post #9 of 30 (2241 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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As it turns out, I took the class and test in Spanish, but no one ever said if I took it in English I would have to turn in my NY license. It doesn't really make any sense to me either way.

Gringal

Aug 4, 2005, 8:03 PM

Post #10 of 30 (2223 views)

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Re: [Georgia] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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I hear the requirements are different in each Mexican state. I think the point of this discussion was to offer information about the current state of affairs in GTO regarding acquiring a Mexican drivers license for a person not fluent in Spanish. In SMA, the test is not offered in English. I am assuming this is consistent throughout the state of GTO.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Aug 4, 2005, 8:17 PM)

julian3345

Aug 6, 2005, 6:39 AM

Post #11 of 30 (2130 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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I got my DL a month ago in Zacatecas. They allowed me to use a dictionary to take the ten question written test. There was no vision test nor was there a driving test. There was no requirement to show or give up my California DL. Did have to show birth certificate, passport, FM-3 and 'phone bill. Interesting part was the cost: 370 pesos for ONE year...'way more than a license in California, a state known for its confiscatory fees. So, yes...each Mexican state is different. Joan

Gringal

Aug 6, 2005, 7:33 AM

Post #12 of 30 (2115 views)

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Re: [julian3345] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Yup. Very different. The bad news was giving up my CA license, but the good news is that I got a three year license for my 370 pesos. I did have to take a vision test.

I'm curious about the format of licenses in other Mexican states. The reverse side of mine shows my blood type and whether or not I am an organ donor. I think this is an excelllent idea.

Esteban

Aug 6, 2005, 7:43 AM

Post #13 of 30 (2113 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Sinaloa has the name, address, date, blood type, photo on the front.

The back has my signature, barcode, license number and huella digital.

Georgia

Aug 6, 2005, 7:45 AM

Post #14 of 30 (2108 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Jalisco has an emergency contact name and phone number as well.

Rolly

Aug 6, 2005, 8:11 AM

Post #15 of 30 (2103 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Durango has picture, name, address, and blood type. $350 for 3 years.

When I got my first license here, I showed my California license which got me out of taking tests. I still have my CA license which expires in two weeks -- no plans to renew.

Rolly Pirate

Bear

Aug 6, 2005, 8:56 AM

Post #16 of 30 (2094 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Mexico has fingerprint & drivers signature on back,
picture, expiration date on front...no address.
You get to keep your US State DL. Mine currently is Oklahoma.

(This post was edited by Bear on Aug 6, 2005, 9:00 AM)

johanson

Aug 6, 2005, 9:46 AM

Post #17 of 30 (2076 views)

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Re: [Bear] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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I renewed my driver's (chofer) license in Jalisco last year. I don't remember what I paid, but it is good for 4 years.

Cynthia7

Aug 6, 2005, 8:30 PM

Post #18 of 30 (1999 views)

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Re: [johanson] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Can you heard that they do not issue driver's license if you are over 70.?

Rolly

Aug 7, 2005, 4:18 AM

Post #19 of 30 (1971 views)

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Re: [Cynthia7] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Who is "they?"

I was over 70 when I renewed my license in Durango.

Rolly Pirate

hoyafb95

Aug 7, 2005, 7:52 AM

Post #20 of 30 (1944 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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In Distrito Federal it is like 460 pesos and is a permanent license valid for life. Just show your FM3/FM2, pay the fees and have a comprobante de domicilio. No tests...no turning in your old license.

Estado de Mexico also requires FM3/FM2 and comprobante de domicilio along with 240 pesos. However, it is good for 1 year and expires when your FM3 expires. No tests...no turning in your old license.

Bear

Aug 7, 2005, 8:26 AM

Post #21 of 30 (1938 views)

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Re: [hoyafb95] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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You can get them up to five years if you pay the money for a five year license. However, when I got my Mexico State license, I only purchased for one year. I was hoping not to stay that long....I didnt,
next week I go for my Queretaro DL .

hoyafb95

Aug 8, 2005, 6:39 AM

Post #22 of 30 (1863 views)

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Re: [hoyafb95] Update on Drivers License confiscation

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Bear,

Last time I went to get my Estado license renewed, they told me no way could I get it beyond the limit of my visa. I ended up going over to the Distrito Federal, used a comprobante of a friend in D.F., got the license. A lot of people in Estado are doing this.

ignacio

Aug 14, 2005, 12:34 PM

Post #23 of 30 (1713 views)

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