Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

cookj5

Apr 10, 2011, 9:37 PM

Post #1 of 3 (1575 views)

Shortcut

US license stolen, need Mexican replacement

Can't Post | Private Reply

My wallet was recently lost/stolen containing my US drivers license. Since I live here full time and will eventually need a Mexican license when my US license expires, I might as well get one now. I understand that there is a motor vehicles office in Riberas where you can take the test and do the paper work.

Three questions:

1. Where in Riberas, exactly?
2. What documents should I bring?
3. What is the fee involved?

I know there have been some posts on Mexican licenses but I was unable to find any that answered these questions. Thanks for any help!

Apr 11, 2011, 12:13 PM

Post #2 of 3 (1522 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cookj5] US license stolen, need Mexican replacement

Can't Post | Private Reply

I got a four year Jalisco license for 400 or 450 pesos last year in GDL. If you are not fluent in Spanish, I would recommend that you hire a facilitator and make the trek. My understanding is that in Riberas, the written test is in Spanish, and the person who rides in your vehicle during your driving test maytry to trip you up, and also propinas are almost demanded to get you your license. No, I do not know first hand if any of this is true, but I have heard it from multiple sources.

What I do know to be true, based on my personal experience, is that in GDL, you can get the test in English. 30 questions out of a possible 120. The 120 questions have been converted to English and are readily available from most any facilitator, along with the correct answers. I got all 30 correct. If you are capable of taking the test in Spanish, it is given on a touchscreen computer. If English, it was on paper. Mutliple choice. Very easy.

The driving test in GDL you do all by yourself with a vehicle that you choose from what they have available. The test is done in an outdoor area about the size of a basketball court and you are monitored by someone with a clipboard, watching you from outside. Make it obvious that you are putting your seatbelt on and checking all mirrors before you start up. Simply follow the path, stop at stop signs, use your turn signals and the parallel parking is a piece of cake, as the area given to you to parallel park has room enough for two vehicles.

I cannot remember what I had to take with me. FM3. Passport, proof of residence. I think only the usuals. Sorry. I do know that you need to know your blood type as that is put on your license and that you do need to have emergency contact info, and you will be asked if you want to donate your organs in case of death. By this time, you may well need your CURP, as Mexico is moving in that direction and it is demanded more often than not. The vision test is ridiculously easy. I am blind as a bat without my glasses, took them off and passed with flying colors. Well, answered a few of your questions. Hope I helped. T.

tashby

Apr 11, 2011, 4:57 PM

Post #3 of 3 (1497 views)

Shortcut

Re: [cookj5] US license stolen, need Mexican replacement

Can't Post | Private Reply

Quote

1. Where in Riberas, exactly?
2. What documents should I bring?
3. What is the fee involved?

I got my Jalisco license in Riberas a couple of years ago. All of the info and requirements are on the State of jalisco website, here:

http://www.jalisco.gob.mx/...DBJMENIR0VMODM3STU!/

The office is located a few doors east of Cafe Magana, on the Lake side of the carretera. Passport, visa and comprobante de domicilio was all I needed, if I remember correctly. The fee info is also on the website. I think it was around $470 MXP then, paid at the office in Chapala on Juarez.

I think the 100 test questions/study guide is on the website also, in Spanish. There is an English translation floating on the internet somewhere, too. No need for a "facilitator". When I got my license, everything was above board and business-like. The entire process took one hour, door to door, including making the trip to Chapala to pay.