How to Get a Colombian Driving License as a Foreigner 2026: Step-by-Step — Medical Exam, Documents, Organismo de Tránsito, and the 30-Day Foreign License Rule

David — a British engineer who had lived in Medellín for 14 months on a Visa M "trabajador" — rented a car to drive through the coffee region on a long weekend. He was stopped at a police checkpoint on the Autopista Medellín-Bogotá outside Manizales. He presented his valid UK driving license. The officer told him it was only valid for 30 days from entry — after that, he needed a Colombian license. He had been driving for 14 months on a foreign license. The fine: COP 455,000 (Código Nacional de Tránsito, Ley 769/2002, infracción E). He also had the car impounded for 24 hours. The entire problem was avoidable: Colombia allows holders of valid foreign licenses to drive for the first 30 days on a tourist permit. After that — or upon obtaining residency-type visa status — a Colombian license (or conversion process) is required. This guide gives every step.

The Rule: When You Need a Colombian License

Under Ley 769/2002 (Código Nacional de Tránsito) and its regulatory decrees, a foreign driving license is valid in Colombia for the duration of a tourist permit entry (up to 90 days). Once you obtain a residency-type visa (Visa M) — whether as a worker, digital nomad, pensionado, rentista, or any other category — you are considered a resident and must obtain a Colombian driving license. The 30-day tourist rule applies strictly to tourist entry: if you entered on tourist status but later converted to Visa M, the clock starts from your Visa M approval date for practical enforcement purposes, though the strict legal reading starts from visa issuance. In practice: if you have a Visa M and have been in Colombia for more than 30 days, get a Colombian license before driving.

Does Colombia Have a License Exchange Agreement with My Country?

Colombia has bilateral driving license recognition agreements with several countries that simplify the process — some allow direct exchange without a driving test. As of 2026, countries with active agreements include: Spain, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Panama, and several other Latin American nations under CAN agreements (Decisión CAN). The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, and most other non-Latin American countries do NOT have a bilateral agreement with Colombia. For these nationals, the full local process applies — which does NOT require retaking a driving test if you hold a valid foreign license, but does require completing the Colombian administrative process.

Step-by-Step: Getting a Colombian Driving License

1. Medical exam (examen médico de aptitud para conducir). Required before applying. Done at a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores (CRC) — these are private centers authorized by the Ministerio de Transporte. Cost: COP 40,000–80,000. The exam checks vision, hearing, reaction times, and basic physical aptitude. Takes 30–45 minutes. Find authorized CRCs at: runt.com.co → "Centros de Reconocimiento." Bring your cédula de extranjería.
2. Book appointment at Organismo de Tránsito. Each city has its own Organismo de Tránsito that issues licenses. In Medellín: Secretaría de Movilidad de Medellín — movilidadenlinea.com. In Bogotá: Secretaría Distrital de Movilidad — movilidadbogota.gov.co. In Cartagena: Secretaría del Interior y Movilidad de Cartagena. Book online; walk-in slots are rare and the queues are multi-hour. Choose category B (private passenger vehicle) unless you need larger categories.
3. Gather documents. Bring to your appointment: (a) cédula de extranjería original + photocopy, (b) original foreign driving license + official Spanish translation (translated by a certified translator — cost COP 50,000–120,000), (c) medical exam certificate from step 1 (valid 90 days), (d) 3 passport photos (3×4 cm, white background), (e) payment receipt for the license fee.
4. Pay the license fee. Fee is set by each municipality. In Medellín and Bogotá approximately COP 80,000–120,000 for category B. Pay at the Organismo's payment link or at authorized banks (Bancolombia, Davivienda) before your appointment — bring the receipt.
5. Attend your appointment. The Organismo verifies documents, enters your data in RUNT (Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito), and issues a temporary license receipt (comprobante) that is valid immediately for driving. The physical plastic card arrives in 15–30 business days at the address you registered.
6. Register in RUNT. Your license is linked to your RUNT profile. If you later renew your cédula or update your address, update RUNT too — your license is tied to the RUNT record, not just the plastic card.

Motorcycles, SUVs, and Other Categories

Category B covers private passenger cars up to 8 seats and vehicles under 3,500 kg GVW — the category 95% of expats need. Category A covers motorcycles (subdivided by engine size: A1 for 125cc and under, A2 for 125–500cc, A for over 500cc). Motorcycles are extremely common in Colombian cities and are a popular expat transport option, especially in Medellín and Santa Marta. The motorcycle license process is identical to Category B but requires a separate medical exam and separate appointment. Driving a motorcycle in Colombia without a Colombian motorcycle license — even with a foreign motorcycle license — after 30 days of residency carries the same fine as car infractions.