Losing your driver’s license — whether to theft, a washed pair of jeans, or simply misplacing it — is an inconvenience but not a disaster. The replacement process (reposicion) in Guatemala is one of the simpler tramites: pay Q100 at Banrural, get an updated eye exam, visit a Maycom center, and receive a new card. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes to an hour.
The replacement card is identical to your original in terms of license type and expiration date. If your original was a Type C valid until 2028, the replacement will also be a Type C valid until 2028. Maycom simply reissues the license with updated biometric data (new photo and fingerprints). If your license was about to expire anyway, you might want to skip the replacement and go directly to a renewal instead, which gives you a fresh validity period.
One important consideration: while Guatemala does not require a police report to replace a lost license at Maycom, it is strongly recommended if the license was stolen. A stolen license could be used as false identification, and having a police report on file protects you.
Quick summary: License replacement costs Q100 at Banrural plus ~Q50 for an eye exam. Takes 30 minutes at a Maycom center. Bring your DPI and eye exam — no driving exam needed. The replacement keeps your original expiration date.
Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Replacement fee (Banrural) | Q100 |
| Eye exam | ~Q50 |
| Total | ~Q150 |
Documents Required
- DPI — original and copy (front and back)
- Eye exam — updated, from licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Banrural payment receipt — Q100 replacement fee
- No pending traffic fines — must be solvente
You do not need to present the old license (since it is lost/stolen/damaged).
Step-by-Step Process
- If stolen: Consider filing a police report (denuncia) at the PNC or Ministerio Publico. This is optional for the Maycom process but recommended for your protection.
- Get an updated eye exam from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist (~Q50).
- Verify you have no pending traffic fines. Pay any outstanding multas.
- Pay Q100 at Banrural — the standard replacement fee.
- Visit a Maycom center with your DPI, eye exam certificate, and Banrural receipt.
- Biometric capture — new photo and fingerprints.
- Receive your replacement license — usually the same day.
Tips & Common Mistakes
If your license was about to expire, do a renewal instead. The replacement maintains your original expiration date and costs Q100. If you only had 2 months left, it is better to pay Q100-Q390 for a renewal with a new validity period.
Do not wait weeks to replace it. Driving without a license is a traffic violation. The sooner you get the replacement, the sooner you are legal again. Many Maycom centers accept walk-ins, so you can handle this in an afternoon.
For minors (16-17): If a minor loses their license, the same additional parental documentation is required again — the parent/guardian must accompany the minor to Maycom with their DPI.
Keep a photo of your license on your phone. While a photo is not a legal substitute for the physical card, it helps you remember your license number and details, which speeds up the replacement process.
If your license was damaged but readable: Bring it anyway. Maycom can verify the information more quickly if they can read the old card, even if it is damaged.
Details
While Maycom does not require a police report to issue a replacement, filing one is strongly recommended if your license was stolen:
- Where to file: PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) station or Ministerio Publico (MP) office. The PNC report is faster (30-60 minutes); the MP report is more formal.
- What to bring: Your DPI (or a copy if also stolen), and any details about the theft (date, location, circumstances).
- Why it matters: A stolen license can be used as false identification for fraud. The police report creates a legal record that protects you if your license is misused.
- The report is free — do not pay anyone to file it for you.
- Keep a copy of the police report. While Maycom does not ask for it, it may be useful if any legal issues arise from the stolen license being misused.
Details
- Damaged but readable: Bring the damaged license to Maycom. They can verify your information faster if the old card is partially readable, even if it is cracked, faded, or water-damaged.
- License expired AND lost: If your license is both expired and lost, you need a replacement (Q100) plus a renewal with late fine. Maycom can process both in a single visit — ask specifically for both transactions.
- Multiple replacements: There is no limit on how many times you can replace a license. However, if you find yourself replacing it frequently, Maycom staff may ask additional verification questions.
- Minors who lost their license: The parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor to Maycom again, with their DPI and the minor’s DPI. The same parental presence requirement applies for replacement as for the original issuance.
- Professional license (Type A or B) lost: The replacement process is the same Q100 fee regardless of license type. Your Type A or B status is preserved in the Maycom system.
Related Maycom Tramites
- License Renewal — better option if your license was expiring soon
- Type C License (First Time) — if you never had a license
- Type B License — for taxi/shuttle drivers
- Type A License (Professional) — for heavy vehicles
- Type M Motorcycle License — for motorcycles
- Minor’s License (16-17) — for applicants under 18
- DPI Replacement — if you also lost your ID
- Driver’s License Overview — all license types and costs
- License Types Compared — A, B, C, M side by side