The vehicle change before MICIVI’s DGTT is the procedure that lets an authorized transport company swap a unit in its fleet without restarting the entire authorization process. It applies to cargo transport, intercity passenger transport, school transport, tourism and taxi services.

Quick summary: In-person procedure at DGTT. The company keeps its main authorization; only the physical unit linked to the service changes. Mandatory technical inspection of the new vehicle, DGTT fee, tax stamps and a new operation card (15-30 business days).

Diaspora note (foreign-owned transport operators): If you operate or invest in a Guatemalan transport company from abroad (USA-based diaspora running family transport businesses, foreign investors in shuttle/tour operators), this trámite must be done by your in-country legal representative. DGTT does not accept consular submissions, and the legal representative’s DPI plus the company’s patente are required at the counter. Plan ahead – the 15-30 day window does not include the time you spend coordinating documents from the USA.

What This Trámite Is

It is the modification of the list of units linked to a transport company’s authorization. It is used when:

  • The company renews its fleet and replaces an old vehicle with a newer one.
  • A unit is involved in a total loss, theft or destruction and must be replaced.
  • The vehicle is sold out of service and replaced by another.
  • A unit is reassigned from another DGTT authorization within the same company.

The main service authorization (route, category, holder) does not change – only the associated vehicle.

Requirements

DGTT can request additional items by category. This is the general baseline:

  • Written request addressed to the Director General of Transport, stating the reason for the change.
  • MICIVI form filled with company data, outgoing unit and incoming unit.
  • DPI of the holder (individual) or patente + legal representative DPI (corporation).
  • Current resolution of the main service authorization.
  • Circulation card of the new vehicle (in the holder’s name or with a leasing/rental contract).
  • Current operation card of the outgoing vehicle (for cancellation).
  • Physical and technical inspection certificate of the new vehicle, issued by DGTT.
  • Current insurance certificate of the new vehicle.
  • Current SAT fiscal solvency.
  • Payment receipts for tax stamps and the DGTT fee.
  • Discharge or destination certificate for the outgoing vehicle (sale invoice, accident report, SAT cancellation).

If the new unit has plates different from the outgoing vehicle, new operation cards are issued. The internal fleet numbering changes in the DGTT registry.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Gather the documentation

Verify the new unit meets the authorized category (cargo, intercity, school, taxi). Gather the circulation card, insurance, invoice and technical certificate of the new unit.

2. Schedule the physical inspection

DGTT inspects the new unit (mechanical condition, cargo or passenger capacity, exterior identification, safety equipment). If it does not pass, you must fix it before filing.

3. File the case at DGTT

Submit the request, form, DPI or patente, current resolution, circulation and operation cards, inspection certificate, insurance and SAT solvency. DGTT calculates the fee and issues the payment order.

4. Pay the fee and stamps

Pay the administrative fee and buy the tax stamps. Keep the receipts.

5. Resolution and new operation card

DGTT issues the vehicle change resolution, cancels the outgoing vehicle’s operation card and hands over the new operation card that must be carried in the new vehicle.

6. Update SAT and plates if applicable

If the outgoing unit is sold, complete the SAT vehicle transfer. If permanently retired, file the SAT vehicle cancellation.

Cost and Timeline

ItemDetail
MICIVI formVariable
DGTT administrative feeVariable (quote at the counter)
Tax stampsQ5-Q50 per document
Technical inspectionIncluded or separate cost
Total time15 to 30 business days
ValidityFor the duration of the main authorization

If you replace more than one unit, file a separate case per vehicle. DGTT charges the fee per change, not in bulk.

How to Apply (Summary)

  1. Identify the outgoing and incoming units.
  2. Gather new vehicle documents: circulation card, insurance, invoice.
  3. Schedule the physical inspection with DGTT.
  4. File the case at DGTT (zona 1, MICIVI).
  5. Pay the fee and stamps.
  6. Receive the new operation card (15-30 days).
  7. Update SAT with the cancellation or transfer of the outgoing vehicle.