MINGOB

Driver Registry Name Change Guatemala 2026: Cost, Requirements & Steps

Q 0 (registry modification) 15 days (official catalogue; no business-day qualifier) Available from US Updated November 2, 2026 By Estuardo Enriquez

Cost

Q 0 (registry modification)

Processing Time

15 days (official catalogue; no business-day qualifier)

Entity

MINGOB

Quick Requirements Checklist

Marriage or divorce if you choose to change last name
Paternity recognition filed after birth
Adoption that modifies the legal name
Court ruling ordering a name change
RENAP corrections that already updated the DPI but not the transit registry
Valid DPI with the new name (original and clear photocopy)
Current drivers license (showing the old name)
Document proving the name change, depending on the cause:

Seems complicated? A professional gestor can handle this entire process for you. See options

Legal Basis

Decreto 132-96 — Traffic Law and Regulations Art. 13-22

Governs the issuance, modification, and validity of drivers licenses and the driver registry in Guatemala.

Acuerdo Gubernativo 273-98 — Traffic Law Regulations Art. 30

Article 30 lists prohibitions on renewing or replacing a license; it does not establish a name-change procedure (checked 2 November 2026).

Decreto 90-2005 — RENAP Law Art. 50-55

Defines the CUI and processes for modifying personal data in the identity documents that anchor the driver registry.

The driver registry name-change modification is the procedure that updates your personal data in the Department of Transit (MINGOB) system after your legal name has changed. It is mandatory to keep your DPI and your drivers license consistent with each other.

Quick summary: In-person procedure at the Department of Transit (MINGOB). Q 0 for the registry modification (official catalogue, checked 2 November 2026). Estimated time: 15 days (official catalogue; no business-day qualifier). Requires DPI already updated at RENAP as a prior step. Not available online.

What Is the Driver Registry Name Change

The MINGOB driver registry holds your personal data tied to your drivers license: full name, DPI/CUI number, date of birth, blood type, and address. When any of those change legally — especially the name — you must request a modification so the registry matches your current DPI.

The most common reasons for a legal name change in Guatemala are:

Marriage or divorce if you choose to change last name
Paternity recognition filed after birth
Adoption that modifies the legal name
Court ruling ordering a name change
RENAP corrections that already updated the DPI but not the transit registry

Requirements

To modify your driver registry for a name change you need:

Valid DPI with the new name (original and clear photocopy)
Current drivers license (showing the old name)
Document proving the name change, depending on the cause:
- Marriage certificate (if change is due to marriage)
- Divorce ruling (if change is due to divorce)
- Court ruling for name change
- RENAP certification confirming the update
Request addressed to the Head of the Department of Transit, birth certificate, certificate of the cédula registration entry, DPI copy and driving-license copy, as listed in service 3098 (checked 2 November 2026). Download the single procedure form from the Department website.

If the license is close to expiring, you will also need a vision test and the full renewal fee.

Steps

Update your DPI first: if your DPI does not yet show the new name, start with the RENAP modification. The transit office will not proceed without it.
Gather the documents listed above in original and photocopy.
Visit the Department of Transit office of the Ministry of Interior closest to you. The Department publishes 3av. 6-44, zona 1, Guatemala as its citizen-service address (checked 2 November 2026).
Request the modification form for the driver registry and complete it on site.
Check the service fee: the official catalogue lists Q 0 for this registry modification.
Submit the full file at the counter. Staff will verify your information against the RENAP system.
Confirm collection instructions. The catalogue lists a response time of 15 days and the result as a Número de Oficio (checked 2 November 2026).
Collect the result as instructed by the Department; confirm the separate steps for reissuing the physical license.

Cost & Time

Item	Detail
Cost	Q 0 for the registry modification; license reissue is a separate service
Time	15 days (official catalogue; no business-day qualifier)
Validity of modification	Until the current license expires
Available online	No
Diaspora	The checked catalogue does not specify proxy filing; confirm with Transit

The catalogue fee covers the registry modification. Confirm any separate license renewal or reissue charge before paying.

How to Apply

This procedure is not available online. You must appear in person at a MINGOB Department of Transit office.

Citizen-service address: 3av. 6-44, zona 1, Guatemala (Department of Transit website, checked 2 November 2026).

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00–16:30 (Department of Transit website, checked 2 November 2026). The checked page does not state an 11:00 cutoff.

If you live abroad, confirm whether the Department of Transit accepts a representative: the checked catalogue does not specify that route (2 November 2026).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Not updating the DPI first: the procedure stops if your DPI still shows the old name. Always start at RENAP.
Incomplete supporting document: marriage certificate alone, without the RENAP certification confirming the change, is often rejected.
Confusing fees: service 3098 lists Q 0 for the registry modification; confirm separate license charges.

Official Links

Next step

Naturalization process

Also useful

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to update my name in the driver registry?

Whenever your legal name changes at RENAP — through marriage, divorce, adoption, paternity recognition, or court ruling. If your DPI shows the new name but your license shows the old one, you are required to file the modification.

How much does it cost?

The official catalogue lists Q 0 for the registry modification (checked 2 November 2026). Confirm any separate license reissue charge with the issuing office.

Can I keep driving with my old license while I wait?

Yes, until you receive the new one. However, if you are stopped by the PNC and the name on your license does not match your DPI, you must show proof of the modification in progress.

Can I do this from abroad?

The catalogue describes submitting the form and requirements to the Department of Transit, but does not specify a proxy procedure (checked 2 November 2026). Confirm that option before paying for a power of attorney.

What happens if I do not update my name?

Your license will be inconsistent with your DPI. This causes problems at traffic stops, car rentals, insurance claims, and at renewal time (renewal will not proceed if data does not match).

Do I have to take the driving test again?

No. A name-change modification is administrative only. You do not need to retake the written or driving test, nor the vision exam — unless your license is also up for renewal.

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General information, not legal advice. Guatemalan government procedures and requirements change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For complex legal matters, consult a licensed attorney.

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