Guatemala has five driver’s license types, each allowing different vehicle categories. Everyone starts with Type C (standard cars) and can upgrade as they gain experience. Here’s what each type covers, what it costs, and how to get it.

Quick summary: Most people need Type C (cars, Q850 total for first-time) or Type M (motorcycles). Types B and A require years of experience with Type C. All licenses are processed at Maycom centers.

Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

All License Types Compared

Type Vehicles Allowed Min. Age Experience Required First Available
Type C Cars, SUVs, pickups up to 3.5 tons 18 None (first license) First license
Type M Motorcycles (any cc) 18 None (first license) First license
Type B Medium vehicles 3.5-10 tons (buses, delivery trucks) 23 2+ years with Type C Upgrade
Type A Heavy vehicles 10+ tons, trailers, professional transport 25 3+ years with Type C Upgrade
Type E Road machinery, agricultural equipment 18 Specific exam First license

Type C — Standard Cars (Most Common)

Who needs it: Everyone who wants to drive a regular car, SUV, or pickup in Guatemala.

Detail Info
Vehicles Cars, SUVs, vans, pickups up to 3.5 tons
Minimum age 18 years (16 with parental consent for 1-year license)
Prerequisites CECOVE driving course + eye exam
Total first-time cost ~Q850 (license + course + eye exam)
Duration options 1 year (Q100), 2 years (Q200), 3 years (Q290), 4 years (Q320)
Renewal Up to 5 years (Q390)

Requirements

  • Valid DPI (original and copy)
  • CECOVE digital certificate from authorized driving school
  • Eye exam from registered optometrist
  • Banrural payment receipt
  • No pending traffic fines

Full guide: How to Get Your First License

Type M — Motorcycles

Who needs it: Anyone riding a motorcycle of any engine size.

Detail Info
Vehicles All motorcycles regardless of engine size
Minimum age 18 years
Prerequisites CECOVE motorcycle course + eye exam
Total first-time cost ~Q850 (license + course + eye exam)
Duration options 1 year (Q100), 2 years (Q200), 3 years (Q290), 4 years (Q320)
Note Separate from Type C — you need both if you drive cars AND motorcycles

Requirements

  • Same documents as Type C
  • Must complete motorcycle-specific CECOVE course (not car course)
  • Helmet is mandatory when riding (law enforced)

Full guide: Motorcycle License

Type B — Medium Vehicles

Who needs it: Drivers of buses, delivery trucks, and medium commercial vehicles.

Detail Info
Vehicles Vehicles from 3.5 to 10 tons (urban buses, medium trucks)
Minimum age 23 years
Prerequisites Type C license held for 2+ years + upgrade exam
Upgrade cost Q100-Q390 (license only, no new course required)
Duration options 1-5 years
Common users Bus drivers, delivery drivers, commercial operators

Requirements

  • Valid DPI
  • Current Type C license (held continuously for 2+ years)
  • Updated eye exam
  • No pending fines
  • Banrural payment receipt

Full guide: Type B License Upgrade

Type A — Heavy/Professional Vehicles

Who needs it: Professional drivers of heavy trucks, trailers, and commercial transport vehicles.

Detail Info
Vehicles Vehicles over 10 tons, trailers, articulated trucks
Minimum age 25 years
Prerequisites Type C license held for 3+ years + upgrade exam
Upgrade cost Q100-Q390 (license only)
Duration options 1-5 years
Common users Long-haul truckers, trailer operators, heavy equipment drivers

Requirements

  • Valid DPI
  • Current Type C license (held continuously for 3+ years)
  • Updated eye exam
  • No pending fines
  • Banrural payment receipt

Full guide: Type A License Upgrade

Type E — Road and Agricultural Machinery

Who needs it: Operators of construction machinery, tractors, and specialized road equipment.

Detail Info
Vehicles Backhoes, tractors, road rollers, agricultural machinery
Minimum age 18 years
Prerequisites Specific practical exam
Cost Q100-Q390 (license only)
Note Does not require Type C as a prerequisite

License Costs (2026)

All license types use the same pricing for the card:

Duration Cost Available For
1 year Q100 (~$13 USD) All types, including minors
2 years Q200 (~$26 USD) All types
3 years Q290 (~$38 USD) All types
4 years Q320 (~$42 USD) First license maximum
5 years Q390 (~$51 USD) Renewal only

Additional First-Time Costs

Item Cost
CECOVE driving course ~Q700 (~$91 USD)
Eye exam ~Q50 (~$7 USD)
Total first license ~Q850 (~$110 USD)

Upgrade Path

Type C (18+) ──→ Type B (23+, 2 yrs experience)
     │
     └──→ Type A (25+, 3 yrs experience)

Type M (18+) ── standalone, no upgrade path

Type E (18+) ── standalone, specific exam
  • You do not need Type B to get Type A — you go directly from C to A if you meet the age/experience requirements
  • Type C and Type M are independent — having one doesn’t give you the other
  • You can hold multiple license types simultaneously

Late Renewal Fines (All Types)

Time Expired Fine
0-30 days No fine (grace period)
31 days - 1 year Q50
1-2 years Q100
2-3 years Q150
3-4 years Q200
4-5 years Q250
5+ years Q300

If your license expires more than 5 years ago, you may need to retake the full CECOVE course.

Maycom Centers

Location Address
Mixco (main) 5a. Avenida 0-60, zona 2 de Mixco, Colonia Cotio
Metronorte CC Metronorte, Km 5 Carretera al Atlantico, 2do nivel, local 402
Metroplaza CC Metroplaza
Departmental Offices in main capital cities nationwide

Tips

  • Most people only need Type C — don’t pay for a higher type unless your job requires it
  • The CECOVE course is mandatory for first-time applicants only — renewals and upgrades don’t need it
  • You can hold Types C and M simultaneously (for car + motorcycle)
  • Start the CECOVE course 3 weeks before you need the license — courses take 2-3 weeks
  • Check for pending fines at any Maycom center before starting the process
  • Read our complete guide on driving in Guatemala once you have your license
  • For vehicle registration, you’ll need your license plus additional documents