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 |
Edge Cases & Special Situations
Details
Guatemala recognizes foreign driver’s licenses for tourists for up to 30 days. After that, you need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country or a Guatemalan license. If you are a resident, you must obtain a Guatemalan license. Some countries have reciprocity agreements that simplify the conversion process, but most foreigners need to take the CECOVE course.
Details
Under Art. 31-35 of the Ley de Transito, licenses can be suspended for serious traffic violations, DUI, or accumulating too many infractions. Suspension periods vary from 30 days to permanent revocation depending on the offense. After the suspension period, you must pay any pending fines, retake the eye exam, and in some cases retake the CECOVE course before Maycom will reinstate your license.
Details
Minors aged 16-17 can obtain a Type C license with parental consent, but only for a maximum 1-year duration (Q100). Both parents or the legal guardian must appear at Maycom with their DPIs and sign a consent form. The minor must still complete the full CECOVE course and eye exam. At age 18, the license can be renewed for longer periods without parental consent.
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