Exchange Foreign Licence

Recently relocated to the Cayman Islands? As a signatory (through the United Kingdom) of the Geneva Convention (1949) and local parliament, the Cayman Islands is a part of a worldwide body that make up the Contracting States. As a signatory, citizens of the participating countries, who hold valid driver’s licences, are able to procure a Cayman Islands driver’s licence.

To do this one must pass the Written test, and then provide their current and valid drivers’ licence from a Geneva Contracting State, as well as proof of their residential status on the Islands i.e., passport bearing the appropriate stamp (dated no later than 12 months from the date of arrival to the Island) from the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control. 

New residents must either visit any of our branches or call our Customer Support Unit (+1 (345) 945-8344 - Option 1) within the first 12 months from their date or arrival on the Island to arrange to sit the Written exam. It’s only upon passing this exam that a Cayman Islands driver’s licence will be issued.

NOTE: It is MANDATORY for all persons to take and pass a Written Exam and there are NO exceptions whatsoever.

It is important to note that when a person becomes a resident they may drive on their domestic licence in the Islands for a period not exceeding twelve months. After the twelve months, they will have to sit and pass both the written and road exams. If the written exam is done within the twelve months of residency, they need only take and pass the written exam provided they hold a valid driver’s licence from a Geneva Contracting State for the class of vehicle to be driven.

A drivers’ licence can be issued for three, five or ten years. A transfer fee of CI$50.00 will be charged.

It is important to note that individuals who are currently enlisted in a Learner Driver’s or Graduated Driver’s Licence Program in his/her home country will not be entitled to a Cayman Islands driver’s licence and will therefore be required to apply for a learner's licence by scheduling an appointment to sit the drivers exam; both written and practical.

Any person who becomes a legal resident of the Cayman Islands, and subsequently obtain a driver’s licence from their home country or any other contracting state cannot have it transferred to a Cayman Islands driving licence. A “resident” is defined under section 2 of the Traffic Act, (2024 Revision) as a person who has lived in the Islands for 12 months or more. Whereas under Section 2 of the Traffic Act (2024 Revision) a “visitor” is a person who -

• has been granted permission to stay in the Islands for a period of twelve months, or
• does not reside in the Islands but has permission to stay for a period of more than twelve months.
• also included in the provision is for a Caymanian to have the privilege of exchange within 12 months.

The Traffic Act further defines a “new resident as a person who has been granted permission to stay in the Islands for a period exceeding six months and is still in the person’s initial six month period of residence.

Returning residents – If you have held a full Cayman Driver’s licence that has expired within ten (10) years and since the beginning period of five(5) years after its expiry held a driver’s licence from a Geneva Convention Contracting country, you are allowed to renew your Cayman driver’s licence.

Permission to Drive for 12 Months - The Traffic (International Circulation) Regulations, 2012

Under Section 29 of the Traffic Act (2024 Revision) which gives force to the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, it does allow for a person as it were, the permission to drive in the Islands for a period of 12 months within the confines of the Regulations 4 of the Traffic (International Circulation) Regulations, 2012.

EXCEPTIONS/UK

There are exceptions to this rule for  the following countries:

1. United Kingdom;
2. Gibraltar;
3. Guernsey;
4. Isle of Man; and
5. Jersey 

After 12 months you must exchange your licence to keep driving.  To do so, , you will require a a letter confirming your driving licence details. Please note, this will be a full exchange, meaning your foreign  licence and your foreign country driver’s licence will be relinquished and sent to DVLA in the UK.

Step by Step Instructions:

Steps for Countries Exempt Under Section 27A of the Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2024

If you are from one of the countries exempt under Section 27A of the Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2024, please follow these steps to exchange your licence:

1. Complete the Cayman Islands Application for a Driver’s Licence, Form T.R.14, which can be found on our website at www.dvdl.gov.ky.
2. Present the following documents at any Department of Vehicle and Driver’s Licence location:
   • The completed application form
   • Your passport
   • Your letter of authenticity/entitlement
   • Your valid Convention country-issued driver’s licence

To obtain the letter of authenticity/entitlement for the UK and other exempt countries, email the relevant issuing agency with the subject line "Certificate of Authenticity":

• Great Britain: EULiason@dvla.gov.uk
• Northern Ireland: dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
• Gibraltar: dvld@gibraltar.gov.gi
• Jersey: dvsinfo@gov.je
• Isle of Man: driversandvehicles@gov.im