You are here: Cayman Islands Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing > Help > FAQs

Where is my nearest licensing office?

For details of our offices visit our Contact Us section

How do I renew my drivers’ licence?

Visit any of our locations and complete the necessary form and pay the prescribed fee. See our Licence Renewal section for more details

How do I get in contact with the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing?

For details of our offices as well as our telephone and e-mail details visit our Contact Us section

I recently changed the color and/or the engine size of my vehicle; must I let the department know?

Yes, any change in the colour, engine size or ownership, the DVDL must be made aware. See our sections on Transferring Ownership or Changing Vehicle Particulars for more details

How do I let the DVDL know of my new contact details?

Come to one of our offices, complete the appropriate form. There is a $20 dollar fee to cover the cost of a new licence. See our Change of Address / Name section form more details.

I’m visiting the Islands; can I drive on my country’s driver’s licence?

Visitors to the Island, who intend to rent a car/motor scooter, must first obtain a visitors permit.

How do I get a provisional drivers licence?

You need to pass a written examination to obtain a provisional drivers licence.

What is the difference between a full driver’s licence and a provisional?

A full licence allows you to operate a motor vehicle, without supervision, within the limit of the relvant laws for that vehicle category. See our Provisional Licence and Full Licence sections for more information.

What is the process for obtaining a motor cycle licence?

You must first pass the written exam to obtain your provisional licence. This entitles you to drive your motorcycle with learner plate. You must schedule a practical test to demonstrate your control of the motorcycle to obtain your full motorcycle licence.

When I go to renew my drivers licence, I will be over 70. Will that influence my eligibility for my renewal?

Citizens aged over 70 have to disclose details of any disability, and may be required to produce a medical certificate when renewing their licence. Please see our Senior Citizen section for more details.

I lost my drivers licence. What should I do?

Immediately notify the police, once you have done so you may then visit the DVDL to have your licence replaced. Remember to bring a copy of you police report.

I am new to the Islands. How do I obtain a local drivers licence?

You may be eligible to replace your foreign licence with a Cayman Island licence.

How do I upgrade my licence so I can operate heavy equipment?

You need to obtain a provisional licence for the new vehicle type.and complete a practical test. See our Heavy Equipment /Special Vehicle section for more details.

How do I schedule an appointment to sit the written portion of the driving exam?

You need to visit one of our offices, with photo ID, to schedule the written exam.

I am about to have my vehicle inspected, is there anything I should know about this process?

Please see our section on Vehicle Inspections.

How do I licence my vehicle?

Please see our section on Vehicle Registration & Licensing.

For how long can I licence my vehicle?

You can licence your vehicle for 3, 6, 12, 24 or 36 months. See our Vehicle Registration & Licensing section for more details.

What are the categories of driver’s licences?

See our Drivers Licence Categories section.

Can I change my drivers licence category?

Yes. Go to any of our offices, complete the appropriate form and submit payment of $50. See the Change Category section for more details.

I recently purchased a vehicle and intend to export it. What do I have to do?

There is a strict process to follow when exporting or disposing of a vehicle.

I have been asked to terminate a vehicle on someone’s behalf; what do I have to do?

You need authorization from the registered owner. See our Export/Termination of Vehicle section for more information.

My vehicle purchase was financed by a bank, but I have since paid the loan in full. Will the bank automatically have the lien removed?

While it is necessary for the bank to forward a notification of lien removal, you may have to request that the notification be done. See Export/Termination of Vehicle section for more information.

My vehicle was destroyed in an accident (or by a storm) and is beyond repair. What do I do?

There is a strict process to follow when exporting or disposing of a vehicle.

I intend to sell my vehicle. How is the transfer of ownership done?

Both the Vendor and Buyer need to complete the appropriate paperwork and submit it at one of our offices. See our section on Transferring Ownership for more details.

How long do I have to notify the DVDL of changes, either of vehicle ownership or appearance?

Section 9 of the Traffic Law (2003 revision) states that the Director shall be notified within fourteen days of any alteration to the particulars/ownership of a vehicle. See our section on Transferring Ownership for more details.

I am buying a vehicle for the first time. What do I need?

In order to have a vehicle registered in your name, you must be the holder of a valid and unrestricted C.I. drivers licence and have proof of valid insurance. See our section on Transferring Ownership for more details.

I am a new resident on the Islands and have recently purchased a car. Can I drive on the drivers’ licence issued in my home country?

New residents who intend to purchase a vehicle will be required to obtain a Cayman Islands driver licence. You may be eligible to replace your foreign licence with a Cayman Island licence.

I am leaving the Islands for a few months. Do I have to let the DVDL know what I intend to do with my vehicle?

You can temporarily suspend the registration of your vehicle.

A registration plate is missing from my vehicle. What do I have to do?

You can request new registration plates at any of our offices.

What are the fees for different categories of drivers’ licences?

Please see our Drivers Licence Fees section for more details

What are souvenir plates?

Registration plates that are sold to the general public (never a full set) as a collector’s item. See our Souvenir Plates section for more details.

Can I request personalized registration plates?

Please see our Personalised Registration plates section for more details.

How much do personalized registration plates cost?

Each set of personalized registration plates will cost CI$300.00 Please see our Personalised Registration plates section for more details.

Tell me about Disabled Permits/Registration Plates?

As a driver with a disability, you can apply for disabled registration plates for your vehicle.