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Belizean Drivers License

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mitzrowland0821

If you’re thinking about getting a Belizean driver’s license, don’t apply right before your birthday, but apply after it (right after birthday may be better). 


When I applied, I had a little argument with an officer who was in charge because he said if I don’t have Belizean Social Security, nor a permanent residence visa nor any similar visa, I’m not qualified to apply the license.  My husband and I have a piece of property and have been living here since 2019.  My husband is under QRP but so far I am not, so I pay $200 for visa extension every month.  After a little conversation, he finally said if I would bring a copy of the property title and my husband’s QRP card and his verification that I’m with him, then he might approve my drivers license application.  So I did, and he accepted it on Feb 1, 2023.  At that time, he asked me if I wanted to get a three-year license, and I said yes, and paid $210 for it.  I was told it would take one month, so I waited and on March 8, 2023, which is my birthday, I went to the office and got the license, but its expiration date is two years from now.  I asked them why?  The officer who accepted my application said because I applied before my birthday (birthdate is an expiration date each year), the first year expired on March 8, 2023.  I bought a 3-year license, but wasted the first year (costed BZ$90). 

davidsbrenchley

@mitzrowland0821 Thanks for the heads up. I will be visiting this next month. Query. Why did you not sign on as a dependent for QRP?

Aerodex

@mitzrowland0821

Oh so typical of the way bureaucracy works here.


Since you need to renew your visitors permit, I bet you have run into similar things. Such as, if your 30day extension expires on a weekend or holyday and you come in a day of 2 early to renew, you loose the days you were in their office early. But if you wait and come in the next day the office is open, one gets scolded for being late. 🙄

wri57

@mitzrowland0821

Welcome to bureaucracy in Belize. You'll get used to it over time. It's pretty much a "win some, loose some proposition.

You can study the rules, regulations & laws all you want. In the end it will depend on who's behind the desk and their mood at that moment. You can seldom win a head to head bureaucratic confrontation. Be respectful & low key, it's your best chance.

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