Jocie and I just went through this process - successfully. For those interested, here is how it is done:
Go to your home Embassy with your passport and current driver's license. Get a letter from the Embassy stating that the license is valid. (For Canadians, be prepared to pay $50 per letter) Next, go to the Panamanian Department of External Affairs (both in Panama City) and submit your letter there. You will be told to come back the next day to pick up your stamped document. When you get the document back check to make sure all the relevant information is correct (spelling of names, passport numbers, driver's license number etc). You will also need a blood typing, it goes on your license. There are lists of acceptable clinics, use one of them. Next, go to a Panamanian driver's license bureau with your passport, driver's license, blood type report along with a copy of each piece. Give these to the nice person at the counter and remember to smile. Do not wear shorts, offensive T shirts, sunglasses or hats/caps when you go in there, they WILL take offense. After they examine and check all of the documents for correctness you will be sent to the eye examination counter and after that to the hearing test. You will then be told to "go pay", it will cost you $40. Present your receipt to the license issuing person and you will get your license there and then. You are done!
It is all a matter of getting the right documents stamped by the right people. Don't turn up with something different and try to argue that it is "the same", you will be refused and maybe your next visit will be a little stickier.
Again, remember we are visitors and no-one has to conform to "your" opinion.
As far as Canadians are concerned (and probably true for other nationalities) you can send an agent to Panama City with your passport and driver's license - but do you REALLY want to do that?
Go to your home Embassy with your passport and current driver's license. Get a letter from the Embassy stating that the license is valid. (For Canadians, be prepared to pay $50 per letter) Next, go to the Panamanian Department of External Affairs (both in Panama City) and submit your letter there. You will be told to come back the next day to pick up your stamped document. When you get the document back check to make sure all the relevant information is correct (spelling of names, passport numbers, driver's license number etc). You will also need a blood typing, it goes on your license. There are lists of acceptable clinics, use one of them. Next, go to a Panamanian driver's license bureau with your passport, driver's license, blood type report along with a copy of each piece. Give these to the nice person at the counter and remember to smile. Do not wear shorts, offensive T shirts, sunglasses or hats/caps when you go in there, they WILL take offense. After they examine and check all of the documents for correctness you will be sent to the eye examination counter and after that to the hearing test. You will then be told to "go pay", it will cost you $40. Present your receipt to the license issuing person and you will get your license there and then. You are done!
It is all a matter of getting the right documents stamped by the right people. Don't turn up with something different and try to argue that it is "the same", you will be refused and maybe your next visit will be a little stickier.
Again, remember we are visitors and no-one has to conform to "your" opinion.
As far as Canadians are concerned (and probably true for other nationalities) you can send an agent to Panama City with your passport and driver's license - but do you REALLY want to do that?
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