License in Argentina

Driving and Getting a License in Argentina (2025 Guide)

License in Argentina is essential knowledge if you’re planning to drive during your stay in the country. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip through Patagonia or need a car for everyday life, understanding how licensing works is a must. This easy-to-follow guide explains what documents you need, how the driving system works, and how to get your Argentine driver’s license updated to comply with 2025 regulations.

Can Foreigners Drive in Argentina with an International License?

Yes, foreigners can drive in Argentina temporarily using an International Driving Permit (IDP) in combination with a valid driver’s license in Argentina or from their home country. This is the most common option for:

  • Tourists visiting Argentina short-term

  • Digital nomads or freelancers without established residency

  • Temporary residents in the initial stages of getting local documentation

You must carry both your IDP and your valid passport or national ID while driving (Automóvil Club Argentino [ACA], 2025).

Disclaimer: If your license in Argentina or from abroad is not in Spanish (e.g., English, French, German), an IDP is mandatory for legal use and to ensure easy interpretation by traffic authorities.

How Long Can You Drive in Argentina on a Foreign License in Argentina?

  • Tourists: Can generally use their IDP and home license in Argentina for the duration of their visa-stamped stay (typically 90–180 days).
    Temporary residents: Can often drive for up to one year using their foreign license in Argentina and IDP from the date of their entry or the start of their temporary residency, before being required to switch to an Argentine one. This duration is generally governed by the National Road Safety Agency (ANSV) guidelines or provincial traffic regulations.

    Always make sure with the local traffic authority (e.g., in your municipality or province) or a consulate, as specific interpretations and enforcement can vary by jurisdiction within Argentina (ANSV, 2025; Migraciones Argentina, 2025).

Can You Rent a Car in Argentina as a Foreigner with a Valid License in Argentina?

You can! Most major rental agencies in Argentina will allow you to rent a car with:

  • A valid passport
  • A valid foreign driver’s license (an IDP is highly recommended for non-Spanish licenses)
  • A major credit card (for deposit and payment)
  • Meeting the minimum age requirement (typically at least 21 years old, or 25 for some higher-end or specific vehicle types) 

Source: (ACA, 2025)

How to Get an Argentine Driver’s License (Licencia Nacional de Conducir)

If you’re planning to stay longer in Argentina, especially with temporary or permanent residency, you’ll likely need to get an Argentine license. 

The process typically involves the following:

Step 1: Obtain Your CUIL/CUIT and Proof of Residency Before applying for a license, you’ll need:

  • A tax identification number: CUIL (Código Único de Identificación Laboral) or CUIT (Código Único de Identificación Tributaria). If you have a DNI, you will usually have a CUIL automatically.
  • Proof of address: A rental contract in your name, a utility bill, or a certificate of domicile issued by local police.
  • Your valid DNI (Argentine National Identity Card). 

Step 2: Translate Your License (if needed) If your home country’s driver’s license is not in Spanish, it must be:

  • Apostilled or legalized in your home country (this verifies the authenticity of your original license).
  • Officially translated into Spanish by a certified public translator (Traductor Público) in Argentina. 

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment at Your Local Driving Authority The specific process and required documentation can vary slightly by municipality (e.g., within the City of Buenos Aires vs. a provincial town). But generally, you’ll need to:

  • Pass a vision test (examen de agudeza visual).
  • Present medical clearance from a local clinic or authorized medical center (aptitud psicofísica), confirming you are physically and psychologically able to drive.
  • Provide your required documentation: DNI, CUIL, proof of address, translated and apostilled foreign license (if applicable), and blood type certificate. 

Step 4: Theoretical and Practical Tests (if required) Whether you need to take driving tests depends on your country of origin and Argentina’s reciprocity agreements.

  • If your license is from a country without a reciprocity agreement (or if local regulations demand it), you may need to:
    • Pass a multiple-choice theory test (examen teórico), usually in Spanish, covering traffic laws and road signs.
    • Take a basic practical driving exam (examen práctico), often conducted in a closed circuit area.

 Always confirm with your specific municipal driving authority. 

Sources: (ANSV, 2025) (Dirección General de Licencias, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, 2025) (ANSES Argentina, 2025) (AFIP, 2025) (Colegio de Traductores Públicos de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, 2025).

Buying or Owning a Car as a Foreigner

Foreigners with established residency (temporary or permanent) can legally buy and register a car in their name. For that you will need:

  • A valid DNI
  • A CUIT or CUIL
  • Proof of a local address
  • Proof of mandatory vehicle insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidad Civil) 

Sources: (Dirección Nacional de los Registros Nacionales de la Propiedad del Automotor [DNRPA], 2025).

Driving in Argentina Is Easier Than You Think

Driving in Argentina as a foreigner is more accessible than many expect. Whether you’re staying short-term with an IDP or making the country your long-term base and applying for a local license, the system is organized and foreigner-friendly. Especially if you prepare your documents ahead of time.

Road trips to the Andes, quick drives to the wine country, or daily commuting in Buenos Aires become much simpler when you understand the steps to drive legally and confidently.

Useful External Resources for Driving in Argentina

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