What the fields on a Mexican license mean
A Mexican driver's license contains the same core information as a U.S. license — name, date of birth, address, license number — but the layout and field names are in Spanish, and some categories differ. The license is a laminated plastic card, roughly the size of a U.S. license, with the holder's photograph on the front and vehicle restrictions on the back.
The front of the card displays personal identification data in a standard order. The back lists the vehicle classes the holder is permitted to drive, along with any medical or vision restrictions. Understanding where each piece of information sits and what the Spanish labels mean will help you verify the license's validity or understand what it permits.
Key Takeaways
- A Mexican license shows the holder's name, date of birth, address, and a unique license number in the upper and middle sections of the front side.
- Vehicle classes are listed on the back as single letters (A, B, C, etc.), each representing a different vehicle type or weight category.
- The expiration date appears near the bottom of the front and is labeled Vigencia or Vencimiento.
- Medical restrictions or vision corrections are noted on the back under Restricciones or Observaciones.
- The license number, called Folio, is unique to each driver and can be used to verify the license with Mexican authorities.
Front side: personal information and license number
The front of a Mexican driver's license is divided into sections. At the top is a photograph of the license holder, typically in color. Below the photo, on the left side, you will find the holder's full name (Nombre), date of birth (Fecha de Nacimiento), and place of birth (Lugar de Nacimiento). These fields use the format DD/MM/YYYY for dates.
On the right side of the front, the license displays the Folio (license number), which is a unique identifier assigned by the issuing state. Below that is the Clave de Elector (voter ID number), which links the license to the holder's official voter registration. The address (Domicilio) appears in the lower section and shows the state and municipality where the license was issued.
Near the bottom of the front, you will see Vigencia or Vencimiento, which indicates the expiration date. Mexican licenses are typically valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on the state and the driver's age at issuance. The date format is again DD/MM/YYYY.
Back side: vehicle classes and restrictions
The back of a Mexican driver's license lists the vehicle classes the holder is permitted to operate. These are shown as single letters, each representing a specific category. Class A covers motorcycles and mopeds. Class B covers light passenger vehicles (sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks up to a certain weight). Class C covers medium trucks. Class D covers heavy trucks. Class E covers buses and large passenger vehicles. Not all drivers hold all classes; the license will show only the classes the holder has been tested for and passed.
Below the vehicle classes, the back displays any Restricciones (restrictions) or Observaciones (observations). Common restrictions include vision correction requirements (for example, "Debe usar lentes" — must wear glasses), hearing aid requirements, or limitations on the time of day the driver may operate a vehicle. If no restrictions are listed, the field may be blank or marked "Sin restricciones" (no restrictions).
The back also shows the date the license was issued (Expedición) and the state or municipality that issued it. Some versions include a barcode or QR code that can be scanned to verify the license's authenticity with the issuing authority.
How to verify a Mexican license is current
To confirm that a Mexican driver's license has not expired, locate the Vigencia or Vencimiento date on the front of the card and compare it to the current date. If the expiration date has passed, the license is no longer valid for driving in Mexico. Some U.S. states and insurance companies will also accept a Mexican license for identification purposes even if it is expired, but you should verify this with the specific organization.
If you need to confirm the license's authenticity or check its status with Mexican authorities, you can use the Folio (license number) to contact the issuing state's transit authority. Each Mexican state maintains its own driver's license database, so you will need to know which state issued the license. The state is typically shown on the front or back of the card.
Differences between Mexican and U.S. driver's licenses
Mexican licenses do not use the same vehicle class system as U.S. licenses. In the United States, classes are typically numbered (Class D, Class A, etc.) and are defined by the federal government with some state variation. Mexico uses letter-based classes (A, B, C, D, E) that are more standardized across states but may still have slight variations in what each class permits.
Mexican licenses also do not display endorsements or restrictions in the same way U.S. licenses do. Instead of separate endorsement codes, restrictions are written out in plain Spanish under Restricciones or Observaciones. Additionally, Mexican licenses do not show organ donor status or Real ID compliance markers, as these are not part of Mexico's licensing system.
The address format on a Mexican license is also different. Rather than a street address followed by city and state, Mexican licenses typically show the state and municipality (county-level division) where the license was issued, not necessarily where the holder lives. This is because Mexican states issue licenses through regional offices, and the license reflects the office location rather than the applicant's residence.
What to do if you cannot read a field on the license
If a field on a Mexican driver's license is unclear due to wear, damage, or printing quality, the license may still be valid as long as the photograph, name, and expiration date are legible. However, if the Folio (license number) or expiration date is unreadable, the license should not be used for driving or official identification.
If you are trying to read a license that belongs to someone else and you need specific information, ask the holder directly. If you are verifying a license for employment, rental, or insurance purposes, contact the issuing state's transit authority with the Folio number. Most Mexican states have online verification systems or phone lines where you can confirm a license's validity without needing to read every field yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Vigencia" mean on a Mexican driver's license?
Vigencia means "validity" or "term of validity" and refers to the expiration date of the license. It is shown in DD/MM/YYYY format on the front of the card. Once this date passes, the license is no longer valid for driving in Mexico.
Can I use a Mexican driver's license to drive in the United States?
A valid Mexican driver's license can be used to drive in the United States, but only if you are a visitor or temporary resident. If you become a permanent resident or citizen, you must obtain a U.S. driver's license. Some U.S. states also require an International Driving Permit alongside a Mexican license for rental cars or insurance purposes.
What do the letters on the back of a Mexican license mean?
The letters (A, B, C, D, E) represent vehicle classes. Class A is motorcycles, Class B is light vehicles, Class C is medium trucks, Class D is heavy trucks, and Class E is buses. The letters shown on your license indicate which vehicle types you are permitted to drive.
How long is a Mexican driver's license valid?
Mexican driver's licenses are typically valid for 5 to 10 years, depending on the state that issued the license and the driver's age at the time of issuance. Younger drivers may receive shorter validity periods. Check the Vigencia date on your license to confirm when it expires.
What if my Mexican license has restrictions listed?
Restrictions are conditions you must follow while driving. Common examples include wearing corrective lenses, using a hearing aid, or driving only during daylight hours. You must comply with all restrictions listed on your license, or you may be cited by law enforcement.