**Permanent License Holders Required to Update from January 2025**
Starting in January 2025, residents who obtained a permanent driver’s license between January 2020 and December 2021 in Baja California will need to visit local revenue offices to update their information. A fee of approximately 700 pesos will be charged for this procedure. Failure to comply will result in the license losing its permanent status and changing to a 3 or 5-year validity, depending on the license holder’s preference.
Israel Flores, who renewed his license in August 2021, presumed his license would remain permanently valid. However, he discovered that an update is necessary after five years, which involves additional costs. Flores expressed concern regarding this requirement, suggesting data updates could potentially be conducted online and questioning the high fees associated with this process.
The permanent licenses, which account for nearly 10% of the total licenses in Baja California, were part of a program, and 185,634 were distributed statewide, with 103,654 issued in Tijuana alone. The subrevenue collector at Via Rápida, Fernando Gutiérrez Sandoval, reminds citizens to check their issuance date and make necessary updates within five years to avoid downgrading.
Even though the updates will not strip the license of its permanent status, 700 pesos will be levied for the process. The fee is significantly lower than the renewal costs for traditional licenses. Gutiérrez Sandoval emphasizes the importance of keeping up-to-date records, such as address changes and photograph updates, to maintain accurate information.
**Secondary Article: New Measures for Vehicle License Regulations in Mexico**
In addition to the upcoming requirements for updating permanent licenses, Mexico is considering new regulations to address aging vehicles. Most vehicles on the road in Baja California are over a decade old, prompting discussions on potential measures to improve road safety and reduce emissions. Authorities are evaluating policies that may incentivize owners to upgrade to newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles, potentially including tax breaks or credits for drivers who trade in older models for modern alternatives.
This initiative is part of a broader move to improve infrastructure and environmental conditions across the country, reflecting growing concerns over pollution and traffic congestion in urban areas. Policymakers continue to debate the best approaches to encourage vehicle upgrades without imposing undue financial burdens on the public.
As the regulatory landscape for vehicle ownership and licensing evolves in Mexico, drivers are encouraged to stay informed about new developments and requirements to ensure compliance and avoid unforeseen penalties.