Expert: Drew Wilmoth - 10/23/2009

Question
Dear Drew,

I am from the UK but am moving to the Caymans and i want to get a Cayman driving license, how easy, how much and how quickly can i get one?

Thank you
Charlie

Answer
By international agreement, the Geneva Convention (1949), many countries allow you a simple exchange. Cayman, through the signature of the UK to this agreement, abides by these rules as one of the Contracting States.

You should bring in your current valid UK license and your passport with a visa stamp indicating residence in Cayman. A work permit stamp, student visa, or other stamp indicating permission to reside in Cayman is sufficient.

If your work permit or residence visa is not stamped in your passport upon your arrival at the airport, you will first need to go to the Immigration Department to get your passport updated. Then it is a simple walk across the street to the Vehicle Licensing office. All of this can be handled in a couple hours (including time for waiting on queue).

The license fee is based upon CI$20.00 per year. License are normally issued for three or five years. Your first license fee may vary as they will prorate the license fee so that the expiry date falls on your birthday. There is a CI$25.00 transfer fee in addition to the fees necessary for the license itself. NOTE: license fee amounts are currently under review as a part of the annual budget. There is rumor that they may increase significantly.