Navigating the Road to a Mauritian Driving License: A Guide for Expats

Driving in a new country can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s important to ensure that you’re doing so legally and safely. If you’re an expatriate living in Mauritius, you may initially use your domestic and international driving licenses for a month. However, to continue driving legally in this beautiful island nation, you’ll need to obtain a Mauritian driving license. Don’t worry; the process is straightforward and consists of three simple steps: Submission, Appointment, and Collection.

Step 1: Submission – Gather Your Documents

Before embarking on this journey, make sure you have the following documents in hand:

• Original and a copy of your foreign driving license (recto/verso)
• Original and a copy of your residence permit letter
• Original and a copy of your passport, along with a copy of your last entry date (Mauritian National ID for citizens)
• Original and a copy of your birth certificate
• Original and a copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Original proof of your address
• A medical certificate for individuals aged 60 and above (the certificate should clearly state ‘fit to drive motor vehicle’)
• An attestation letter from the issuing country of your foreign driving license (can usually be obtained online or through your embassy)
• A letter requesting the conversion of your driving license (see sample format below)

Sample Letter for Conversion:

To the Officer in Charge
Traffic Branch
Port Louis

Request for conversion of ‘XXXXXXX’ License to Mauritian Driving Licence

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], of [Your Nationality], bearing passport number [Your Passport Number] and residing at [Your Address] since [Your Arrival Date], hereby request to convert my [Your Foreign Driving License Type and Number] to a Mauritian Driving license. Please find enclosed the following documentation:

[Here, list all the documents you are submitting]

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

With your documents in order, proceed to the Traffic Branch of the Line Barracks Police Station in Port Louis. Upon arrival, take a number at the door, and they will direct you to Counter 8, where you’ll wait until your number is called. Submit all your documents and the letter, and you’ll be given a number to call on after a week to confirm approval and get an appointment date (usually 1 week after)

Step 2: Appointment – To pay fees and submit photographs

On your appointed date, return to the Traffic Branch along with two passport-sized photos and MUR 1500 in cash. The authorities will process your application and provide you with a receipt. You’ll also receive another appointment for collection, typically scheduled two weeks after.

Step 3: Collection – Getting Your Mauritian Driving License

Your final stop in this process is at the Traffic Branch again to collect your Mauritian driving license. Be sure to bring the receipt issued during your appointment, and your new license will be handed over to you.

With your Mauritian driving license in hand, you can now navigate the scenic roads of this tropical paradise with confidence. Safe travels!