Panama has officially approved the use of digital driver’s licenses as valid identification during traffic inspections.
The measure, published in the Gaceta Oficial, allows drivers to present their license directly from a mobile device.
The initiative was announced by the Autoridad del Tránsito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT) as part of the government’s ongoing digital transformation efforts. Importantly, the digital version is optional and serves as a complement to the traditional plastic license, which remains the official document.
How It Works
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The digital license will be available exclusively for mobile devices through official electronic platforms authorized by the ATTT.
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It will be issued by Servicios de Tránsito Centroamericanos, S.A. (SERTRACEN), the same concessionaire responsible for physical licenses.
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Verification will be conducted in real time by ATTT agents and the National Police during inspections.
Advantages for Drivers
Authorities highlighted several benefits of the new system:
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Greater convenience and accessibility.
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Reduced risk of losing the physical card.
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Secure digital authentication during traffic operations.
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Fewer in-person procedures for replacements or validations.
The resolution specifies that the digital license must always meet requirements of authenticity, integrity, and validity. It must also correspond to the correct vehicle type, as outlined in the national traffic regulations.
A Step Toward Digital Governance
The ATTT noted that the project had been under evaluation since September 2024 and is now fully active. By implementing this system, Panama joins a growing list of countries adopting digital identification tools to improve efficiency and citizen services.
Officials see this as part of a broader commitment to modernize state services with secure digital solutions, aligning with global trends in public administration.
Date Written: August 17, 2025
