The “Permanent” License in Baja California
In the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy, the word “permanent” is defined as something that stays the same, without change. But here in our beloved, surreal Baja California, language is a flexible thing. Especially when the state treasury is involved.
I recently spoke with a local driver who is beyond frustrated—actually, let’s call it what it is: she’s livid. She did what any responsible, forward-thinking citizen would do years ago. She opted for the Permanent Driver’s License, paying a premium price for the peace of mind of never having to step foot in a government office again. She bought into the promise of a “forever” deal.
Well, it turns out that in the eyes of the current administration, “forever” is just a fancy word for five years.
The $1,700 Pesos Surprise
Currently, over 30,000 drivers in the state are facing a rude awakening. If you hold a permanent license, you’ve likely discovered that your “lifetime” document is being held hostage. The government claims that for “security reasons” and to “update biometric data,” we all need to check back in.
If you play by their rules and catch them on a good day, the update might cost you around $828 pesos. But wait! If you miss the narrow window or the system decides your data is too “dusty,” that fee jumps to over $1,700 pesos.
Our reader is stuck in this exact dilemma. She didn’t want to “update” her data because, logically, she’s already paid for a permanent right. She stood her ground on principle, citing that the law shouldn’t be applied retroactively. And she’s right! According to Article 14 of the Mexican Constitution, no law can be applied to the detriment of a citizen after the fact. If you bought a permanent right in 2015, that right should be set in stone.
The Administrative “Hostage” Situation
But here is where the sarcasm meets the cold, hard pavement of reality. The government has found a clever, albeit infuriating, way to make you bend the knee. They’ve created a “linkage” in their system.
You want to pay for your 2026 Vehicle Registration (Tarjeta de Circulación)? Great! But the computer says “No.” Why? Because your permanent license hasn’t been “validated” with new fingerprints and a fresh photo. Even though your license is physically in your wallet and says “Permanent” in bold letters, the system considers it “inactive” for other procedures.
It is, quite frankly, a bureaucratic shakedown. It’s the state’s way of saying, “You don’t have to pay… but your car won’t be legal if you don’t.”
Important Facts for the Weary Driver
If you are currently feeling the same “rage” as our friend, here is what you need to know to navigate the mess:
- Where to go: This applies to all of Baja California (Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Rosarito, San Quintín, Tecate). You must visit your local Recaudación de Rentas.
- The $828 Peso Rate: This lower rate is typically available as a “validation” fee rather than a full renewal, but you generally have until the end of the first quarter of the year to take advantage of the best discounts on state fees.
- Is it Legal? Technically, it’s a violation of the principle of non-retroactivity. However, the state argues that while your right to drive is permanent, the document must be updated for public safety.
- The Verdict: You can fight it with a lawyer and an Amparo (an injunction), but that will cost you far more in legal fees and time than the $1,700 pesos they are demanding.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow. We feel the “coraje” right along with you. It seems the only thing truly permanent in Baja California is the government’s creativity in finding new ways to reach into our pockets.
