13Likes
|
|
7 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 13
|
|
Lost Driver License in Mexico
Canadian here on a journey to Panama aboard a KLR650. My question to the group is can I ride without a drivers license in Central America and not experience any major hassles?
I was recently robbed of all my important items in Mexico City last week. All I have is a passport and debit card. My thoughts were to continue riding without any License and have a note (in Spanish) explaining I was robbed ect.. and providing the details of my Canadian license (that I know) in case I get stopped by the police.... I can assume if I get stopped by the police like this a bribe will be expected which I am happy to pay (im expecting 500 pesos).
I would like to get everyone's thoughts and suggestions on this. I do have a drivers license, just not on me at the moment.
I will be getting a temporary license in the mail in approximately 4 weeks time sent to my Canadian address. This temporary license is on a piece of paper which will be scanned and sent to me... Keep in mind I will get this legal paper in 4-5 weeks from now...
|
8 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
|
|
in nicaragua your vehicle will be impounded if you are stopped without a license. i also doubt they will accept a non-photo license, especially a scanned version
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
|
8 Jan 2019
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by teevee
in nicaragua your vehicle will be impounded if you are stopped without a license. i also doubt they will accept a non-photo license, especially a scanned version
|
You're making a strong case for reporting a driver's license lost and receiving a duplicate before leaving on a trip. Not that you or I would ever consider such a thing. Just don't confuse the two and present the "lost" one to law enforcement in your home country.
Mark
|
8 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
|
|
Yes Mark. Truly amazing how many overlanders misplace their license just before heading off.
Been itching for someone to keep it for ransom so I could just drive off but hasn't happened so far. I also had some good photocopies made and laminated and they were accepted most times
|
8 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
|
|
i cant speak for other US states, but florida makes it dead simple to have multiple legitimate originals of your DL. all one has to do is go online and order a 2nd or even 3rd. only the issue date changes, # and exp date remain. also works when you move.
i keep my old address license in my truck in nicaragua with the reg and insurance card. my current DL stays in my wallet.
anyway, i wish the OP luck. maybe it would be worth a quick flight home to get a new legit license.
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
|
8 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 13
|
|
I've heard that before, a quick flight home ill be dropping a good $1,000. not to mention bike storage and additional expenses, time is also sensitive aswell.
|
9 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevin.kingma44
I've heard that before, a quick flight home ill be dropping a good $1,000. not to mention bike storage and additional expenses, time is also sensitive aswell.
|
But this time you'll be making copies - laminate them.
And keep a backup on the web somewhere.
And store a photo of them on your phone/camera.
Same with your passport, c cardS (you should have more than 1 c card - from different banks).
This could save you $1,000 ... or more.
|
9 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,057
|
|
I don't know if the Canadian Consular services might be of any help but it won't hurt asking them. . It seems you might be stuck in Mexico until you get a replacement . If this robbery happened last week in Cd Mexico , where are you now and how did you already arrange for the replacement license to be sent to your home ?
This is just speculation , but consular services are supposed to help their nationals with problems .
Check with the Canadian embassy in Cd Mexico , maybe they can speed up the replacing formalities and get the new piece of plastic , not just a paper facsimile , shipped using their diplomatic mail . I know a DL is not a passport , but it is a form of provincial government document .
|
9 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Miami/Managua
Posts: 211
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kevin.kingma44
I've heard that before, a quick flight home ill be dropping a good $1,000. not to mention bike storage and additional expenses, time is also sensitive aswell.
|
ok smart guy. keep on with your trip through central america without a valid license. just be sure to tell us how much more than $1000 it costs you when your bike gets impounded and they refuse to give it back to you until you show them a valid license.
perhaps you need to be told: central america is an "anything can happen" place. one cop may warn you while the next guy handcuffs you. nicaragua right now, is NOT the place to be screwing around. the cops have become quite the murderous bunch and have ZERO patience for anyone.
a good friend of mine used to tell his kids, "ok wise guy. just remember, hard head makes a soft ass!"
__________________
'07 DL1000 '08 DR650
|
10 Jan 2019
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
I had my wallet stolen while living in Mexico, including my drivers licence. Yes, it was a royal pain. There was no way I could get a new one issued without showing up at the motor vehicles branch in BC in person, so I ended up flying back on my next holiday and getting a replacement licence.
I had a color photocopy laminated, and kept that in my wallet from then on and kept the legit licence hidden away. I only ever had to show the photocopy once or twice, and I never had any problems with it being a copy.
Sorry about your hassle.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
11 Jan 2019
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Poland
Posts: 55
|
|
You won't be able to cross borders in Central America without your license. And you're probably going to have troubles with your temporary license.
Sorry to say mate: you need your license.
Your problem is not if you can ride without a license, it's rather how to get a duplicate as quick as possible
|
13 Sep 2020
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: RTW
Posts: 69
|
|
I was going to ask if you had made copies of your travel documents. Passport, license, credit cards, etc. Because if you had, it's possible you could have a copy printed and laminated in-country before you cross the next border.
I traveled throughout Mexico and Central America on a laminated copy of my drivers license for several months in 2007. I kept several copies on hand, and my original license was kept under the seat of my motorcycle. Technology might be a little different now, but nobody ever questioned my license.
But... I did want to ask the details of the robbery. I'm planning to head to Mexico in a few months, so it would be nice to know what happened, and how it might be avoided in the future.
Good luck on your travels.
Jamie
|
15 Sep 2020
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,057
|
|
Yeah , I also would be interested in hearing those details , but more importantly how KEVIN resolved his problem and how the rest of that ride in 2019 turned out .
Kevin , are you still out there? Unfortunately Kevin has not given a peep here on HU since that last post of January 2019 , and only five posts before that in 2018 . Those five posts were asking some basic questions about e. g insurance , documents ,etc . for the countries Kevin was planning to ride through, but he did not respond in any way to the suggestions either , so maybe none of the advice “ took” .
How about it Kevin , are you still a rider ?
|
15 Sep 2020
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: RTW
Posts: 69
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjoerd Bakker
Yeah , I also would be interested in hearing those details , but more importantly how KEVIN resolved his problem and how the rest of that ride in 2019 turned out .
|
Oops! Got me on the date. I don't usually miss that.
|
15 Sep 2020
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
|
|
Yes - it would be good to hear from Kevin and find out how he dealt with his dilemma.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|