Samples of Mexican driver's licences from the states of Mexico and Yucatan could not be obtained from the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

The information that follows was provided by a representative at the Embassy of Mexico in Ottawa during a 13 May 2002 telephone interview.

Each state of Mexico issues its own driver's licences and their design vary accordingly, from the colourful with sophisticated security features (such as embedded photograph and holographic seal) to simple black and white designs.

Generally speaking, all driver's licences have a photograph and personal information on the individual (such as address and date of birth), as well as details on the type of licence and its restrictions, and its date of issue. All states have similar types of licences, and of requirements and conditions for obtaining them, although these are not necessarily identical in all states.

A driver's licence can have an expiration date, but must always be replaced when the holder changes place of residence. For obtaining a driver's licence for the first time, State authorities are expected to give one or more tests (for example, knowledge and driving skills) to applicants; a variety of fees and/or documents may be required as part of the application process. Replacement or renewal is done in person before the State licensing authorities; since the driver's licence is also a proof of place of residence, it cannot be renewed outside of Mexico.

The State of Mexico indicates that there are various types of driver's licences issued by the State which can be valid for one to four years, depending on the fees paid: private driver (automovilista-servicio particular), private chauffeur class A (chofer tipo "A"-servicio particular), private or public chauffeur class B (chofer tipo "B"-servicio público y particular), motorcycle driver (motociclista), and bus driver (para conducir ómnibus-servicio público de pasajeros) (13 Aug. 2001). Applying for all these licences requires the presentation of a birth certificate, and a voter registration card (credencial de elector) or a passport or a military service card; the bus driver licence also requires another driver's licence that is at least two years old (ibid.). In addition to these licences, the State of Mexico also issues a temporary driving permit for minors (permiso temporal para menores) aged 16 to 18 years old valid for two years, and a learning permit for minors (permiso de aprendizaje para menores) of 15 or 16 years of age and valid for one year; applying for these licences requires the presentation of a birth certificate, an identification document, a proof of place of residence, an identification document of the parent or tutor, and a letter of endorsement or assumption of responsibility (carta responsiva) (ibid.). The licences are issued by the oficina de licencias of the General Directorate of Transit and Public Security (Dirección General de Seguridad Pública y Tránsito) of the State of Mexico (ibid. 25 Feb. 2002).

No details on driver's licences for the State of Yucatan could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. State and federal authorities of Mexico contacted were unable to provide samples of a driver's licence for the purposes of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of Mexico, Ottawa. 13 May 2002. Telephone interview with representative.

Government of the State of Mexico, Mexico. 25 February 2002. "Servicios y Trámites: Dirección General de Seguridad Pública y Tránsito." http://www.edomex.gob.mx/sgg/ser_dgsp.htm [Accessed 15 May 2002]

_____. 13 August 2001. "Licencias para conducir vehículos automotores." http://www.edomex.gob.mx/sgg/licencia.htm [Accessed 13 May 2002]