Applying for a driving licence or visitor driving permit; and exchanging your foreign licence.
To drive a vehicle on a public road in Barbados, you must have a valid domestic or foreign driving licence.
The fee to apply for a learner permit is $80. You must have a Regulation Examination pass certificate to apply for one.
You can apply for a learner driving permit online at bla.gov.bb.
Alternatively, you may visit the Barbados Revenue Authority at The Pine if you prefer to apply in person (cash only).
You may be able to use your Barbadian driving licence overseas for a temporary period, depending on the country you are visiting. See foreign travel advice.
The licence fee is $50 for 1 year, $125 for 3 years, or $200 for 5 years.
You can renew your driving licence online at bla.gov.bb. Alternatively, visit the Barbados Revenue Authority at The Pine if you prefer to renew your licence in person (cash only).
Once you've paid for the renewal of your licence, visit the Barbados Licensing Authority at The Pine with an electronic or printed copy of your payment receipt to collect your driving licence. If you paid online, you must collect your driving licence within 8 working days, but no sooner than 2 working days after payment.
There are separate queues for driving licence applications, payments and collections. Don't hesitate to ask someone if you are not sure which queue you need to be in.
You are usually able to have your existing photo re-used; but if you want your photo to be re-taken, let the receptionist know when you are called forward.
Visitors may drive in Barbados on a foreign driving licence as long as it is valid for the class of vehicle being driven.
If you are familiar with Visitor Driving Permits, please note they have been abolished and are no longer required to drive in Barbados on a foreign licence.
CARICOM nationals from Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines exercising the freedom of movement are permitted to drive in Barbados using their foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date of their arrival, before they must exchange it for a local licence.
Renting a vehicle? Please note a Vehicle Rental Levy applies (maximum $35 per vehicle rental contract).
You must be a Barbadian citizen; or a CARICOM national from Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, or Saint Vincent and the Grenadines residing in Barbados under the freedom of movement; or a foreign national with permanent residency, immigrant status, reside and work status, a work permit [1], a student visa [1], a Welcome Stamp visa, a CARICOM Skilled National certificate, a Special Entry permit or Right of Establishment. If this applies to you, follow these steps:
[1] Work permit / student visa must be valid for six months or longer.
Visitor Driving Permits have been abolished effective October 15th, 2025 and are no longer required to drive in Barbados on a foreign licence.
CARICOM nationals from Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines exercising the freedom of movement are permitted to drive in Barbados using their foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date of their arrival, before they must exchange it for a local licence.
Fixed penalty notices need to be paid to the Clerk of the Magistrate's Court for the relevant district mentioned therein. If the penalty notice states District A, you need to visit the Accounts Section of the Supreme Court, located at Whitepark Road in Bridgetown. [1] When you arrive, follow signs for the Registration Offices.
[1] District 'A' Magistrates Court has been temporarily relocated to the Supreme Court Complex at Whitepark Road, as of April 24, 2021.