# Ecuador driver licence policy changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ecuador-driver-licence-policy-changes
> Updated: 2026-07-30T22:11:39.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, Ecuador's transit agency announced a 50 % discount on driver’s licence renewal fees for motorists with clean records. Later that month, the agency extended the validity of expired licences and psychometric exam certificates until 31 December 2026, set the standard renewal fee at US$68, and warned drivers not to line up early to avoid crowds. To further speed service, three special Saturdays (1, 15 and 29 August 2026) were scheduled for first‑time licence applicants, during which the usual appointment system would be suspended and anyone with the required documents could apply.

## Claims

- Decree 689/2026 amended Decree 779/1995 to reform the VTV system. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The reform allows any qualified private workshop to perform the mandatory vehicle inspection (VTV). (corroborated by 7 sources)
- A public, free, digital National Register of Inspection Workshops was created, accessible via the TAD platform. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Workshops must submit a sworn declaration; if the administration does not respond within the deadline, provisional habilitation is granted automatically. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Private vehicles up to ten years old must be inspected every two years; older than ten years annually; brand‑new vehicles first inspection at five years. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Commercial, passenger and cargo vehicles must be inspected within the first twelve months after registration and then annually. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The reform aims to simplify administrative processes, expand service options, and maintain safety standards. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The decree was published in the Official Gazette on 31 July 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Expired driving licences in Ecuador will remain valid until 31 December 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Expired psychometric exam certificates are also valid until 31 December 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Three special service days will be held on Saturdays 1, 15 and 29 August 2026 for first‑time licence applicants. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- On those Saturdays, the usual schedule based on the last digit of the ID will not be applied. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-30: Argentina's VTV Reform Allows Checks at Private Workshops

Argentina's VTV reform lets any qualified workshop perform vehicle inspections, creates a digital national register, updates standards and sets new inspection intervals, aiming to simplify procedures and boost

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuadors-transit-agency-extends-expired-licenses-adds-august-saturdays-for-new-drivers

### 2026-07-04: Ecuador Offers 50% Discount on Driver’s License Renewal for Clean‑Record Drivers

Ecuador’s ANT halves renewal fees for drivers who kept a clean 30‑point record for five years, cutting B‑class licences to $34 and professional licences to $55, with the discount applied automatically at the ‑‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-offers-50-discount-on-drivers-license-renewal-for-cleanrecord-drivers

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Cite as: Ecuador driver licence policy changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ecuador-driver-licence-policy-changes