❓ Do I need to apply for a new driver’s license in Mauritius?
No if you're relocating to Mauritius, you can legally drive for up to one month using either:
- A valid foreign driver’s license (from your home country), or
- An International Driving Permit (IDP).
After this period, you'll need to convert your license to a Mauritian driver’s license.
📝 Here's how the conversion process works:
Your current license must be:
- Valid and issued by a recognized country
- In English or French (if not, provide a certified translation)
📑 Required Documents:
- Application letter to the Licensing Officer at the Traffic Branch, Port Louis
- Attestation letter from the license-issuing authority confirming your license is valid
- Valid passport (with last entry stamp)
- Residence or Occupational Permit (valid for more than 6 months)
- Your original driver's license + copy
- Proof of address in Mauritius
- Two passport-sized photos
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
🏢 Where to Apply:
- Traffic Branch, Line Barracks, Port Louis
- OR your local licensing office, depending on your location
💵 Fee: Rs 1,500 (non-refundable)
📆 Processing time: Around 2 weeks
Once approved, you’ll receive your Mauritian driver’s license. In many cases, no driving test is required, especially if your license is from a recognized country.
🇿🇦 Special Note for South African Drivers:
The South African High Commission in Mauritius does not issue attestation or validation letters for licenses. You must get required documents directly from South Africa.
🔄 Steps to convert a South African license:
- Visit your local licensing office in Mauritius and request the conversion form.
- Submit it along with:
- Copy of your SA license (both sides)
- Passport copy + last entry stamp
- Residence permit
- Certificate from SA Police
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Custom request letter (see sample below)
- Once approved, bring in your physical SA license—it will be kept by authorities.
- You'll then be issued your Mauritian license.
✉️ Sample Conversion Request Letter:
To: The Officer in Charge
Licensing Office, Traffic Branch, Les Casernes, Port Louis
Subject: Request for conversion of South African Driving License
I, [Your Full Name], of South African nationality bearing passport number [XXXXXXX] and license number [XXXXXXX], request the conversion of my South African Driving License to a Mauritian Driving License.
Please find enclosed the following documents:
- Copy of my SA driver’s license (both sides)
- Passport and last entry stamp
- Residence permit
- Certificate from South African Police
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
🚗 Need help navigating your move to Mauritius?
Harcourts Offshore offers more than just real estate—we connect you with local experts to help with licensing, banking, schools, and relocation logistics.
