During the first months of 2021, the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) published the new rules for the issuance of the Federal Digital Driver’s License (LFCD) with the aim of streamlining license procedures, providing greater confidence to the user in terms of to its authenticity and security in the handling and exchange of personal information this thanks to technological innovation, regulatory improvement, and transparency.

In this way, it was determined that all licenses will be issued in digital format as of April 1, 2021; A mobile application (app) is required to allow licensees to download the LFCD on their smartphone or print a copy of it (valid for 30 days from the date of printing).

Current Mexican LFC

Currently there are three valid formats of the CFLs issued by the SCT, in addition to the temporary form. These are the federal digital license and the two plastic (physical) formats that will be phased out as they expire until 2025.

• Plastic Format 1, its validity period is set out in said document and the maximum validity will expire on January 15, 2023.
• Plastic Format 2 has a maximum validity until March 31, 2025.
• LFCD is valid for four years, except those of category «E» which are valid for two years.

The status of Mexican LFCs and LFCDs must always be verified electronically.

During the inspection of a federally licensed Mexican driver, the inspector must take into account the three different LFC formats that are currently valid or the temporary printed PDF valid for one month. If the driver presents a printed copy of the federal license, it must be ensured that it is valid and is not more than 30 days old.

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