When Will Drivers Receive Their Car Stickers and Driver’s License?

The New Year has just kicked off, but the frustration for rural drivers in Belize is already in full swing. For years, they’ve been dealing with the tedious process of licensing their vehicles and renewing their driver’s licenses, only to face even more challenges due to the lack of insurance stickers and driver’s license cards. Many drivers have been diligently renewing their licenses, only to receive a receipt instead of an actual card. Today, we spoke with a few disgruntled drivers to hear how they’re coping with these delays. Their stories highlight the ongoing struggle and the need for a more efficient system.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Where are all the car license stickers and driver’s licenses? That’s the burning question on the minds of Belize’s rural drivers. For years, they’ve been handed receipts instead of the actual cards or stickers they’ve paid for, all because of a shortage. As the new year rolls on, drivers are left wondering just how much longer they’ll have to wait to finally receive what they’ve been diligently paying for.

 

Juan Colocho, Belize Rural Driver

“Only print the receipt.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And how long have you been trying to get a license?”

 

Juan Colocho

“One year.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What did they tell you? Why did you get a receipt and no license?”

 

Juan Colocho

“I don’t know. Bout three years no bring the driver’s license, only bring the receipt.”

 

One frustrated driver shared that she’s been trying to license her vehicle since 2023, but each time, she’s only been given a receipt. She’s worried about losing or damaging the flimsy piece of paper, which is far from a proper driver’s license.

 

Voice of: Belize Rural Driver

“I was waiting for my license but unfortunately, they don’t have so we’ll have to do with the receipt. And it’s very frustrating because when you have a receive it could get damaged or anything and when they ask you or you lost it, it can be very frustrating. We paying full price so we expect.”

 

She says that this is an issue she’s faced before.

 

Britney Gordon

“Have you ever lost or damaged your receipt before?”

 

Voice of: Belize Rural Driver

“Yes, I have.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And how much does it cost to apply for your license?”

 

Voice of: Belize Rural Driver

“Depending on the car it’s sixty. Sixty-eight dollars. Depending on the type of car you have.”

 

Britney Gordon

“How long did they tell you or did they say you’d have to wait indefinitely?”

 

Voice of: Belize Rural Driver

“They did not tell me and I didn’t ask because I’m already used to it so.”

 

We reached out to the Department of Transport’s Chief Transport Officer, Leon Gentle, for an update. Although he couldn’t comment as he’s currently out of the office, he assured us that the issue should be resolved sometime next week. One driver we spoke to also received this assurance, hoping for a quick resolution.

 

Britney Gordon

“This is my first time trying to get your license?”

 

Kyle Mosiah, Belize Rural Driver

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So you just recently started driving?”

 

Kyle Mosiah

“Yes.”

 

Britney Gordon

“Were you able to get your physical license today?”

Kyle Mosiah

“No.”

 

Britney Gordon

“What did they give you today?’’

 

Kyle Mosiah

“A paper with I think it’s the receipt.”

 

Britney Gordon

“How long did they tell you you’d have to wait?’

 

Kyle Mosiah

“A week.”

 

Britney Gordon

“So do you expect that in a week you’re going to come back and pick it up.”

 

Kyle Mosiah

“Probably.”

 

Britney Gordon for News Five.