Confirmed: License canceled for over 65 years without this requirement
Imagine that just as you are about to renew your license, you run into a snag: without a piece of paper you didn’t even know existed, goodbye driving. This is exactly what happens to many people over 65 in Colombia.
The local DGT doesn't waste time and requires a protocol that looks more like a university entrance exam than a simple procedure. Without the medical certificate registered in the RUNT, the license is canceled. Period.
The medical certificate in the RUNT: what conditions the renewal
To renew the license after 65 years, it’s not enough to just show up at the traffic office. The driver must have a valid certificate of their physical, mental, and motor coordination status, issued by an authorized Driver Recognition Center (CRC) and registered in the National Unique Traffic Registry (RUNT).
If this document is not registered, the renewal is immediately rejected. In addition, the certificate only has a validity of 6 months, so if the process is delayed beyond this period, the exam must be retaken.
Practical requirements to avoid losing the license
- Be registered in the RUNT.
- Present the valid and registered medical certificate.
- Have no outstanding fines or have a payment agreement.
- Complete the renewal within the established deadlines.
The role of the Ministry of Transport and Resolution 217 of 2014
Resolution 217 of 2014 sets the criteria that the medical exam must meet: vision, hearing, physical and mental conditions, and motor coordination. It is a sort of filter to ensure safe driving, especially as age advances and the body no longer keeps up as well.
A medical professional at the CRC will determine if aids or treatments are needed to pass the exam. If the person is deemed unfit, the renewal cannot be made until the indicated conditions are met.
Renewal frequency according to age
Private vehicles (categories A and B)
- Under 60 years: every 10 years.
- Between 60 and 80 years: every 5 years.
- Over 80 years: annually.
Public service vehicles (category C)
- Under 60 years: every 3 years.
- Over 60 years: annually.
Renewal has no age limit, but it is conditioned on passing the medical exam and complying with the indicated frequency.
Step by step and costs to avoid surprises in 2026
Steps to renew the license
- Schedule an appointment at the One-Stop Service or local traffic office.
- Take the medical exam at an authorized CRC.
- Confirm that the certificate is registered in the RUNT.
- Verify that there are no pending fines.
- Make the payment for the procedure fees.
Official rates in Bogotá 2026
| Type of vehicle | Cost (Colombian pesos) |
|---|---|
| Automobile | $128,700 |
| Motorcycle | $222,100 |
Prices may vary by municipality, so it’s best to always check the current rate schedule before going.
License cancellation after 65 years for not meeting these requirements may seem drastic, but it responds to a real road safety need. The DGT and the Ministry of Transport officials insist that this is an essential step to ensure that those who drive are in proper condition.
