Vehicle registration renewal in Dominican Republic
How to renew vehicle registration — how it works anywhere
Renewing a vehicle registration in the Dominican Republic, locally known as the 'marbete', is an annual requirement for all registered vehicles. The process involves paying the circulation tax, which authorizes the vehicle to be driven on public roads for the upcoming year.
The renewal period typically begins in the final months of the calendar year. It is advisable to complete the process as early as possible within the designated period to avoid long queues at authorized collection points and potential late-payment surcharges.
Start 30 days ahead
Processing is generally immediate if done at authorized banks or online, but early action accounts for high seasonal demand at physical locations.
The process
- 1Verify the registration status of the vehicle through the official DGII website or portal.
- 2Ensure all outstanding traffic fines are paid, as these may block the renewal process.
- 3Pay the corresponding circulation tax (marbete) through authorized financial institutions, online banking, or the DGII website.
- 4Provide the vehicle's registration certificate (matrícula) if performing the transaction in person at a bank branch.
- 5Collect the new marbete sticker or arrange for delivery if the online option is used.
What to bring
- Copy of the vehicle's registration certificate (matrícula)
- Payment confirmation or credit card (if paying online)
- Identification document (Cédula de Identidad y Electoral or passport)
Who handles it
Dirección General de Impuestos Internos (DGII - General Directorate of Internal Taxes)
Fees are determined annually by the DGII based on the year and type of the vehicle; check the current fee schedule on the official DGII website.
What commonly goes wrong
- Unpaid traffic fines (infracciones) will prevent the renewal from being processed.
- Expired registration certificates may require additional administrative procedures before a new marbete can be issued.
- Failure to renew within the designated window results in mandatory late fees (recargos).
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Don't rely on remembering
Renewals here take about 30 days to start. Add this document and Duratum will tell you when that window opens.