Before you start

A Paraguayan cédula de identidad — which means residence first
Blood typing (tipificación sanguínea)
Certificado de Vida y Residencia from your local comisaría
A first-aid knowledge certificate
If you already hold a Paraguayan licence from another municipality: its cancellation plus an OPACI certificate

Step-by-step

1
Apply where you live, not where you work
The licence follows your municipality of residence. Working in Asunción does not entitle you to an Asunción licence, and Asunción explicitly requires holders of a licence 'del interior' to cancel it and produce an OPACI cancellation certificate first.
In personWho: You
2
Get the Certificado de Vida y Residencia at your comisaría
Issued by the local police station under Policía Nacional Resolución N° 293/2014 — and the Policía publishes the caveat that the station chief may ask for additional information, so the list varies slightly between comisarías.
In personWho: You
3
Do the medical and psychometric tests
Sight and hearing plus a psicotécnico. From age 65 the psicotécnico must be repeated annually rather than only at renewal.
In personWho: You
4
Sit the theory and practical exams
Holding a foreign licence does not automatically exempt an ordinary resident — exemption turns on ANTSV Resolución N° 069/2019, which municipalities cite for the diplomatic category. Ask at the counter with the licence in hand rather than assuming.
In personWho: You
5
Confirm the fee at Capiatá's city hall
Each municipality prices its own. For scale, Asunción's itemised 2026 total was Gs 357,400 for a new licence and Gs 239,400 for a renewal — Capiatá's schedule is set separately and should be checked rather than assumed.
In personWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Paraguayan cédula de identidad plus an authenticated copy
Blood typing certificate
Certificado de Vida y Residencia from the local comisaría
Sight and hearing test, psicotécnico
First-aid knowledge certificate
Sworn declaration about medical conditions and addictions
OPACI cancellation certificate if you held a licence elsewhere in Paraguay

Things most newcomers don’t know

One person, one Paraguayan municipal licence.

There is no transfer between municipalities — only cancellation via OPACI and a fresh application. Anyone moving between Capiatá and Asunción does the whole process again.

Source: Municipalidad de Asunción

The requirements are national even though the price is not.

ANTSV publishes one list for all municipios, so the documents you gather in Capiatá are the same ones any other Paraguayan city would ask for. Only the office and the fee change.

The comisaría certificate is discretionary at the edges.

The Policía Nacional publishes the observation that the station chief may add requirements, which is why neighbours report slightly different document lists.

Source: Policía Nacional — Resolución N° 293/2014

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying in Asunción because you work there. The licence follows your residence.
Assuming Asunción's published fee is Capiatá's — each municipality prices its own.
Assuming a foreign licence exempts you from the exams.
Turning up without a cédula, for which there is no ordinary substitute.

Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.