CL · Expiry & renewal tracking
Never let a professional driver miss their licence check
A Chilean Class A professional licence has no expiry date, but every 4 years the holder re-proves moral, physical and mental fitness and files the sworn statement on drug use (Traffic Act, Articles 13 and 19). The check is due no later than the holder's birthday, or the next working day if that is not one (Article 20).
Chile's Class A professional licence entitles the holder to drive passenger transport vehicles, goods vehicles, ambulances and fire engines, in classes A-1 to A-5 (Traffic Act, Article 12). A driving licence has no end date and stays valid as long as the holder meets the legal requirements (Article 19, first paragraph).
The holder of a professional licence must show every 4 years that they meet the requirements in items 1 and 4 of the first paragraph of Article 13: moral, physical and mental fitness, and a sworn statement that they do not use prohibited drugs, narcotics or psychotropic substances (Article 19, third paragraph, and Article 13). Holders of a Class A-1 or A-2 licence obtained before 8 March 1997 must also show the theoretical knowledge in item 2, but not the practical skills (Article 19, fourth paragraph).
The check for any licence class must take place no later than the holder's birthday. If that day is not a working day, the check takes place on the next working day; if the birthday is 29 February, on the first working day of March (Article 20, last paragraph).
At a glance
| Licence term | No end date, as long as the holder meets the legal requirements (Article 19, first paragraph) |
|---|---|
| Check | Every 4 years (Article 19, third paragraph) |
| Deadline | No later than the holder's birthday; if that is not a working day, the next working day (Article 20) |
| What is shown | Moral, physical and mental fitness and the sworn statement on drugs (Article 13, items 1 and 4) |
| Classes A-1 and A-2 from before 8 March 1997 | Also theoretical knowledge, but not practical skills (Article 19, fourth paragraph) |
| Shorter term | In justified cases the licence may be granted for a shorter period (Article 22) |
The local police court judge may order an earlier check, and the municipal traffic director or the judge may cancel or suspend the licence for supervening physical or mental incapacity (Article 20).
Who is responsible?
The licence holder must have the check done (Article 19). For a professional licence, moral fitness is assessed by the Director of the Municipal Traffic and Public Transport Department, and physical and mental fitness is shown by a certificate from that department's doctor (Article 14). For the company, handing a vehicle to someone who does not meet the requirements to drive is a serious offence by the owner or keeper (Article 200, item 4).
If the deadline passes
A licence holder's failure to meet the obligations in Article 19 is a less serious offence (Traffic Act, Article 201, item 19). In addition, anyone operating a public passenger vehicle, taxi, paid school transport or goods vehicle who allows it to be driven by someone without the required licence, or whose licence is suspended or cancelled, is fined (Article 194, second paragraph).
The training course is not repeated on renewal
Professional drivers renewing their professional licence are not required to pass the professional driving school courses again, nor the special simulator course for classes A-3 and A-5 (Traffic Act, Article 14, letter A).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each driver and record their birthday in the year their check is due as the expiry date; if the licence was granted for a shorter period, use that date.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before expiry and on the expiry day.
- The driver can upload the checked licence through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the operations or fleet manager; if a check is overdue, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often is a professional licence checked?
- Every 4 years (Traffic Act, Article 19, third paragraph), no later than the holder's birthday (Article 20).
- Does a professional licence expire?
- The licence has no end date and stays valid as long as the holder meets the legal requirements, which is why they must be shown at each check (Article 19).
- What if my birthday falls on a non-working day?
- The check takes place on the next working day; if the birthday is 29 February, on the first working day of March (Article 20).
- Do I have to retake the driving school course?
- No. That requirement does not apply to drivers renewing their professional licence (Article 14, letter A).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for professional driving licence (Class A), periodic control (Chile)
A ready template for professional driving licence (Class A), periodic control (Chile) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each professional driving licence (Class A), periodic control (Chile) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each professional driving licence (Class A), periodic control (Chile) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.