The Cayman Islands Government has confirmed that revised fees for driving licences and related services will take effect from Tuesday, 1 September 2026, following further review of the fee structure and implementation arrangements.
The revised structure reduces the previously approved fees for non-Caymanian full driver’s licences and introduces discounted rates for Caymanians purchasing longer-term licences. Non-Caymanian full driver’s licence fees have been reduced from the previously approved differential of approximately eight times the Caymanian rate to approximately three times the applicable rate. Caymanians purchasing three-, five- and ten-year licences will receive discounts of 10%, 15% and 20% respectively.
Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure, the Honourable Johany “Jay” Ebanks, MP, JP, said ‘the revised approach reflects Government’s consideration of the policy objectives behind the new framework and its impact on customers.
“We listened carefully to the concerns raised and took the time to review the fee structure before implementation. The revised approach strikes a more balanced position, while maintaining the principle that Caymanians should receive a meaningful benefit, particularly when choosing longer-term licences,” Minister Ebanks said. “Just as importantly, we want the transition to be as straightforward as possible for customers. DVDL has put the necessary processes in place to verify eligibility, assist customers where additional documentation is required, and ensure that any issues can be reviewed and resolved.”
The Minister for Finance and Economic Development Hon. Rolston Anglin said, “As we have been doing on a continual basis, the Government has adjusted and targeted our approach to best fit evolving circumstances. Recognising that revenues have exceeded expectations for the first six months of the year, we determined how best to utilise these funds for the greater benefit of Caymanians and residents. We decided that a reduction in the proposed licence fees would not negatively impact Government revenues while also providing residents and Caymanians with some cost-of-living relief.”
“As one of our guiding principles, the NCFC aims to take data driven decisions in the best overall interests of our people,” said Premier, the Hon. André Ebanks. “Together as a NCFC Government team, we put this principle into practice when we chose to revisit the initial proposed fee structure, whilst balancing prudent fiscal responsibility with real benefits for Caymanians in their home country."
Eligibility and Verification
DVDL will use approved Government information to determine the fee applicable to each customer. Customers will be classified as eligible for the Caymanian fee, non-Caymanian and ineligible for the Caymanian fee, or undetermined and requiring manual verification.
A missing or unmatched record will not automatically result in a customer being treated as non-Caymanian. Where eligibility cannot be verified electronically, the transaction will be referred for manual verification.
Customers verified as Caymanian are eligible for the Caymanian fee. A verified spouse or civil partner of a Caymanian may also qualify for the Caymanian fee; this does not change that person’s legal immigration status.
The latest DVDL operational guidance lists Naturalisation within the Non-Caymanian – Ineligible for Caymanian Fee category.
Where manual verification is required, customers should bring valid identification and the supporting documents applicable to their circumstances. The latest DVDL guidance identifies documents including a Cayman Islands Voter’s ID Card, passport and/or birth certificate for a generational Caymanian, Cayman Status Certificate or Letter, Acknowledgement Certificate or Letter, and marriage or civil-partner documentation where applicable.
The latest DVDL guidance also confirms that customers aged 65 or older are eligible for the reduced fee, including non-Caymanian senior citizens.
Customers who believe an incorrect fee has been applied should visit a DVDL office with their receipt, valid identification and relevant supporting documents. Where a review confirms an overcharge, an application for reimbursement may be submitted in accordance with DVDL procedures.