The National Transport and Transit Agency (Intrant) has announced a tender process is underway to find a company to manage the full service of issuing new driver’s licenses in the Dominican Republic. The current contract with DeKolor is said to expire in 2025, yet a Diario Libre editorial speculates that it is unlikely the Jose Angel (Jochi) Gomez-owned company will lose the contract. Gomez, who was accused of being a terrorist by incumbent Intrant director Milton Morrison when traffic lights were disconnected from the platform, recently appeared on Somos Pueblo YouTube channel where he extolled irregularities in government.
Diario Libre had reported on 24 April 2025 that the contract for RD$8.17 billion encompasses a package of digital licensing, simulators, vehicles and biometric security.
Intrant emphasizes that the Dominican government will not invest any public funds in this procurement process. The projected cost figure published is based on estimated revenue from license fees paid by applicants over a five-year term, totaling over 4.4 million licenses and associated services. This projection is required under Public Procurement Law 340-06.
This tender follows the expiration of the previous concession contract, awarded in 2019. The new process aims to bring significant improvements to the license system while generating economic benefits for the state. It has been overseen by the General Public Contracts Agency (DGCP).
Key planned upgrades include:
• Expanded service: Nationwide coverage will be guaranteed, including expansion to areas with large Dominican populations abroad such as Puerto Rico, New Jersey, Boston (USA), and Barcelona (Spain).
• High-security licenses: New licenses will be made of polycarbonate, a material used in high-security identity documents. They will feature advanced security elements like laser engraving and fraud protection, meeting international standards.
• Digital licenses: 10% of licenses will be issued in digital format, facilitating electronic verification, reducing operational costs, and enhancing fraud security.
• Point-based licensing system: A point-based driver’s license system will be implemented in accordance with Law 63-17, allowing for more effective control over traffic violations.
• Hybrid evaluations: Both real vehicles and simulators will be used to evaluate drivers, improving preparation for both everyday situations and high-risk scenarios.
Intrant highlights that these innovations will mark a significant improvement in road safety, oversight, and control within the Dominican Republic’s driver licensing system. The Abinader administration has scored low on transit, with low traffic law compliance, traffic jams and traffic accidents at highs and major corruption denounced in the contracting of traffic-related systems in the recent past.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
Intrant
Somos Pueblo
28 April 2025