Puerto Rico bill would make digital car permits valid
New Progressive Party Rep. Tatiana Pérez has introduced House Bill 835, a measure that would permanently integrate vehicle permits — commonly known as the “marbete” — into the CESCO Digital app. CESCO is the Spanish acronym for Drivers Service Center.
If approved, the bill would give the digital permit the same legal standing as the paper version, allowing drivers to operate their vehicles without risking a fine for not carrying the printed tag.
The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Public Works, working with Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Services, to update and expand the CESCO Digital platform. Drivers would be able to access their permit after completing required payments for tags, insurance and inspections.
Under Act 22-2000, drivers must carry the physical permit at all times. Failing to present it during a traffic stop results in an automatic $100 fine, even if the driver has paid all fees and met legal requirements. Pérez said this system is outdated and creates unnecessary burdens for responsible drivers.
“This project seeks to simplify the lives of drivers and adapt our laws to the digital age,” Pérez said. “With this measure, unnecessary fines are reduced, transparency is increased and a practical and accessible alternative is offered directly from the cellphone.”
She said the benefits include less need to print and replace documents, quicker verification for law enforcement and stronger safeguards for personal information. For drivers, the main advantage would be the convenience of having the permit on a smartphone or tablet, avoiding the risk of leaving it at home.
Pérez stressed that the measure would not eliminate the physical marbete but would complement it with a digital version.
“The government must move at a par with technology,” she said. “Citizens already use CESCO Digital for multiple procedures, and it is time for the vehicle permit to be available on this platform as well.”
House Bill 835 was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which will review its impact on drivers, law enforcement and the island’s digital infrastructure before deciding whether to advance it.
CESCO Digital launched in June 2018, as News is my Business reported. Since then, it has become a key tool for Puerto Ricans, allowing users to access license information, check validity, view vehicle details, update addresses, pay fees by credit card and select delivery options for updated documents.
Adding the vehicle permit would mark the next step in Puerto Rico’s shift toward digital government services. Supporters say it could reduce fines and paperwork and streamline how citizens interact with public agencies.
If enacted, the measure would place Puerto Rico among jurisdictions recognizing digital credentials as legally valid alternatives to physical documents.
