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A Cuban citizen was reported to the Police in Uruguay after attempting to renew a fake driver's license at the Transit office in Ciudad del Plata, in the San José department, local media Montevideo Portal and Subrayado reported.
According to the director of Transit, Mobility, and Safety of the San José Intendancy, Mónica Castro, the document presented by the Cuban —categories A and G2— showed irregularities and was not registered in the system nor had it been issued by the departmental government. The authorities also confirmed that the license lacked the security and traceability features present in the original licenses.
Upon discovering the counterfeit document, the authorities confiscated the license and filed a police report to investigate the matter. The man was released, but remains under investigation.
Castro explained that, so far in 2025, this is the first time a fake driver's license has been detected in San José, although 15 procedures for irregular documents have already been carried out this year.
In statements to Subrayado, the official assured that the incident is “isolated” and reiterated that licenses with irregularities are not issued in the department.
The episode is unrelated to the scandal detected in the municipality of Isidoro Noblía, in the Cerro Largo department, where nearly 9,000 irregular permits were granted in the last three years, the media reported.
A new case involving a Cuban in Uruguay
The incident occurs a few months after another case that also involved a Cuban citizen in Uruguayan territory. Last July, a 43-year-old man was sentenced to five months in prison after attempting to enter the country with a false passport at the Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo.
According to reports from Subrayado and Telenoche, immigration officials discovered counterfeit stamps on the document during a routine inspection. The 7th Turn Court of Ciudad de la Costa convicted him for the crime of using a false document, and the Ministry of the Interior confirmed the sentence.
Between precariousness and risk
Although Uruguayan authorities insisted that these are isolated cases, both incidents reflect the challenges that many Cuban migrants face in their attempt to regularize their status abroad.
Many arrive with the hope of finding employment or residency, but they encounter complex bureaucratic processes, a lack of valid documentation, and labor restrictions that push them, in some cases, to resort to illegal practices that ultimately derail their migration plans.
In the most recent case, the attempt by the Cuban to renew a fake license not only hindered his ability to drive legally in Uruguay, but it has also led to a criminal investigation that could result in more serious legal consequences.
Frequently asked questions about fake licenses and the migration of Cubans in Uruguay
Why was the Cuban citizen reported in Uruguay?
The Cuban citizen was reported for attempting to renew a false driver's license at the Traffic Office in Ciudad del Plata, San José, Uruguay. The submitted license showed irregularities and was not registered in the official system.
What consequences does a Cuban face for attempting to renew a fake license?
Although the Cuban has been released, the case has been reported to the police and is under investigation. He could face more serious legal consequences if his guilt in using false documents is proven.
Is the use of false documents common among Cuban migrants in Uruguay?
According to Uruguayan authorities, the use of false documents is regarded as an isolated incident in this particular case. However, the difficulties faced by some Cuban migrants in regularizing their situation may drive them to resort to illegal practices.
What other challenges do Cubans face when migrating to Uruguay?
Cuban migrants in Uruguay face challenges such as complex bureaucratic processes, lack of valid documentation, and employment restrictions, which in some cases drive them to resort to illegal practices. These difficulties can undermine their migration plans and affect their stability in the country.
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