Peru – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Peru on their home country licence, and for how long?

Under Peruvian law, foreign tourists are entitled to drive using a valid licence issued in their country of origin for the full duration of their permitted tourist stay. Those entering Peru as tourists or under any other short-term visa status may use their national licence for up to 183 days. Whenever you get behind the wheel, it is advisable to carry your passport alongside your driving licence so that traffic police can verify your date of entry into the country.

The situation changes as soon as a foreign national acquires resident status. At that point, a home-country licence is no longer legally sufficient for driving in Peru, and a Peruvian brevete becomes mandatory. This distinction is crucial for anyone who intends to settle long-term or take up paid employment — the 183-day window is tied strictly to tourist or temporary visitor status, not to ongoing residence rights.

In reality, a number of foreign residents continue to drive on their overseas licences without immediate difficulty in everyday situations. That said, this approach carries genuine risks. Should you be pulled over by the police or involved in a road accident, officers may treat you as driving without a valid Peruvian licence and assign you partial or full liability, even if you were not at fault. Insurers may similarly decline to pay out on a claim if your licence does not meet local requirements.

For this reason, going through the effort of obtaining a Peruvian brevete — however bureaucratically demanding it may be — is the only way to guarantee you are fully covered legally and by your insurance. If you are currently in Peru on a tourist visa, make sure you always carry your passport when driving so that your authorised entry date and remaining stay can be confirmed if necessary.

Does Peru have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Peru has concluded a formal bilateral licence exchange agreement with Spain, enshrined in Supreme Decree No. 051-2004-RE. Under the terms of this arrangement, the written traffic regulations exam — which forms part of the standard exchange procedure — cannot be required of nationals from countries that have signed mutual recognition and licence exchange agreements with Peru. In practice, this exemption currently applies only to holders of a Spanish driving licence.

No other comprehensive bilateral exchange arrangements have been confirmed as being in force at the time of writing. Peruvian legislation does permit foreign residents to swap a driving licence obtained abroad for a locally issued Peruvian one, and this procedure is administered by the Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC) in Lima and through its regional offices. Nevertheless, the exchange process still comes with substantial documentation requirements for virtually all nationalities.

If your country does not have a bilateral agreement with Peru, you will not be automatically relieved of any part of the conversion requirements. Among other things, you will need to provide an authenticated certificate from the authority that originally issued your licence, confirming that it remains valid and specifying the vehicle categories it authorises. Since bilateral arrangements can be amended or added over time, always check the current position directly with the MTC. The official MTC licence exchange page can be found at portal.mtc.gob.pe.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Peru?

The formal process for swapping a foreign licence for a Peruvian one is known as the canje de licencia de conducir. The procedure involves several requirements that frequently complicate matters for applicants. Your foreign licence will ordinarily need to be apostilled or legalised — embassies of certain countries based in Lima may be prepared to authenticate that the licence is valid — and the licence categories you hold must be matched to the equivalent categories in the Peruvian classification system, which can itself be a challenging first step.

Although it does not appear on the official list of requirements, authorities frequently ask applicants to supply an extract of their driving record from the country where the licence was originally issued, showing any accidents or traffic violations. This document must likewise be apostilled or legalised. In some countries, obtaining such a record is either impossible, particularly difficult, expensive, or extremely time-consuming. Unlike the straightforward surrender-and-swap procedures common in many European countries, Peru’s canje process demands authenticated overseas documentation — broadly comparable in principle to the overseas licence conversion requirements in countries such as Australia or New Zealand, where verification of the original licence’s authenticity is also required.

It is worth noting that going through the canje means surrendering your current foreign licence. If you wish to retain it, or if obtaining the necessary confirmation of your licence’s validity from your home country proves too burdensome, applying for a Peruvian driving licence from the beginning is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

The standard steps for the canje process, based on MTC guidance, are as follows:

1. Obtain a certificate of authenticity from your home licensing authority. This document must confirm the validity of your licence and the vehicle categories it covers. It must be apostilled (under the Hague Convention) or legalised by the Peruvian consulate in your home country. None of the documents can be more than 30 days old.
2. Have the documents translated into Spanish. All documents must be translated by an authorised translator. Only certified legal translators recognised by Peruvian authorities are accepted.
3. Obtain a psychosomatic (medical) fitness certificate. There are several clinics in Lima that provide the exams. The exam includes a written psychological test plus hearing, vision, and general health exams. The medical centre must be authorised by the MTC and will register results directly into the National Driver System.
4. Pass the written traffic regulations exam (unless your country has a bilateral agreement with Peru). The written exam covers Peruvian traffic rules, infractions, penalties, efficient driving, and first aid. At the moment it is only available in Spanish; no translators are accepted during the test.
5. Pay the processing fee at Banco de la Nación. Payment of a PEN 24.50 processing fee (Tax No. 1600) is required at Banco de la Nación (as of 2024 — check the MTC website for current figures).
6. Submit your application to the MTC. This process is handled by the Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC) in Lima or its regional offices. In Lima, the main licence issuance centres are at Centro de emisión de licencias — Av. César Vallejo N° 603, Lince, and Jr. Antenor Orrego N° 1923, Chacra Ríos.
7. Collect your Peruvian brevete. Once approved, your new Peruvian licence will be issued. Be aware that surrendering your original foreign licence is typically required as part of this process.

Always confirm the current full document checklist with the MTC before beginning, as requirements are subject to change. The official MTC page for licences issued abroad can be found at portal.mtc.gob.pe.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Peru from scratch?

Obtaining a Peruvian driving licence through the standard route involves three core stages: a medical assessment, a written theory examination, and a practical driving test. This pathway is available to all foreign residents and is often the most practical option for anyone whose original licence cannot be easily authenticated or exchanged. In Peru, the driving licence is universally referred to as a brevete, and responsibility for issuing it rests with the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC).

Peruvian driving licences are divided into two broad classes. Class A covers four-wheeled and larger vehicles, including private cars, vans, buses and lorries. Class B applies to two- and three-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, mopeds and mototaxis. The vast majority of expatriates will need to apply for a Class A-I licence, which authorises driving private cars and vans with seating for up to eight passengers in addition to the driver.

The full process for obtaining a licence from scratch is as follows:

1. Complete a psychosomatic medical examination. The exam includes a written psychological test plus hearing, vision, and general health assessments. This must be carried out at an MTC-authorised health centre. Bring your original Carné de Extranjería (residency card) and a photocopy.
2. Study for and pass the written theory exam. The written exam covers Peruvian traffic rules, infractions, penalties, efficient driving, and first aid. All possible exam questions are published by the MTC. The exam is conducted entirely in Spanish. Book your appointment online through the Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú evaluation centre website.
3. Pass the practical driving exam. The driving exam assesses your ability to handle a vehicle and carry out parking manoeuvres, typically on a dedicated test course built for this purpose. Since January 2018, the practical exam has officially consisted of two parts: the first taking place on the test course and the second on public roads. In Lima, this examination is administered by the Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú at their evaluation centre.
4. Pay the required fees. Pay the fee for issuing your driver’s licence. In Lima, you can pay online via pagalo.pe or at any Banco de la Nación branch. In the provinces, payment is usually only possible at Banco de la Nación. Check the MTC website for the current fee schedule, as figures are subject to change.
5. Submit your application and collect your licence. Once you have passed the three exams, proceed with your licence application through the MTC’s platform. You will need to complete a form, upload documents electronically if required, and pay the relevant issuance fee. The licence is available in two forms: the physical copy can be collected at MTC Licence Issuance Centres, including the one at Jr. Antenor Orrego 1923 in Lima, while the digital version is sent to the applicant’s email address via the MTC platform.

Applicants looking to prepare for the written theory exam can make use of the MTC’s published question bank or download the Simulacro MTC app, which lets you take unlimited practice tests. If you are entirely new to driving and would like to take formal lessons beforehand, you can apply for a Permiso provisional para aprender a conducir (a learner’s permit). Visit the MTC website at portal.mtc.gob.pe for up-to-date fee schedules and information on booking your examinations.

How do you renew a driving licence in Peru?

Licence renewal (revalidación) must be completed before the licence’s expiry date. The procedure requires you to obtain a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive and to ensure you have no outstanding fines or significant penalty-related issues on record. These renewal requirements apply equally to Peruvian nationals and to foreign residents holding a Peruvian brevete.

The MTC offers an online renewal option, and renewal in person is also possible at the Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú in Lima. The documentation needed mirrors what was required when you first obtained your Peruvian licence — most importantly, a medical and psychological assessment confirming you are fit to drive. Foreign nationals who hold a Carné de Extranjería (CE) rather than a Peruvian DNI should bring both the original and a photocopy of their CE, together with a passport-sized photograph taken against a white background.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications, following an amendment to Supreme Decree No. 007-2016-MTC, drivers may continue to hold a licence up to the age of 80 at the national level, allowing citizens and residents to operate vehicles including cars, buses and lorries up to that age. With regard to renewal intervals, the applicable rules state that professional licences and Class A licences, across their respective categories, will carry a one-year validity period for drivers aged between 70 and 76. For those outside this age bracket, the standard renewal periods apply — consult the current MTC regulations for the validity period relevant to your licence class.

The precise requirements and steps involved vary according to your licence category, your age, and whether you are based in Lima or elsewhere in the country. Consult the government’s MTC portal for the section on renewing or revalidating your licence (Renovar o revalidar la licencia de conducir). Always confirm the latest fees at portal.mtc.gob.pe before attending, as these figures are periodically revised.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Peru?

Peru has aligned its driver licensing framework with the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you hold a driving licence issued by one of the 67 countries that have adopted the same convention, you do NOT need an International Driving Permit to drive in Peru. Motorists from countries that have not adopted this convention will require an International Driving Permit, unless a separate agreement exists between Peru and the country that issued their licence setting out alternative arrangements.

An IDP is a standardised multilingual translation of your national licence — it is not an independent document and must always be carried together with the original national licence. It is particularly valuable for avoiding misunderstandings with traffic police and car hire companies where language may be a barrier. To prevent any disputes over which vehicle classes you are authorised to drive, it is strongly advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country before departing for Peru.

Both 1949 and 1968 Convention IDPs are recognised internationally, though their validity periods differ. A 1949 Convention IDP is valid for a maximum of one year from its date of issue, while a 1968 model IDP is valid for up to three years. In all cases, an IDP cannot remain valid beyond the expiry date of the underlying domestic driving licence.

Importantly, the usefulness of an IDP in Peru is confined to the period of your lawful tourist stay. If you are residing in Peru on a long-term basis, even if your home-country licence is still current, you are obliged to comply with the local licensing rules. As is the case in many countries, Peru requires you to obtain a local licence once you establish residency. Upon receiving your carné de extranjería, you must obtain a Peruvian brevete. To obtain an International Driving Permit in Peru so that you can drive abroad using your Peruvian licence, contact the Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Peru?

If you are caught committing a motoring offence while driving in Peru, you may face a financial penalty, the accumulation of demerit points, or the suspension or cancellation of your driving licence. The severity of any sanction depends on the nature of the infraction. Less serious violations such as speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt typically attract a fine or demerit points, whereas more serious offences such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to a driving ban, a heavy fine, or even a custodial sentence.

Peru operates a points-based penalty system. Accumulating 100 points for the first time results in a six-month suspension of the driving licence. A second accumulation of 100 points triggers a 12-month suspension. If a driver reaches 100 points on a third occasion, the outcome is permanent cancellation of their licence, a lifetime ban on obtaining any future driving licence, and a prohibition on operating any motor vehicle anywhere in the country. These sanctions are enforced by municipal authorities and SUTRAN (as of 2025 — verify current regulations with MTC).

For foreign nationals, the consequences of driving on an expired or otherwise invalid licence after having been granted residency can be severe. Police officers who stop you may conclude that, as a resident of Peru, you are operating a vehicle without a licence that is legally recognised in the country. This could result in a fine, the impoundment of the vehicle, and a ban on applying for a Peruvian licence for a specified period. It is also worth bearing in mind that motoring offences committed in Peru while driving on a foreign licence may still carry consequences even after you have left the country, given Peru’s strict approach to road safety enforcement.

Officers do not have the authority to confiscate your documents; if you receive a fine, always request a written ticket. For current fine amounts and penalty categories, consult the official SUTRAN website at www.sutran.gob.pe or the MTC portal, as specific penalties are subject to revision.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Peru?

A number of official bodies share responsibility for driving licence matters in Peru. Knowing which agency performs which function will help you direct your enquiries appropriately and avoid unnecessary delays.

• Ministerio de Transportes y Comunicaciones (MTC) — The principal national authority overseeing driving licences. The MTC establishes the regulatory framework, manages the National Driver System, supervises licence exchange and issuance procedures, and publishes the official written exam question bank. Their English-language portal for foreign licence exchange is at portal.mtc.gob.pe.
• Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú — The designated evaluation body in Lima responsible for conducting both theory and practical driving examinations on behalf of the MTC. The Touring y Automóvil Club del Perú also handles the issuance of IDPs for holders of a Peruvian licence who plan to drive abroad. Address: Touring Club del Perú, Av. César Vallejo, block 6, Lince.
• SUTRAN (Superintendencia de Transporte Terrestre de Personas, Carga y Mercancías) — The national road transport regulator responsible for enforcing traffic laws, imposing penalties, and administering the demerit points system. Website: www.sutran.gob.pe.
• Banco de la Nación — The state bank through which the majority of MTC administrative fees are paid. Branches are located throughout Peru. Certain payments in Lima can also be made online through pagalo.pe.
• Regional Transport Directorates (Direcciones Regionales de Transporte) — Outside the capital, driving tests and licence issuance fall under the remit of regional offices. The MTC has evaluation centres in major cities across the provinces. Contact your local evaluation centre for procedures specific to your area.

For any licensing enquiry, the MTC can be reached through their official portal or by visiting a licence issuance centre in person. Additional queries can be directed to the official email address “DGCT – Certifica” or by calling 332-29-99.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Peru with my foreign driving licence?

Those entering Peru as tourists or under a short-term visa may drive using their national driving licence for up to 183 days. Once that period has elapsed, or once you are granted residency, you must hold a Peruvian brevete. Always carry your passport when driving so that you can demonstrate your date of entry and the remaining duration of your authorised stay if asked by police.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Peru?

For most applicants, yes. Unless your country has a specific bilateral agreement with Peru — currently only Spain enjoys a comprehensive exchange arrangement — you will be required to sit at least a written theory exam and a practical driving test as part of securing your Peruvian licence, whether you pursue the exchange (canje) route or apply from the beginning.

How long does it take to get a Peru driving licence?

The timeframe depends largely on how quickly you are able to gather apostilled documents from abroad and secure examination appointments. The medical assessment, theory test, and practical exam are typically spread over several weeks. Once all tests have been passed and the relevant fees settled, the licence itself is generally processed within 24–48 hours. Factor in additional time if you need to obtain and apostille documentation from your country of origin.

Can I exchange my licence without sitting any tests in Peru?

The obligation to sit the written traffic regulations exam is waived for nationals of countries that have concluded international agreements with Peru covering mutual recognition and exchange of driving licences. At present, Spain is the only country with such an agreement in place. Applicants of all other nationalities must sit the written exam as part of the canje process and may also be required to complete the practical driving test.

Is an International Driving Permit enough to drive in Peru long-term?

No. An IDP is valid solely for use within the period of your authorised tourist stay, which is capped at 183 days. If you are residing in Peru on a long-term or permanent basis, local licensing laws apply and you must obtain a Peruvian brevete. An IDP does not substitute for a locally issued licence once residency has been established.

What documents do I need to exchange my foreign licence in Peru?

As a general rule, you will need: your valid foreign driving licence; an apostilled or legalised certificate of authenticity from the authority that issued your licence (confirming its validity and the vehicle categories it covers); a certified Spanish translation prepared by a translator recognised by Peruvian authorities; a medical fitness certificate from an MTC-authorised clinic; and proof of your residency status in Peru. No document in the set may be more than 30 days old. Always verify the precise checklist with the MTC before you begin the process, as requirements may be updated.

How often do I need to renew my Peruvian driving licence?

Renewal must be completed before your licence’s expiry date and requires a medical certificate confirming your fitness to drive, along with a clear record of outstanding fines or serious penalties. Professional and Class A licences are subject to a one-year validity period for drivers aged between 70 and 76. For drivers outside this age range, the standard renewal intervals apply — consult the MTC website for the validity period currently in force for your particular licence category.

What happens if I drive in Peru without a valid licence as a resident?

If you are stopped by police, they may take the view that you, as a Peruvian resident, are driving without a licence that is legally valid in the country. The potential consequences include a fine, impoundment of the vehicle, and a temporary prohibition on applying for a Peruvian licence. If you are involved in an accident in these circumstances, your insurance provider may also refuse to honour any claim. The prudent course of action is to obtain a valid Peruvian brevete as soon as you receive your carné de extranjería.