Can I drive in Peru with my foreign license, and how do I exchange it?

How long you can drive with your foreign license

Article 6 of D.S. 007-2016-MTC lists the licenses valid for driving in Peru. Letter c) says licenses issued in other countries can be used «por un plazo máximo de seis (6) meses contados a partir de la fecha de ingreso al país», that is, for up to six months from the date you entered the country. It sets two conditions:

1. The license must be valid (not expired).
2. It must have been issued under international conventions signed and ratified by Peru.

The rule does not mention tourists or residents. The period runs from the date you entered the country. We did not identify which traffic conventions Peru has ratified, so we cannot tell you whether your license meets the second condition.

Letter d) also recognizes international driving permits issued abroad under those same conventions. That letter sets no time limit.

In a 2023 release, the MTC presents the exchange as the route for foreigners «que tienen más de seis meses viviendo en el país» (who have lived in the country for more than six months).

What the exchange requires (article 30)

The exchange (canje) swaps your foreign license for a Peruvian one of the equivalent class and category, as long as yours is valid. Article 30 asks for:

• A health certificate showing you are fit to drive.
• An authenticity certificate issued by the authority that issued your license, or by your country’s consulate or embassy in Peru, stating which class of vehicles you may drive.
• A knowledge exam, for the class and category of the license you are exchanging.
• A copy of your «documento nacional de identidad o de identificación» (national identity or identification document), under the migration law.
• One passport-size photo.
• Payment of the processing fee.

There is no driving test. The gob.pe page sums it up as a medical and psychological evaluation plus a knowledge exam.

Who skips the knowledge exam

Article 30 exempts citizens of countries that have reciprocity agreements with Peru on recognizing and exchanging licenses. The gob.pe page names three: Spain, Korea and Chile. The article says the list is published on the MTC website, but we did not find it there. An MTC press release of 20 August 2023 also names Colombia; the 2024 page does not, so if your license is Colombian, check with the MTC before assuming you can skip the exam.

The apostille and translation

The MTC requirements page adds two points about the authenticity certificate. If it carries a Hague apostille, the requirement is treated as met. If it is in another language, it needs a translation by an official or sworn translator. If you need to apostille a document, see how the apostille works.

What it costs: two official figures

Confirm the amount on the official page on the day you pay. The health certificate and the exam are paid separately.

Where to apply

In Lima, with the MTC: you pay at Banco de la Nación and file the documents at the front desk (mesa de partes), Jr. Zorritos 1203. You choose whether to pick up the license at the Lince office or the Antenor Orrego office. If you ask for the electronic license, it arrives by email. Outside Lima, you apply to the relevant regional government. According to the gob.pe page, approval is automatic.

Special cases

• Refugee or asylum applicants: article 8 provides a provisional license with the normal requirements. It expires after one year or when you lose applicant status.
• Peruvians with a foreign license: the text of article 30 does not distinguish by nationality, but the official page is written for foreigners. We found no official source that settles the point.
• The international driving permit issued in Peru for driving abroad: we do not cover it here because we found no official source on that procedure.

Once you have the Peruvian license

It follows the same rules as any other: validity, renewal and the points system. We explain them in how to get and renew a driver’s license. For your other rights as a foreigner, see rights of foreigners in Peru.