Peruvian Driver’s License for Foreigners: How to Get or Exchange One

This guide focuses mainly on the Class A, Category I (A-I) driver’s license, which allows the holder to drive private vehicles in Peru.

Foreigners generally fall into one of three situations: they have never held a driver’s license before, they already have a valid foreign license and want to exchange it, or their country has an international agreement with Peru that provides for a simplified exchange procedure.

Legal Framework and Competent Authority

The procedure is mainly regulated by the National Regulations governing the Driver’s License Issuance System, approved by Supreme Decree No. 007-2016-MTC and its amendments.

The regulations distinguish between:

• Obtaining a first Peruvian driver’s license when the applicant has never held a license before.

• Exchanging a valid foreign driver’s license issued by another country.

• Exchanging a foreign license under an international agreement, which may exempt the applicant from certain examinations.

An important change took effect in Lima in 2026.

Since April 22, 2026, the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima has been responsible for processing and issuing Class A driver’s licenses within Metropolitan Lima. This includes first-time licenses, renewals, category upgrades, duplicates and foreign license exchanges.

As a result, older websites that still direct applicants exclusively to the MTC, the Antenor Orrego office or the Touring Club may no longer reflect the current distribution of responsibilities in Lima.

Outside Lima, the competent authority is normally the corresponding Regional Directorate or Regional Department of Transport and Communications.

Foreigner Who Has Never Held a Driver’s License

What Procedure Applies?

If you have never obtained a driver’s license in your country of origin or anywhere else, there is no foreign license that can be exchanged.

You must therefore apply for a first Peruvian driver’s license, normally a Class A, Category I license.

The A-I license allows you to drive private vehicles such as four-door sedans, SUVs, station wagons, hatchbacks, pickup trucks and vans included in the corresponding vehicle category.

It also serves as the basic license required before applying for certain professional license categories later.

Immigration or Residence Requirements

A foreign applicant must have regular immigration status in Peru and hold an identity document accepted by the National Driver Registry.

Documents officially mentioned include:

• Carné de Extranjería.

• Temporary Stay Permit Card (CPP).

• Asylum seeker identification.

• Documents issued to persons granted asylum or refugee status, where applicable.

The MTC has expressly stated that foreigners holding a CPP or Carné de Extranjería may obtain driver’s licenses for private use and, depending on the category and other requirements, licenses for passenger or freight transportation.

The published procedure does not establish a general rule requiring a foreign applicant to have lived in Peru for six months, one year or any other minimum period before applying for a first license.

The relevant requirement is regular immigration status together with a valid identity document accepted by the authority.

A tourist who only holds a passport, however, should not assume that a first Peruvian driver’s license can be obtained through the ordinary procedure. Current MTC information for foreign applicants mainly refers to the CPP and Carné de Extranjería.

Personal Requirements

To obtain a first A-I driver’s license, the applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Exceptionally, applicants over 16 may qualify if they are married or hold a qualification allowing them to exercise a profession or trade and have full legal capacity.

• Not be judicially prohibited from driving.

• Hold a valid accepted identity document.

• Pass the medical and psychological examination.

• Pass the knowledge examination.

• Pass the practical driving examination.

• Pay the corresponding issuance fee.

Medical and Psychological Examination

The applicant must attend an authorized medical center and obtain the health certificate required for a driver’s license.

The examination normally covers:

• General clinical condition.

• Vision.

• Hearing.

• Psychological evaluation.

• Psychomotor abilities.

• Laboratory tests, when applicable.

The certificate is registered electronically in the National Driver Registry.

It remains valid for six months, and the remaining examinations must be completed within that period.

The cost is not standardized and depends on the authorized medical center selected by the applicant.

Knowledge Examination

After passing the medical examination, the applicant must take the traffic rules and knowledge test.

The examination:

• Is not oral.

• Uses multiple-choice questions.

• Contains 40 questions.

• Has a maximum duration of 40 minutes.

• Requires at least 35 correct answers to pass.

The subjects include traffic regulations, violations and penalties, road safety, SOAT insurance, technical vehicle inspections, first aid and drivers’ obligations.

In Lima, the examination is carried out electronically in facilities authorized for that purpose.

Practical Driving Examination

Once the knowledge examination has been passed, the applicant must take the practical driving test.

The test may be taken using:

• A vehicle with automatic transmission.

• A vehicle with manual transmission.

This is not a driving lesson with an instructor, as applicants may be accustomed to in the United States or some European countries.

An evaluator observes whether the applicant controls the vehicle properly, follows traffic signs, performs the required maneuvers and avoids disqualifying errors.

In Lima, the practical examination is currently conducted at:

Circuito Vial Lima Norte
Jirón Flor de Arayanes 361
Comas, Lima

This is a controlled driving circuit specifically designed for the examination. It is not normally a road test carried out in open city traffic.

Current Procedure Locations in Lima

Since April 2026, the principal center for driver’s license examinations and issuance in Lima has been:

Circuito Vial Lima Norte
Jirón Flor de Arayanes 361
Comas

The following services are provided there:

• Knowledge examination.

• Practical driving examination.

• Issuance of the physical license once all requirements have been completed.

The Municipality has also opened a location at:

Avenida Grau 169, Cercado de Lima

Certain procedures and the knowledge examination may be completed there.

The practical driving examination, however, continues to be carried out at the location equipped with the driving circuit.

Administrative Costs in Lima

Administrative fees may change.

The medical examination is paid separately to the authorized medical center selected by the applicant.

Before starting the procedure, current fees should therefore be checked directly through the municipal platform, the applicable TUPA or other official sources.

Foreigner Who Holds a Valid Foreign Driver’s License

What Procedure Applies?

If you already hold a valid driver’s license issued in another country, you may apply to exchange it for a Peruvian license of an equivalent class and category.

This procedure is not legally considered a “renewal” of the foreign license.

It is a foreign driver’s license exchange.

The foreign license must be valid when the application is submitted.

Main Benefit of the Ordinary Exchange

The main advantage is that an experienced foreign driver does not normally have to complete the entire process required of a first-time driver.

The ordinary exchange procedure generally requires:

• Medical and psychological examination.

• Knowledge examination, unless an international agreement provides an exemption.

• Proof that the foreign driver’s license is authentic.

• Personal identification.

• Payment of the administrative fee.

The ordinary exchange procedure does not normally include a new practical driving examination.

This means that even when Peru does not have a special bilateral agreement with the country that issued the license, a valid foreign license may allow the applicant to avoid the practical test.

The documents must still be accepted by the Peruvian authority, and the applicant must pass the theoretical examination when required.

Documents Required for a Foreign License Exchange

Valid Foreign Driver’s License

The original foreign driver’s license and a copy must be submitted.

An expired, suspended, cancelled or revoked license will generally not be sufficient for an exchange.

Certificate of Authenticity or Ownership

The applicant must obtain a certificate issued either by:

• The authority that issued the driver’s license in the country of origin; or

• The embassy or consulate of that country in Peru.

The certificate should establish:

• That the license is authentic.

• That it belongs to the applicant.

• That it remains valid.

• Its class or category.

• Which vehicles the holder is authorized to drive.

Where possible, it should also include information about the original date of issuance, restrictions and administrative history.

This certificate is considerably more important for the exchange procedure than a simple photocopy or notarized copy of the plastic driver’s license.

Immigration Document

The applicant must present an identity document accepted by the licensing authority.

For most foreign residents, this will normally be:

• Carné de Extranjería; or

• CPP.

Specific rules may apply to asylum seekers, refugees, diplomats or officials of international organizations.

Medical Certificate

The applicant must pass the medical and psychological examination at an authorized center.

The examination must be registered for the foreign driver’s license exchange procedure.

Knowledge Examination

The applicant must pass the knowledge examination corresponding to the class and category requested.

This requirement may not apply when an international agreement between Peru and the issuing country expressly provides an exemption.

Photograph and Administrative Fee

A passport-size photograph is generally required, normally with a white background and without glasses.

The corresponding administrative fee must also be paid.

Apostille and Translation of Foreign Documents

Does the Driver’s License Itself Need an Apostille?

Usually, the document that must be apostilled is not the plastic driver’s license itself.

The important document is normally the official certificate confirming the authenticity, validity and category of the foreign license.

A plastic license card cannot always be apostilled because it does not necessarily contain the signature of a public official that can be authenticated internationally.

When Is an Apostille Required?

If the certificate is issued directly by a public authority in the country of origin, it should normally:

• Be issued by the competent authority.

• Be certified or notarized if required under the law of that country.

• Receive a Hague Apostille when the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.

• Be translated into Spanish for use in Peru.

According to the MTC procedure, when the certificate issued by the foreign authority carries a Hague Apostille, the authentication requirement for the exchange is considered fulfilled.

Consular Alternative

There may be another option.

Instead of obtaining an apostilled certificate in the country of origin, the applicant may be able to obtain a certificate of authenticity from their embassy or consulate in Peru.

This depends on whether the diplomatic mission provides the service and is able to verify the foreign driver’s license.

The consular option can sometimes avoid:

• Obtaining an apostille abroad.

• Sending documents internationally.

• Additional legalization procedures.

Before choosing this route, it should be confirmed whether the consular certificate will be issued in Spanish or whether the Peruvian authority will require a translation.

Translation

If the certificate, driver’s license or any of its annotations are written in a language other than Spanish, a translation will generally be required.

The MTC refers to translations prepared by an official or sworn translator.

As a practical precaution, the following should normally be translated:

• Certificate of authenticity.

• Apostille.

• Front and back of the foreign driver’s license.

• Any restrictions or codes appearing on the license.

An apostille or translation does not itself give the foreign license holder permission to drive in Peru.

Its purpose is to allow the Peruvian authority to accept and verify the foreign documents during the exchange procedure.

Temporary Driving in Peru With a Foreign License

In February 2026, the MTC stated that foreigners may use a valid foreign driver’s license during the first six months of their stay in Peru, provided an applicable international agreement has been signed and ratified.

After the applicable period expires, the foreign driver should obtain a Peruvian license or complete the exchange procedure.

During the period in which the foreign license may be used, the driver should carry:

• The original valid foreign driver’s license.

• Passport.

• Evidence showing the date of entry into Peru.

• International Driving Permit, where applicable.

It should not be assumed that every foreign driver’s license automatically gives its holder the right to drive in Peru for six months.

The current MTC information links this temporary authorization to the existence of an applicable international agreement.

An International Driving Permit is normally only a translation or supplementary document. It does not replace the underlying valid national driver’s license.

Exchange Under an International Agreement

What Difference Does an International Agreement Make?

Reciprocal recognition agreements allow drivers from certain countries to exchange their foreign license for the equivalent Peruvian license under a simplified procedure.

Depending on the agreement, the applicant may be exempt from:

• The theoretical examination.

• The practical examination.

• Certain training requirements.

Other requirements usually remain in place, including:

• Medical and psychological examination.

• Verification of the authenticity of the foreign license.

• Regular residence status in Peru.

• Equivalence between the foreign and Peruvian license categories.

• Presentation of the valid foreign license.

• Payment of the applicable administrative fee.

The exact rules depend on the agreement between Peru and the country concerned.

Countries With Published Agreements

Official information from the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifies agreements in force with:

• Chile.

• Colombia.

• Bolivia.

• Spain.

• South Korea.

The same information indicates that an agreement with Argentina had been signed and was in the process of implementation.

Although that agreement was ratified by Supreme Decree No. 001-2024-RE, its actual operational status should be confirmed before relying on it in a driver’s license application.

There are some inconsistencies between official websites.

Certain MTC publications refer only to Spain, South Korea and Chile, while other sources include Colombia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also lists Bolivia.

For this reason, the specific agreement should be confirmed with the Municipality of Lima or the competent regional authority before preparing the application.

What About a U.S. Driver’s License?

The United States does not appear on the official list published by the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a country with a bilateral driver’s license recognition and exchange agreement currently in force.

A person holding a valid U.S. driver’s license may therefore apply through the ordinary exchange procedure.

Normally, the applicant will need to:

• Pass the medical examination.

• Submit an apostilled or consular certificate confirming the authenticity of the license.

• Translate the relevant documents.

• Pass the knowledge examination.

• Complete the exchange procedure before the competent Peruvian authority.

The principal benefit is that the applicant will normally not have to take the practical driving examination again, provided the foreign license is valid and accepted for exchange.

Usual Requirements for an Exchange Under an Agreement

The exact requirements depend on the agreement with the country concerned, so the applicable rules should always be checked first.

In general, applicants will need:

• The original valid foreign driver’s license and a copy.

• A valid Carné de Extranjería or CPP.

• Medical and psychological certificate.

• Certificate of authenticity or electronic verification.

• Documentation showing the license category and authorized vehicles.

• Proof of residence in Peru, if required under the agreement.

• Photograph.

• Application form or sworn declaration.

• Payment of the corresponding administrative fee.

• Surrender of the original foreign license, if required under the agreement.

Spain is a good example of why the specific procedure matters.

Before a Spanish driver’s license can be exchanged in Peru, the MTC provides for an official verification procedure to confirm the validity of the Spanish license.

Where to Apply for a Foreign License Exchange

Metropolitan Lima

Since April 22, 2026, the competent authority in Metropolitan Lima has been the:

Metropolitan Municipality of Lima
through its Urban Mobility Department.

The principal operating center is:

Driver’s License Issuance Center – Circuito Vial Lima Norte
Jirón Flor de Arayanes 361
Comas, Lima

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yBNzK7VKDeMzEDWQ6

The Municipality of Lima assumed responsibility for:

• First-time driver’s licenses.

• Foreign license exchanges.

• Renewals.

• Duplicates.

• Category upgrades.

• Issuance of Class A driver’s licenses.

The Municipality has also created a Virtual Driver’s License Operations Platform.

Through the platform, applicants can initiate certain procedures, make payments and check available services.

For a foreign license exchange, however, physical presentation of the original driver’s license, apostille and authenticity certificate may still be required.

Other Regions of Peru

Outside Metropolitan Lima, the procedure must normally be submitted to the corresponding Regional Directorate or Regional Department of Transport and Communications.

Costs, testing centers, appointment systems and delivery times may vary from one region to another.

The substantive requirements, however, derive from the national regulations.

How the Driver’s License Exams Work in Lima

Theoretical Examination

The theoretical examination is:

• Individual.

• Multiple choice.

• Not oral.

• Made up of 40 questions.

• Limited to 40 minutes.

The applicant must answer at least 35 questions correctly to pass.

The examination is taken through the authorized testing center’s electronic system.

Once completed, the result is recorded in the National Driver Registry.

Practical Driving Examination

The practical examination is taken after the applicant has passed the knowledge test.

It:

• May be taken with an automatic or manual transmission vehicle.

• Is supervised and graded by an evaluator.

• Takes place on an authorized testing track or circuit.

• Is not a driving lesson with an instructor.

• Is normally not conducted in open traffic on the streets of Lima.

The practical examination is currently carried out at the Circuito Vial Lima Norte in Comas.

Applicants may use a vehicle that meets the documentation and safety requirements established by the testing center.

If a privately owned vehicle is used, the applicant should check in advance that the vehicle has all required documents, including the ownership card, SOAT insurance and technical inspection when applicable.

Official Free Simulator and Question Bank

The MTC provides a free online simulator that follows the structure of the official knowledge examination.

The simulator:

• Contains 40 questions.

• Gives the applicant 40 minutes.

• Requires 35 correct answers to pass.

• Allows the user to select the relevant license category.

• Displays the result at the end.

• Can be used on a computer, mobile phone or tablet.

The official question bank and study materials are also available.

The main subjects include:

• National Traffic Regulations.

• Drivers’ obligations.

• Traffic violations and penalties.

• SOAT insurance.

• Technical vehicle inspection.

• National Vehicle Regulations.

• Vehicle license plates.

• First aid.

Comparison of the Main Situations

Never held a driver’s license

Medical exam: Yes
Theoretical exam: Yes
Practical exam: Yes
Foreign documents: Not applicable

Valid foreign driver’s license, no international agreement

Medical exam: Yes
Theoretical exam: Yes
Practical exam: Normally no
Foreign documents: Foreign license and certificate of authenticity

Driver’s license from a country with an applicable agreement

Medical exam: Normally yes
Theoretical exam: May be exempt
Practical exam: Exempt according to the agreement
Foreign documents: Foreign license and the verification required under the agreement

Expired foreign driver’s license

Medical exam: Yes
Theoretical exam: Yes
Practical exam: A first-time license procedure may be required
Foreign documents: An expired license will normally not qualify for an exchange

Tourist holding a valid foreign driver’s license

Medical exam for temporary driving: No
Theoretical exam: No
Practical exam: No
Documents: Valid foreign license, passport and applicable international agreement, subject to the current temporary driving rules

Legal Conclusions

A foreign resident who has never held a driver’s license must apply for a first Peruvian license and complete the medical, theoretical and practical examinations.

The published procedure does not establish a general minimum period of residence before applying for a driver’s license. The applicant must, however, have regular immigration status and hold an identity document accepted by the system, primarily a Carné de Extranjería or CPP.

A foreigner holding a valid foreign driver’s license may apply for an ordinary exchange. The authenticity and category of the license must be proven through a certificate issued by the foreign licensing authority or by the relevant diplomatic representation.

The apostille will generally apply to the official certificate of authenticity rather than to the plastic driver’s license itself. Documents not written in Spanish must be translated.

The ordinary exchange procedure normally allows the applicant to avoid the practical driving examination, although the medical examination and knowledge test remain applicable.

International agreements with Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Spain and South Korea may simplify the exchange process and may exempt applicants from the knowledge examination. The practical implementation of the agreement with Argentina should be confirmed before submitting an application.

Finally, the competent authority in Metropolitan Lima is no longer directly the MTC. Since April 2026, Class A driver’s license procedures have been handled by the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima, and practical examinations are currently carried out at the Circuito Vial Lima Norte in Comas.