Destinations / Peru
Driving in Peru as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is recommended and often requested to rent a car in Peru.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Peru expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 105 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in PEN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Aggressive city traffic: defensive driving essential. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | High-altitude routes (Cusco, Puno) affect engine performance. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry original documents at all times. |
On the road in Peru
At the pump
Stations (Primax, Repsol, Petroperú) are attended; petrol is sold by octane (84/90/95/97) plus 'GLP'/'GNV' gas, and diesel as 'diésel B5', roughly USD 1.10-1.30 per litre for petrol with most stations taking cards.
After a crash
Call the police on 105 (SAMU ambulance 106); do not move vehicles if there are injuries until police arrive. SOAT (compulsory insurance) covers only personal injury, not the rental car, so file a police report for the rental insurer.
Sources: remitly.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com · theonlyperuguide.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Peru?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is recommended and often requested to rent a car in Peru.
Which translation format is used for Peru?
Peru uses the 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Peru ask for a translation?
Requested by airport and city desks; mountain driving insurance advised.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Peru?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in South America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.