Destinations / Peru
Driving in Peru as a visitor
Usually yes. Peru expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Peru expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Peru expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Peru accept?
Peru recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Peru ask for one?
Requested by airport and city desks; mountain driving insurance advised.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.