How to Get a Duplicate Driver’s License in Peru

Traveling by bus and train is common in Peru. However, there are some places that public transportation can’t reach. Therefore, many people are thinking of taking a self-driving tour. Sitting in the driver’s seat means you can drive wherever you want freely through either main highways or back roads.

Driving without a Peruvian driving permit is illegal. Imagine that you have gone through a lot and finally got your driver’s license, but what if it was damaged, lost, or stolen? Don’t worry. You can request a duplicate driver’s license online or at a duplicate issuing office. In this passage, we are going to talk about how to get a duplicate driver’s license in Peru.

Requirements for Duplicate Driver’s License

Before heading to get a duplicate, it is necessary to learn about the requirements.

• Your existing license is not suspended or withdrawn.
• You don’t have unsettled penalties or fines.
• You are not deprived of the right to drive vehicles.

After confirming your eligibility, please prepare the following required documents.

• Original copy or photocopy of a valid national identity document (DNI)
• Report of loss or theft to the (Peruvian National Police (PNP)
• Proof of payment
• Passport-size photo in color
• Application form for duplicate driver’s license
• Current damaged driver’s license (in the case of a damaged document)
• Blood group certificate issued by a MTC authorized medical center on the condition that there is no blood type printed on the current license.

How To Get a Duplicate Driver’s License

Online services are only available to Class A licenses and in Lima. Supposing that you are applying for Class B licenses or in the province, you must have a face-to-face application at a licensing center nationwide.

Request Duplicate Driver’s License Online

• Pay S/24.50 for the duplicate fee, which can be made at the Banco de la Nacion office or official website. 
• Log in to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) portal.
• Choose the “Duplicate” option.
• Enter your ID number, details of the payment voucher and other necessary information.

• Accept the affidavit after checking your requirements.
• Print the certificate which serves the proof of collecting the license. 
• Pick up the license at the selected license issuance center. The processing time usually takes 24-48 hours.

Request Duplicate Driver’s License in Person

• Go to a nearby licensing center.
• Fill out the application form.
• Present the supporting documents.
• Fulfill payment at the bank or authorized agencies.
• Collect the duplicate once it is ready.

Where to Find Licensing Centers

There are regional departments in the capital cities and provinces listed below.

Are Foreign Driver’s Licenses Recognized in Peru

Expats who travel or live in Peru are expecting to explore the country more flexibly. If you already have a driver’s license issued by your home country, you can drive with it for up to 6 months after which you should obtain a Peruvian driver’s license. The 6-month period counts from the date of arrival in Peru. Please note that Spanish driving licenses do not need to be exchanged even after 6 months.

Exchanging Foreign Driver’s License

It is the most convenient way to get a Peruvian driving license. Your existing license must be valid and you must pass a driving test. Then, you can submit the following supporting documents on Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) portal. 

• a medical certificate to prove that you are mentally healthy to drive
• a document from your home country to prove the validity of the license and the eligible type of vehicle
• a highway code examination certificate
• an approval certificate from the driving center to prove that you have passed the initial driving tests
• a copy of your passport

Apply for a Local Peruvian Driver’s License

To exchange a foreign driver’s license means giving up your current license. On the condition that you want to retain it or it is too difficult to get the document confirming the validity of your license from where it was issued, applying for a local driving permit from the very beginning in Peru would be a preferred alternative. The new application goes through three stages. 

• Medical Examination

It includes a general health check, hearing and vision test, blood grouping test, psychological test and a reasoning test. You must finish it in an authorized clinic in Peru. The costs range from S/ 200 to S/ 400.

• Written Driving Test

It aims to test whether you are familiar with Peruvian traffic rules, violations, penalties, first aid, etc. There are 40 questions in total and at least 35 of them must be correct within 40 minutes.

To take the test, it is required to present a passport or other identity document, a

passport-style photo with a white background, original copy and photocopy of the certificate of the medical exam, and a payment receipt of S/ 58.48 from Scotiabank or BIF.

• Practical Driving Test

After passing the medical exam and written test, book an appointment on the official website of the Peruvian Touring and Automobile Club, but make sure you have paid S/24.50 for the practical test.

Please arrive at the driving evaluation center half an hour to an hour earlier than the scheduled time and carry your passport, passport photo with a white background, original and photocopy of the medical exam certificate, original and photocopy of the written exam certificate, and the payment receipt.

Supposing that you fail the practical driving test, it is allowed to have the exam another 2 times, but you should wait for 3 months between each time.

Supposing that you finally pass the test, you will receive a receipt or certificate to apply for your driver’s license in Peru.

Tips to Drive in Peru

A duplicate driver’s license works the same as a regular one. Whether you are a local or foreign driver, it is necessary to study your route in advance in case of getting lost. Here are some tips that you should pay attention to.

• Don’t drive too fast, or you will be fined. Speed limits vary on different roads, 100 km/h (62 mph) on motorways, 90 km/h (56 mph) on open roads, and 50 km/h in towns (31 mph).
• Don’t talk or text on your cell phone while driving in Peru. Earphones or hands-free phones are suggested.
• Both the driver and passengers are required to fasten the seat belt whether in the front or rear seat of the car.
• Children under 3 years old must be secure in a child safety seat in the rear seat. Children between 3-12 must sit in the rear seat with seat belts.
• Don’t drink and drive. It is prohibited to have over 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood for the driver.
• Watch out when driving at night, especially in poorly lighted surroundings.
• Don’t pre-pay when renting a car.

FAQ

How long does it take to get duplicate license? 

It takes about 24 to 48 business hours to get your duplicate driver’s license in Peru.

What to do if your physical driver’s license deteriorates or you lose it? 

A: In the case of deterioration, you need to submit the old license while applying for the duplicates. In the case of loss or theft, you have to report the loss at the police station and present the report while applying for the duplicates.

Can I drive in USA with Peruvian license?

Yes, but you have to use it along with an International Driver’s Permit ( IDP) which should be obtained in Peru before arrival. You are permitted to drive in the US for 1 year as an expat.

Can I get a duplicate license if the current one has expired?

Your current driver’s license must be valid while requesting a duplicate. Therefore, if it has expired, please renew it.

Summary

As it is illegal to drive without a permit, it is necessary to get a duplicate driver’s license when the current one is deteriorated, lost or stolen. When applying for a duplicate of a Class A license in Lima, it can be obtained online. When requesting other classes and in other provinces, you must have a face-to-face application at the licensing center. If you are an expat with a foreign driver’s license, you can drive with it in Peru for 6 months. After that, you can choose to exchange it for a Peruvian driver’s license or apply for it from scratch.