Driving Licence for Foreigners in Latin America
Guides · Latin America
Key Facts
- — Mexico allows tourists to drive on a foreign licence for up to 180 days.
- — Brazil requires conversion to a CNH after 180 days of residence.
- — Argentina permits foreign licences for up to one year from entry.
- — Peru charges S/ 7.50 for an electronic licence exchange and S/ 15.50 for a physical one.
- — Colombia limits foreign licence validity to the authorized tourist stay, up to 180 days.
- — Brazil’s DETRAN conversion fee is about R$397.87, roughly US$78.
Mexico: Tourist Driving and Licence Exchange
In Mexico, tourists can drive on a valid foreign licence during their tourist stay. No international driving permit is mandatory, though it may help if the licence is not easily readable or translated, according to Hertz Mexico in November 2025.
A foreign licence is accepted for the full tourist stay. Hertz Mexico describes this as the duration of the tourist permit, up to 180 days, according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
For residents, multiple current guides state there is no licence-exchange system or automatic foreign-licence conversion agreement. A resident generally must do the Mexican licensing process, according to TramiTeca Digital in February 2026.
The resident licensing process includes a medical exam, theory exam, and in some states a practical exam. This is according to TramiTeca Digital in February 2026.
State-level licence applications commonly require CURP, passport, proof of address, and may require a blood-type certificate, according to MexicoExpat in July 2026.
Public guides quoted fee ranges of roughly MX$800–1,500 for a licence issue in some states. At the 9 Sep 2026 reading date that is about US$48–90 using an approximate exchange rate of MX$16.7 per US$1, according to MexicoExpat in July 2026.
Third-party liability insurance is mandatory on federal highways. Some current guides say local rules in CDMX and several states also require it, according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
At a traffic stop, a foreign driver should expect to present the valid home licence and the passport or immigration document proving legal stay. If asked for insurance on covered roads, the driver must show the policy, according to Hertz Mexico in November 2025.
Brazil: 180-Day Rule and CNH Conversion
Foreign visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days from entry. This is according to ZS Advogados in May 2026.
After the 180-day visitor period, a foreign licence is no longer valid for driving as a resident. Conversion to a Brazilian CNH is required, according to ZS Advogados in March 2026.
Current guides say an IDP is not strictly required for short-stay driving. The original licence must be carried; some guides recommend translation for convenience, according to Lawyer in Brazil in June 2026.
Conversion usually requires a medical exam and psychological evaluation, according to ZS Advogados in April 2026.
Some current guides say countries in the Vienna Convention or with bilateral reciprocity may be exempt from the theory/practical driving exam. Others still require it by state, according to AutoviaTest in May 2026.
A recent guide quoted DETRAN service fees at about R$397.87. That is roughly US$78 at the 9 Sep 2026 reading date using an approximate exchange rate of R$5.09 per US$1, according to Jarnias Cyril in March 2026.
Current guides say foreign drivers must carry the original licence and passport. If stopped after residence is established, the CNH may be requested instead, according to Mark D.
Martin Law Firm in January 2026.
A current legal guide says driving without the proper local licence after the 180-day window can lead to enforcement action. The foreign licence is no longer accepted, according to ZS Advogados in May 2026.
Argentina: One-Year Validity and Exchange Agreements
Some current guides say foreign licences may be used for up to 1 year from entry. Local licensing is required after residence is established, according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
The common resident conversion path includes a psychophysical exam and a blood-type certificate, according to AutoviaTest in May 2026.
Current guides say drivers must carry the licence, DNI, vehicle registration, VTV, and compulsory insurance policy when driving. This is according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
The psychophysical certificate requirement is described as applying to new licences and renewals, according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
Some current guides say foreign drivers may need to produce an IDP plus the home licence. Some local procedures require an appointment, residence proof, and translated/apostilled foreign documents, according to MyArgentinePassport in September 2025.
Public guidance from the City of Buenos Aires shows that certain foreign-licence conversions are covered through bilateral agreements. An example is the Spain-Argentina arrangement, according to Argentina.gob.ar in March 2026.
At a traffic stop, current guides say the standard documents are the passport, current licence, and proof of insurance. This is according to Remitly in June 2026.
Some city-level guidance says driving with an out-of-jurisdiction licence once domiciled locally can be penalized. The driver may be told not to continue, according to Expat.com in June 2026.
Some guides describe a CENAT certificate as part of the resident licensing process, according to Translayte in June 2026.
Peru: Six-Month Limit and Exchange Process
In Peru, foreigners may use their foreign driving licence for the first six months of stay only when an international agreement exists. After six months they must exchange it for a Peruvian licence, according to Peruvian Ministry of Transport communications quoted by Altavoz in February 2026.
Peru allows exchange of a foreign licence through an MTC process. It requires: valid foreign licence, medical and psychological exam, knowledge test (with exemptions for countries under reciprocity agreements), identity document (Carné de Extranjería or CPP), passport-size photo and fees of S/ 7.50 for an electronic licence (code 1605) or S/ 15.50 for a physical licence (code 1606), paid to Banco de la Nación, according to Altavoz in February 2026.
A complementary Peruvian guide notes that the examination medical cost for licence exchange typically ranges around S/ 99–200. The regular canje procedure does not require a practical ‘sobrepista’ test.
Citizens of Spain, South Korea, Chile and Argentina are exempt from the theory exam via bilateral agreements. Argentina was added by an agreement published 31 Jan 2024.
The Peru–Argentina 2024 licence exchange agreement explicitly allows holders of valid licences from either country, once resident in the other, to obtain an equivalent local licence without theoretical or practical tests. It relies on documentary verification of authenticity and residence instead, according to Studocu document in June 2026.
The Peruvian government portal for ‘Solicitar el canje de licencia de conducir otorgada en otro país’ confirms that the foreign licence must be valid at the time of application. The procedure involves medical and psychological evaluation plus knowledge exam, unless exempted by agreement, according to Gobierno del Perú in January 2026.
Peru’s certificate of authenticity procedure for licences, hosted on gob.pe, is designed for situations where a Peruvian licence is to be exchanged abroad. Foreign authorities require proof that the licence is genuine, often legalised or certified via consulates.
This mirrors the documentation foreigners must provide when exchanging foreign licences into Peru, according to Gobierno del Perú in May 2026.
A Peruvian law-firm guide stresses that, for exchange in Peru, instead of seeking an apostilled certificate in the country of origin, the applicant may in some cases rely on a certificate of authenticity issued by their embassy or consulate in Peru. This is provided the licensing authority accepts this alternative, according to NV & C Abogados in August 2026.
Colombia: Tourist Validity and RUNT Registration
In Colombia, the Ministry of Transport clarified in late 2025 that foreign driving licences are valid only for the authorized period of stay as tourists or in transit. This is in line with Article 25 of the National Traffic Code.
They are not valid beyond that without obtaining a Colombian licence, according to Prensa Jurídica in November 2025.
A detailed foreigner-focused guide to Colombia states that tourists may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days. Long-term residents must register in RUNT, undergo a four-part medical exam at a CRC, and obtain an official Colombian licence.
Driving as a tourist also requires carrying a passport with valid entry stamp, according to ColombiaMove in August 2026.
Colombian traffic enforcement requires at roadside stops: driver’s licence, passport and immigration evidence, vehicle registration (tarjeta de propiedad), mandatory SOAT insurance, and proof of technical-mechanical inspection where applicable. Failure to present these can lead to citations or vehicle immobilisation, according to ExpatEmergency in March 2026.
Insurance Implications for Tourist Licence Driving
In Mexico, third-party liability insurance is mandatory on federal highways. Some current guides say local rules in CDMX and several states also require it, according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
In Argentina, current guides say drivers must carry the licence, DNI, vehicle registration, VTV, and compulsory insurance policy when driving. This is according to AutoviaTest in March 2026.
In Colombia, mandatory SOAT insurance is required. Failure to present it can lead to citations or vehicle immobilisation, according to ExpatEmergency in March 2026.
Traffic Stops: What to Expect
In Mexico, at a traffic stop, a foreign driver should expect to present the valid home licence and the passport or immigration document proving legal stay. If asked for insurance on covered roads, the driver must show the policy, according to Hertz Mexico in November 2025.
In Brazil, current guides say foreign drivers must carry the original licence and passport. If stopped after residence is established, the CNH may be requested instead, according to Mark D.
Martin Law Firm in January 2026.
In Argentina, at a traffic stop, current guides say the standard documents are the passport, current licence, and proof of insurance. This is according to Remitly in June 2026.
In Colombia, traffic enforcement requires at roadside stops: driver’s licence, passport and immigration evidence, vehicle registration, mandatory SOAT insurance, and proof of technical-mechanical inspection where applicable. This is according to ExpatEmergency in March 2026.
Medical and Blood-Type Requirements
In Mexico, state-level licence applications commonly require CURP, passport, proof of address. They may require a blood-type certificate, according to MexicoExpat in July 2026.
In Brazil, conversion usually requires a medical exam and psychological evaluation, according to ZS Advogados in April 2026.
In Argentina, the common resident conversion path includes a psychophysical exam and a blood-type certificate, according to AutoviaTest in May 2026.
In Peru, the exchange process requires medical and psychological exam, according to Altavoz in February 2026.
In Colombia, long-term residents must undergo a four-part medical exam at a CRC, according to ColombiaMove in August 2026.
Costs and Validity Periods
In Mexico, public guides quoted fee ranges of roughly MX$800–1,500 for a licence issue in some states. At the 9 Sep 2026 reading date that is about US$48–90 using an approximate exchange rate of MX$16.7 per US$1, according to MexicoExpat in July 2026.
In Brazil, a recent guide quoted DETRAN service fees at about R$397.87. That is roughly US$78 at the 9 Sep 2026 reading date using an approximate exchange rate of R$5.09 per US$1, according to Jarnias Cyril in March 2026.
In Peru, fees for licence exchange are S/ 7.50 for an electronic licence (code 1605) or S/ 15.50 for a physical licence (code 1606). They are paid to Banco de la Nación, according to Altavoz in February 2026.
In Peru, the examination medical cost for licence exchange typically ranges around S/ 99–200.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive in Mexico with a foreign licence? Tourists can drive on a valid foreign licence for the duration of their tourist stay, up to 180 days. No international driving permit is mandatory, though it may help if your licence is not easily readable or translated. Residents must obtain a Mexican licence.
What documents do I need to drive in Mexico as a tourist? At a traffic stop, present your valid home licence and your passport or immigration document proving legal stay. If asked for insurance on covered roads, you must show the policy. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory on federal highways and in some states.
How long can I drive in Brazil with a foreign licence? Foreign visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days from entry. After that, the foreign licence is no longer valid and you must convert to a Brazilian CNH. An international driving permit is not strictly required for short stays.
What is the cost to convert a foreign licence in Brazil? Conversion usually requires a medical exam and psychological evaluation. DETRAN service fees are about R$397.87, roughly US$78. Some countries with reciprocity agreements may be exempt from theory and practical exams.
How long can I drive in Argentina with a foreign licence? Foreign licences may be used for up to 1 year from entry. After residence is established, local licensing is required. The conversion process includes a psychophysical exam and a blood-type certificate.
What documents do I need to drive in Colombia as a tourist? Tourists may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 180 days. Carry your passport with valid entry stamp, driver’s licence, vehicle registration, mandatory SOAT insurance, and proof of technical-mechanical inspection where applicable. Failure to present these can lead to citations or vehicle immobilisation.
| Country | Tourist Validity | IDP Required? | Exchange Without Test? | Medical/Blood-Type | Fee Range | Insurance Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Up to 180 days (tourist permit) | No, but recommended | No exchange system | Medical exam, theory, sometimes practical; blood-type may be required | MX$800–1,500 (US$48–90) | Third-party liability on federal highways and in some states |
| Brazil | 180 days from entry | No, but original licence must be carried | Varies by country; Vienna Convention or bilateral reciprocity may exempt | Medical and psychological evaluation | R$397.87 (US$78) | No specific rule mentioned |
| Argentina | Up to 1 year | IDP may be required | Exchange agreements with Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Italy | Psychophysical exam and blood-type certificate | Not specified | Compulsory insurance policy |
| Peru | 6 months (if agreement exists) | Not specified | Exchange without tests for citizens of Spain, South Korea, Chile, Argentina | Medical and psychological exam | S/ 7.50 (electronic) or S/ 15.50 (physical); medical S/ 99–200 | Not specified |
| Colombia | Up to 180 days (tourist stay) | Not specified | No exchange mentioned | Four-part medical exam at CRC | Not specified | SOAT insurance mandatory |
Sources: Hertz Mexico, AutoviaTest, TramiTeca Digital, MexicoExpat, ZS Advogados, Lawyer in Brazil, Jarnias Cyril, Mark D. Martin Law Firm, MyArgentinePassport, Argentina.gob.ar, Remitly, Expat.com, Translayte, Altavoz, Studocu, Gobierno del Perú, NV & C Abogados, Prensa Jurídica, ColombiaMove, ExpatEmergency.
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