En esta noticia
Starting in 2026, young people who do not register for military service will be penalized. The measure seeks to reinforce compliance with an obligation that, although often overlooked, is key within Peru’s administrative system.
The regulations establish that all young people who turn 17 must complete mandatory registration, a procedure that does not mean joining military service, but simply being registered.
However, noncompliance stops being a minor detail and comes to have concrete financial consequences.
Mandatory fine: how much those who fail to comply will have to pay
Those who do not complete registration within the deadline will be considered “delinquent” and will have to face a penalty equivalent to 5% of the Tax Unit (UIT), which in 2026 is around 275 soles.
This fine takes effect once the legal deadline has passed and remains in force until the young person regularizes their situation.
Although there is the possibility of catching up later, the financial penalty does not disappear automatically. It can only be avoided in specific cases, such as when the young person decides to join voluntary military service within the period established by law.
Who must register and when the fine applies
In Peru, the regulations establish that all young people who turn 17 must register obligatorily in the military registry, regardless of gender.
This process:
- Is mandatory by law
- Must be completed before turning 18
- Does not imply joining military service (it is only an administrative registration)
However, noncompliance has clear consequences.
Mandatory registration, but no forced service
One of the points that raises the most doubts is whether this measure means the return of compulsory military service. The answer is no. The requirement is to register, not to enlist. The state’s goal is to have an updated roster of citizens of military age, which makes it possible to better organize the structure of the Armed Forces.
In this way, the measure mainly affects those who are about to reach legal adulthood. From now on, failing to complete the procedure will no longer be an omission without consequences: failure to register directly results in a fine.