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World Driving Permit

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia driving licence translation & IDP

1968 Vienna IDP· Issues IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 20 Jun 2026

Short answer

Saudi Arabia issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1968 Vienna Convention, honoured by the 80-plus countries party to it. Carry your 1968 IDP together with your original Saudi Arabia licence. Because Saudi Arabia licences are printed in Arabic script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.

Driving abroad with a Saudi Arabia licence

Saudi Arabia is party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so Saudi Arabia drivers obtain their International Driving Permit at home before travelling. The IDP is an official translation of your licence into multiple languages; it is valid only alongside the original card and only while that card remains valid. A separate certified translation companion is useful at police stops and rental desks where staff need a quick, readable copy of your licence details.

What Saudi Arabia drivers should carry abroad

  • Your original Saudi Arabia driving licence (physical card)
  • Passport with any required visa or entry stamp
  • An International Driving Permit issued in Saudi Arabia under the 1968 Vienna Convention
  • A certified translation companion to speed up police and rental-desk checks
  • Proof of insurance valid in your destination

Translate your Saudi Arabia licence

A certified, multi-language translation companion for your Saudi Arabia licence — ready to carry alongside the original. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Check a specific destination

Get a tailored answer for your Saudi Arabia licence, your destination, dates and vehicle.

Popular destinations for Saudi Arabia drivers

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Saudi Arabia drivers: frequently asked questions

What do I need to drive abroad with a Saudi Arabia driving licence?
Saudi Arabia issues International Driving Permits (IDPs) under the 1968 Vienna Convention, honoured by the 80-plus countries party to it. Carry your 1968 IDP together with your original Saudi Arabia licence. Because Saudi Arabia licences are printed in Arabic script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.
Which International Driving Permit does Saudi Arabia issue?
Saudi Arabia issues IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your IDP must be obtained in Saudi Arabia before you travel from an authorised issuer; it is a recognised translation of your licence and is always carried together with the original.
Does a certified translation replace an IDP for Saudi Arabia drivers?
No. A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks read your Saudi Arabia licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence alongside it. Because Saudi Arabia licences are printed in Arabic script, foreign police and rental desks often cannot read them — a certified translation lets them verify your licence at a glance.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving licence translation for other countries