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World Driving Permit

🇷🇺 Do you need an IDP to drive in Russia?

IDP required· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Russia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself.

Driving in Russia: the rule explained

Russia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states drivers need both the 1968-model IDP and their national licence in the vehicle. Critically, the FCDO 'advises against all travel to Russia' due to the continuing invasion of Ukraine, security incidents and air-defence activity, so tourist driving is not advisable in current conditions. Traffic police conduct frequent spot checks.

Renting a car in Russia

Beyond the advisory, foreign payment cards generally do not work in Russia, which severely limits rental and fuel payment.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle category must be endorsed on the licence and 1968 IDP.

What to carry when driving in Russia

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • FCDO advises against all travel
  • Foreign cards may not work

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Russia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Russia?
Yes — to drive in Russia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself. Russia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states drivers need both the 1968-model IDP and their national licence in the vehicle. Critically, the FCDO 'advises against all travel to Russia' due to the continuing invasion of Ukraine, security incidents and air-defence activity, so tourist driving is not advisable in current conditions. Traffic police conduct frequent spot checks.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Russia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Russia read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Russia?
Beyond the advisory, foreign payment cards generally do not work in Russia, which severely limits rental and fuel payment.
Which IDP convention does Russia use?
Russia recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.

Official sources

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

Requirements for other countries