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World Driving Permit

🇱🇧 Do you need an IDP to drive in Lebanon?

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

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Lebanon 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 Lebanon: the rule explained

Both the UK FCDO and the US State Department state an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Lebanon, and the FCDO specifies the 1968 version (the 1949 IDP is no longer accepted). Carry the IDP together with your national licence. The US advisory is Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and notes aggressive driving and poor road conditions.

Renting a car in Lebanon

Rental companies ask for both your national licence and an IDP before renting; obtain the 1968 IDP before travel.

Motorcycles & scooters: Same documentation applies to motorcycles; high accident rates make riding risky.

What to carry when driving in Lebanon

  • 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
  • 1968 IDP obtained before travel
  • Carry ID for military checkpoints

Check your exact trip

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Translation companion

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

Lebanon: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Lebanon?
Yes — to drive in Lebanon 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. Both the UK FCDO and the US State Department state an International Driving Permit is required to drive in Lebanon, and the FCDO specifies the 1968 version (the 1949 IDP is no longer accepted). Carry the IDP together with your national licence. The US advisory is Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and notes aggressive driving and poor road conditions.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Lebanon?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Lebanon 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 Lebanon?
Rental companies ask for both your national licence and an IDP before renting; obtain the 1968 IDP before travel.
Which IDP convention does Lebanon use?
Lebanon 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