🇳🇵 Do you need an IDP to drive in Nepal?

IDP required· 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

Driving in Nepal: the rule explained

Nepal is a 1968 Vienna Convention signatory and legally requires foreign drivers to carry a valid home licence together with an International Driving Permit; the foreign licence alone is not valid. The IDP is recognised for short stays only (commonly cited as around 15 days), after which a Nepali licence is needed. Enforcement at tourist rental shops is lax, but police checks and insurance validity make the IDP important.

Renting a car in Nepal

Carry both your original licence and IDP; some agencies arrange local endorsements, but many hand over keys on payment alone — driving without the IDP can void travel insurance after an accident.

Motorcycles & scooters: For rental motorbikes (typically 150-411cc) your home licence must carry the motorcycle category (IDP Category A) — the IDP cannot grant a class your licence lacks.

What to carry when driving in Nepal

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
Confirm your home licence has the motorcycle endorsement before renting a bike
Keep both documents on you for highway police checkpoints

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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.

Nepal: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Nepal?

Yes — to drive in Nepal 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. Nepal is a 1968 Vienna Convention signatory and legally requires foreign drivers to carry a valid home licence together with an International Driving Permit; the foreign licence alone is not valid. The IDP is recognised for short stays only (commonly cited as around 15 days), after which a Nepali licence is needed. Enforcement at tourist rental shops is lax, but police checks and insurance validity make the IDP important.

Is a translated driving licence accepted in Nepal?

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Nepal 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 Nepal?

Carry both your original licence and IDP; some agencies arrange local endorsements, but many hand over keys on payment alone — driving without the IDP can void travel insurance after an accident.

Which IDP convention does Nepal use?

Nepal 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

Department of Transport Management (DoTM), Nepal

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

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.