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World Driving Permit

🇦🇱 Do you need an IDP to drive in Albania?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Albania, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Albania follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Albania: the rule explained

Albania is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and recognises foreign national licences for tourist driving. The U.S. State Department states that international driving permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted and that a foreign or international licence may be used for up to one year by non-residents. An IDP is recommended for non-EU or non-Latin-script licences; EU/EEA licences are accepted on their own.

Exemption: EU/EEA licences are accepted without an IDP; non-residents may use a foreign or international licence for up to one year.

Renting a car in Albania

Most Albanian rental companies request an IDP in addition to the home licence, especially when the original is not in Latin script, and may refuse the rental without it.

Motorcycles & scooters: Check that the motorcycle category is endorsed on the licence and IDP before hiring.

What to carry when driving in Albania

  • 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
  • IDP recommended if non-EU or non-Latin script
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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.

Albania: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Albania?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Albania, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Albania follows the 1968 Vienna Convention. Carry it alongside your original national licence. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Albania is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and recognises foreign national licences for tourist driving. The U.S. State Department states that international driving permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention are accepted and that a foreign or international licence may be used for up to one year by non-residents. An IDP is recommended for non-EU or non-Latin-script licences; EU/EEA licences are accepted on their own.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Albania?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Albania read your licence, but where Albania requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Albania?
Most Albanian rental companies request an IDP in addition to the home licence, especially when the original is not in Latin script, and may refuse the rental without it.
Which IDP convention does Albania use?
Albania 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.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Albania?
Because Albania follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.

Official sources

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

Driving to Albania from your country

Requirements for other countries