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World Driving Permit

🇦🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Argentina?

IDP recommended· the 1949 Geneva Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Argentina, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Argentina follows the 1949 Geneva 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 Argentina: the rule explained

Argentina is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna Convention), so the Geneva-format IDP has formal treaty standing. Tourists may drive on a valid home licence, but the US State Dept notes an Argentine or international licence is expected, and an IDP is strongly advised if your licence is not in Spanish or lacks a photo. Rental agencies and police checks go more smoothly with an IDP alongside the original licence.

Renting a car in Argentina

Rental companies require the original home licence plus passport and credit card; many ask for an IDP or certified Spanish translation when the licence is not in Spanish. Minimum age is typically 21.

Motorcycles & scooters: An IDP can be endorsed for the motorcycle category, which helps when renting a motorcycle.

What to carry when driving in Argentina

  • 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
  • Carry the original home licence together with the IDP/translation at all times
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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.

Argentina: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Argentina?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Argentina, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Argentina follows the 1949 Geneva 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. Argentina is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna Convention), so the Geneva-format IDP has formal treaty standing. Tourists may drive on a valid home licence, but the US State Dept notes an Argentine or international licence is expected, and an IDP is strongly advised if your licence is not in Spanish or lacks a photo. Rental agencies and police checks go more smoothly with an IDP alongside the original licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Argentina?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Argentina read your licence, but where Argentina requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Argentina?
Rental companies require the original home licence plus passport and credit card; many ask for an IDP or certified Spanish translation when the licence is not in Spanish. Minimum age is typically 21.
Which IDP convention does Argentina use?
Argentina recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva 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 Argentina?
Because Argentina follows the 1949 Geneva Convention, an IDP is valid for one year from its date of issue. 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.
What is the minimum age to drive in Argentina?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Argentina; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

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

Driving to Argentina from your country

Requirements for other countries