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World Driving Permit

🇦🇲 Do you need an IDP to drive in Armenia?

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 Armenia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Armenia 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 Armenia: the rule explained

Armenia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a compliant foreign national licence is generally accepted for short tourist driving, with an IDP recommended especially for non-Latin-script licences. The U.S. State Department states that U.S. driver's licences are not valid for driving in Armenia, so U.S. visitors should carry an IDP (1968 format) or obtain a local licence.

Exemption: U.S. licences are not valid on their own per the State Department; carry an IDP or obtain a local licence.

Renting a car in Armenia

Major rental agencies typically require an IDP together with the national licence to complete a booking.

Motorcycles & scooters: Ensure the motorcycle category is endorsed on both the licence and the IDP.

What to carry when driving in Armenia

  • 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 (1968 format) — required for U.S. licences
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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.

Armenia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Armenia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Armenia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Armenia 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. Armenia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a compliant foreign national licence is generally accepted for short tourist driving, with an IDP recommended especially for non-Latin-script licences. The U.S. State Department states that U.S. driver's licences are not valid for driving in Armenia, so U.S. visitors should carry an IDP (1968 format) or obtain a local licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Armenia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Armenia read your licence, but where Armenia 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 Armenia?
Major rental agencies typically require an IDP together with the national licence to complete a booking.
Which IDP convention does Armenia use?
Armenia 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 Armenia?
Because Armenia 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 Armenia from your country

Requirements for other countries