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World Driving Permit

🇨🇱 Do you need an IDP to drive in Chile?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
1 year from issue
Driving side
Right-hand

Short answer

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

Chile is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna Convention), so the Geneva-format IDP is the recognised international document. Tourists can generally drive and rent on a valid home licence, and police usually accept national licences, but an IDP or certified Spanish translation is strongly recommended to avoid insurance complications in the event of a claim.

Renting a car in Chile

Rental firms require a valid passport/ID, the original home licence and a credit card; many request an IDP or Spanish translation when the licence is not in Spanish. Minimum age is generally 21.

Motorcycles & scooters: For renting a motorcycle, ensure the motorcycle class is shown on the licence/IDP.

What to carry when driving in Chile

  • 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 IDP or certified Spanish translation together with the original licence for insurance validity
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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.

Chile: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Chile?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Chile, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Chile 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. Chile is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention (not the 1968 Vienna Convention), so the Geneva-format IDP is the recognised international document. Tourists can generally drive and rent on a valid home licence, and police usually accept national licences, but an IDP or certified Spanish translation is strongly recommended to avoid insurance complications in the event of a claim.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Chile?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Chile read your licence, but where Chile 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 Chile?
Rental firms require a valid passport/ID, the original home licence and a credit card; many request an IDP or Spanish translation when the licence is not in Spanish. Minimum age is generally 21.
Which IDP convention does Chile use?
Chile 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 Chile?
Because Chile 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.

Official sources

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

Driving to Chile from your country

Requirements for other countries