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World Driving Permit

🇨🇴 Do you need an IDP to drive in Colombia?

IDP usually not required· no UN road-traffic convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

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Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Colombia on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in Colombia: the rule explained

Colombia is not a party to either the 1949 or 1968 conventions; driving rights for visitors come from national law (Law 769 of 2002, Art. 25). The Ministry of Transport confirms a valid foreign licence is accepted for the authorised period of stay, up to a maximum of 6 months, so an IDP is not legally required. An IDP or certified Spanish translation is still useful at checkpoints when the licence is not in Spanish or English.

Renting a car in Colombia

Rental agencies require a valid passport with entry stamp, the home licence and a credit card; some agencies prefer to see an IDP.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle riders must hold the appropriate motorcycle category on their licence; a matching IDP endorsement smooths rentals and checkpoints.

What to carry when driving in Colombia

  • 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
  • Foreign licence is valid only during the authorised stay (max 6 months)
  • Carry passport showing the entry stamp to prove you are within your tourist window
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Check your exact trip

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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.

Colombia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Colombia?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in Colombia on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation still makes police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Colombia is not a party to either the 1949 or 1968 conventions; driving rights for visitors come from national law (Law 769 of 2002, Art. 25). The Ministry of Transport confirms a valid foreign licence is accepted for the authorised period of stay, up to a maximum of 6 months, so an IDP is not legally required. An IDP or certified Spanish translation is still useful at checkpoints when the licence is not in Spanish or English.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Colombia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Colombia read your licence, but where Colombia requires an IDP it must be one issued under the no specific convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Colombia?
Rental agencies require a valid passport with entry stamp, the home licence and a credit card; some agencies prefer to see an IDP.

Official sources

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

Driving to Colombia from your country

Requirements for other countries