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World Driving Permit

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

IDP usually not required· no specific convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Colombia on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make 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

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

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 can still make 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 it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. 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? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries