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World Driving Permit

🇬🇪 Do you need an IDP to drive in Georgia?

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

Georgia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and lets foreign visitors drive on a valid foreign national licence for up to one year after their last entry. An International Driving Permit is not universally mandatory but is recommended, and is effectively needed where the licence is not in Latin/Georgian script. Latin-alphabet licences (e.g. English, French, German) are commonly accepted on their own.

Exemption: Latin-script licences are generally accepted without an IDP for up to one year; non-Latin-script licences should carry an IDP.

Renting a car in Georgia

Rental agencies frequently require an IDP alongside the national licence for insurance and liability reasons, particularly for non-Latin-script licences.

Motorcycles & scooters: Verify the motorcycle endorsement appears on your licence and IDP before renting a two-wheeler.

What to carry when driving in Georgia

  • 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 recommended if your licence is not in Latin script
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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.

Georgia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Georgia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Georgia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Georgia 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. Georgia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and lets foreign visitors drive on a valid foreign national licence for up to one year after their last entry. An International Driving Permit is not universally mandatory but is recommended, and is effectively needed where the licence is not in Latin/Georgian script. Latin-alphabet licences (e.g. English, French, German) are commonly accepted on their own.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Georgia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Georgia read your licence, but where Georgia 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 Georgia?
Rental agencies frequently require an IDP alongside the national licence for insurance and liability reasons, particularly for non-Latin-script licences.
Which IDP convention does Georgia use?
Georgia 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 Georgia?
Because Georgia 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 Georgia from your country

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Requirements for other countries