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World Driving Permit

🇮🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Iran?

Depends on your licence· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

It depends on the licence you hold — Iran accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. 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 Iran: the rule explained

Iran is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a compliant national licence plus a 1968 IDP is the legal basis for a foreign visitor to drive. However, the US State Department places Iran at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and notes the local mission does not recommend tourists drive even with an International Driver's Permit. Rental firms will ask for both your home licence and an IDP.

Renting a car in Iran

Rental companies require your national licence together with a valid IDP; obtain the IDP at home before arrival as it cannot be issued in Iran.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle hire is uncommon and the same licence-plus-IDP rule applies; high accident rates make it strongly inadvisable.

What to carry when driving in Iran

  • 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
  • 1968 IDP obtained before travel
  • Carry passport/ID at all times for checkpoints
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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.

Iran: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Iran?
It depends on the licence you hold — Iran accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Iran is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a compliant national licence plus a 1968 IDP is the legal basis for a foreign visitor to drive. However, the US State Department places Iran at Level 4 (Do Not Travel) and notes the local mission does not recommend tourists drive even with an International Driver's Permit. Rental firms will ask for both your home licence and an IDP.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Iran?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Iran read your licence, but where Iran 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 Iran?
Rental companies require your national licence together with a valid IDP; obtain the IDP at home before arrival as it cannot be issued in Iran.
Which IDP convention does Iran use?
Iran 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 Iran?
Because Iran 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 Iran from your country

Requirements for other countries