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World Driving Permit

🇮🇶 Do you need an IDP to drive in Iraq?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 Jun 2026

Key facts

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

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Iraq you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Iraq recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. 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 Iraq: the rule explained

The UK FCDO states you must carry both the 1968 version of the International Driving Permit and your national driving licence in the car when driving in Iraq. Non-residents may use a foreign licence with an IDP for a limited initial period. The FCDO advises against all travel to most of Iraq, so driving carries serious safety risk.

Renting a car in Iraq

Carry your national licence and a 1968 IDP together; the IDP must be obtained in your home country before arrival.

Motorcycles & scooters: Same documentation applies to motorcycles, but fake checkpoints and carjacking risk make road travel hazardous.

What to carry when driving in Iraq

  • 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
  • Check current FCDO advisory before any road travel
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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.

Iraq: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Iraq?
Yes — to drive in Iraq you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Iraq recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. The UK FCDO states you must carry both the 1968 version of the International Driving Permit and your national driving licence in the car when driving in Iraq. Non-residents may use a foreign licence with an IDP for a limited initial period. The FCDO advises against all travel to most of Iraq, so driving carries serious safety risk.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Iraq?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Iraq read your licence, but where Iraq 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 Iraq?
Carry your national licence and a 1968 IDP together; the IDP must be obtained in your home country before arrival.
Which IDP convention does Iraq use?
Iraq 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 Iraq?
Because Iraq 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 Iraq from your country

Requirements for other countries