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World Driving Permit

🇰🇼 Do you need an IDP to drive in Kuwait?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

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

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Kuwait you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Kuwait recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry.

Driving in Kuwait: the rule explained

A foreign tourist driving in Kuwait on a visit/business visa must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home-country licence, which on its own is not valid for rental driving. Kuwait is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and is not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1968-model IDP is the correct document. The driver must be at least 18.

Exemption: GCC nationals/residents may drive on their home GCC licence during a short visit; for the general foreign tourist an IDP is required.

Renting a car in Kuwait

Rental car companies in Kuwait routinely require visitors to present both the original national licence and an IDP, and will refuse the rental if either is missing.

Motorcycles & scooters: To ride a motorcycle the IDP and home licence must carry the corresponding motorcycle (category A) entitlement.

What to carry when driving in Kuwait

  • 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
  • Carry the physical IDP plus your original home-country licence together
  • Confirm the IDP covers the vehicle category you intend to drive
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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.

Kuwait: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Kuwait?
Yes — to drive in Kuwait you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Kuwait recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry. A foreign tourist driving in Kuwait on a visit/business visa must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home-country licence, which on its own is not valid for rental driving. Kuwait is a contracting party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and is not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention, so a 1968-model IDP is the correct document. The driver must be at least 18.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Kuwait?
In Kuwait a translation alone offers limited help — Kuwait looks for an IDP issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and you should always carry your original national licence.
What do I need to rent a car in Kuwait?
Rental car companies in Kuwait routinely require visitors to present both the original national licence and an IDP, and will refuse the rental if either is missing.
Which IDP convention does Kuwait use?
Kuwait 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 Kuwait?
Because Kuwait 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 Kuwait from your country

Requirements for other countries