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World Driving Permit

🇱🇮 Do you need an IDP to drive in Liechtenstein?

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 — Liechtenstein 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 translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry.

Driving in Liechtenstein: the rule explained

Liechtenstein mirrors EU/EEA and Swiss rules: holders of an EU/EEA or Swiss national licence may drive on it alone without any extra document. Visitors from other countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, particularly if the licence is not in German or lacks a photo. An IDP is only valid together with a valid national licence.

Exemption: EU/EEA and Swiss national licences are recognised on their own; no IDP needed.

Renting a car in Liechtenstein

EU/EEA/Swiss licences are accepted as-is; other nationalities are advised to present a national licence plus an IDP at pickup.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same EU/EEA-versus-other-country rule applies to motorcycle hire.

What to carry when driving in Liechtenstein

  • 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 for non-EU/EEA/Swiss licences
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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.

Liechtenstein: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Liechtenstein?
It depends on the licence you hold — Liechtenstein 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 translation on its own is not accepted in place of the IDP, so the permit itself is what you must carry. Liechtenstein mirrors EU/EEA and Swiss rules: holders of an EU/EEA or Swiss national licence may drive on it alone without any extra document. Visitors from other countries (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, particularly if the licence is not in German or lacks a photo. An IDP is only valid together with a valid national licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Liechtenstein?
In Liechtenstein a translation alone offers limited help — Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein?
EU/EEA/Swiss licences are accepted as-is; other nationalities are advised to present a national licence plus an IDP at pickup.
Which IDP convention does Liechtenstein use?
Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein?
Because Liechtenstein 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 Liechtenstein from your country

Requirements for other countries