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World Driving Permit

🇲🇩 Do you need an IDP to drive in Moldova?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 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 Moldova, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Moldova 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 Moldova: the rule explained

Moldova is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a 1968-format IDP is the correct document for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences. The UK FCDO confirms a UK photocard licence can be used; paper-licence holders may need an IDP. A certified translation/IDP helps because Cyrillic-language checks are common and driving standards are poor.

Exemption: EU/Latin-script photocard licences accepted for short tourist stays.

Renting a car in Moldova

Rental firms generally accept a home licence plus passport, but may ask for an IDP for non-EU/non-Latin licences.

Motorcycles & scooters: A category-A licence and helmet are required for motorcycles.

What to carry when driving in Moldova

  • 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 if licence not Latin-script
  • Declare vehicle to customs if driving in
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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.

Moldova: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Moldova?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Moldova, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Moldova 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. Moldova is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention, so a 1968-format IDP is the correct document for non-Latin-script or non-EU licences. The UK FCDO confirms a UK photocard licence can be used; paper-licence holders may need an IDP. A certified translation/IDP helps because Cyrillic-language checks are common and driving standards are poor.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Moldova?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Moldova read your licence, but where Moldova 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 Moldova?
Rental firms generally accept a home licence plus passport, but may ask for an IDP for non-EU/non-Latin licences.
Which IDP convention does Moldova use?
Moldova 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 Moldova?
Because Moldova 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 Moldova from your country

Requirements for other countries