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World Driving Permit

🇲🇳 Do you need an IDP to drive in Mongolia?

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

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Mongolia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself.

Driving in Mongolia: the rule explained

Mongolia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states foreigners are required to hold an IDP (carried with the home licence) to drive legally. A home licence alone is accepted only informally for very short stays; beyond 30 days a Mongolian licence is needed. A 1968-format IDP is the correct one; US/Canada (1949-only issuers) face validity gaps.

Renting a car in Mongolia

Rental companies expect a national licence, an IDP and a passport; self-drive in remote areas is challenging and many tourists hire a car with driver.

Motorcycles & scooters: A motorcycle-category IDP/licence and helmet are required for two-wheelers.

What to carry when driving in Mongolia

  • 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 mandatory
  • Mongolian licence required beyond 30 days

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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.

Mongolia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Mongolia?
Yes — to drive in Mongolia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. The IDP is a recognised translation of your licence; it never replaces the licence itself. Mongolia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states foreigners are required to hold an IDP (carried with the home licence) to drive legally. A home licence alone is accepted only informally for very short stays; beyond 30 days a Mongolian licence is needed. A 1968-format IDP is the correct one; US/Canada (1949-only issuers) face validity gaps.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Mongolia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Mongolia read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Mongolia?
Rental companies expect a national licence, an IDP and a passport; self-drive in remote areas is challenging and many tourists hire a car with driver.
Which IDP convention does Mongolia use?
Mongolia 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.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? See how to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Requirements for other countries