Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇳🇵 Do you need an IDP to drive in Nepal?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Nepal you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Nepal 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 Nepal: the rule explained

Nepal is a 1968 Vienna Convention signatory and legally requires foreign drivers to carry a valid home licence together with an International Driving Permit; the foreign licence alone is not valid. The IDP is recognised for short stays only (commonly cited as around 15 days), after which a Nepali licence is needed. Enforcement at tourist rental shops is lax, but police checks and insurance validity make the IDP important.

Renting a car in Nepal

Carry both your original licence and IDP; some agencies arrange local endorsements, but many hand over keys on payment alone — driving without the IDP can void travel insurance after an accident.

Motorcycles & scooters: For rental motorbikes (typically 150-411cc) your home licence must carry the motorcycle category (IDP Category A) — the IDP cannot grant a class your licence lacks.

What to carry when driving in Nepal

  • 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
  • Confirm your home licence has the motorcycle endorsement before renting a bike
  • Keep both documents on you for highway police checkpoints
Print / save this checklist (PDF)

Check your exact trip

Get a tailored answer for your licence country, dates and vehicle.

Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Nepal: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Nepal?
Yes — to drive in Nepal you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Nepal 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. Nepal is a 1968 Vienna Convention signatory and legally requires foreign drivers to carry a valid home licence together with an International Driving Permit; the foreign licence alone is not valid. The IDP is recognised for short stays only (commonly cited as around 15 days), after which a Nepali licence is needed. Enforcement at tourist rental shops is lax, but police checks and insurance validity make the IDP important.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Nepal?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Nepal read your licence, but where Nepal 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 Nepal?
Carry both your original licence and IDP; some agencies arrange local endorsements, but many hand over keys on payment alone — driving without the IDP can void travel insurance after an accident.
Which IDP convention does Nepal use?
Nepal 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 Nepal?
Because Nepal 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 Nepal from your country

Requirements for other countries