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World Driving Permit

🇳🇱 Do you need an IDP to drive in Netherlands?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Netherlands, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Netherlands 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 Netherlands: the rule explained

EU/EEA licences are fully valid in the Netherlands. Tourists from other countries may drive on their foreign licence during a short visit, but the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) advises obtaining an International Driving Permit if the licence categories or text do not follow the standard (Vienna Convention) format. A non-Latin-script licence should be carried together with an IDP or an official translation.

Exemption: EU/EEA-issued licences are fully recognised and need no IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Netherlands

Dutch rental companies ask for the home licence and passport; for non-EU or non-Latin-script licences they commonly require an IDP at the counter.

Motorcycles & scooters: An IDP covers the same motorcycle categories listed on your national licence.

What to carry when driving in Netherlands

  • 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 if your licence uses non-standard category codes
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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.

Netherlands: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Netherlands?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Netherlands, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Netherlands 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. EU/EEA licences are fully valid in the Netherlands. Tourists from other countries may drive on their foreign licence during a short visit, but the Dutch vehicle authority (RDW) advises obtaining an International Driving Permit if the licence categories or text do not follow the standard (Vienna Convention) format. A non-Latin-script licence should be carried together with an IDP or an official translation.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Netherlands?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Netherlands read your licence, but where Netherlands 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 Netherlands?
Dutch rental companies ask for the home licence and passport; for non-EU or non-Latin-script licences they commonly require an IDP at the counter.
Which IDP convention does Netherlands use?
Netherlands 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 Netherlands?
Because Netherlands 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.
What is the minimum age to drive in Netherlands?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Netherlands; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

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

Driving to Netherlands from your country

Requirements for other countries