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World Driving Permit

🇳🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Nigeria?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 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 Nigeria, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Nigeria 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 Nigeria: the rule explained

Nigeria is a 1968 Vienna Convention country. UK FCDO advises that a visitor can drive on a foreign (English-language) licence for up to 3 months and should carry a 1968 IDP. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operates a foreign-licence reciprocity process, and stays beyond a year require a Nigerian licence.

Renting a car in Nigeria

Short-term visitors usually rely on a chauffeured hire or drive on a foreign licence plus 1968 IDP; self-drive rental firms expect the IDP to accompany the home licence.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same foreign-licence-plus-IDP rule applies to motorcycles for the relevant category.

What to carry when driving in Nigeria

  • 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
  • Carry a 1968 IDP with your home licence
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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.

Nigeria: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Nigeria?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Nigeria, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Nigeria 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. Nigeria is a 1968 Vienna Convention country. UK FCDO advises that a visitor can drive on a foreign (English-language) licence for up to 3 months and should carry a 1968 IDP. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operates a foreign-licence reciprocity process, and stays beyond a year require a Nigerian licence.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Nigeria?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Nigeria read your licence, but where Nigeria 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 Nigeria?
Short-term visitors usually rely on a chauffeured hire or drive on a foreign licence plus 1968 IDP; self-drive rental firms expect the IDP to accompany the home licence.
Which IDP convention does Nigeria use?
Nigeria 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 Nigeria?
Because Nigeria 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 Nigeria from your country

Requirements for other countries