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World Driving Permit

🇵🇦 Do you need an IDP to drive in Panama?

IDP usually not required· no specific convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Short answer

Usually not — most visitors can drive in Panama on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences.

Driving in Panama: the rule explained

Panama is not a party to either convention; the US State Dept confirms foreigners may drive on a valid foreign driver's licence for up to 90 days only. The 90-day driving window is tied to the entry stamp and starts on the date of entry, so police check the passport's last entry stamp to confirm legal driving. An IDP is not required but a Spanish translation can help at checkpoints.

Renting a car in Panama

Rental requires the home licence plus passport showing the entry stamp and a credit card; carry the rental agreement. Police may impound the vehicle if the 90-day limit has been exceeded.

Motorcycles & scooters: Riders must hold the corresponding motorcycle category on their foreign licence to ride or rent legally.

What to carry when driving in Panama

  • 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
  • 90-day driving allowance is tied to the passport entry stamp and resets on re-entry
  • Carry the passport with the entry stamp and the rental agreement while driving

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.

Panama: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Panama?
Usually not — most visitors can drive in Panama on a valid national driving licence during a short tourist stay. A certified translation can still make police and rental checks smoother, especially for non-Latin-script licences. Panama is not a party to either convention; the US State Dept confirms foreigners may drive on a valid foreign driver's licence for up to 90 days only. The 90-day driving window is tied to the entry stamp and starts on the date of entry, so police check the passport's last entry stamp to confirm legal driving. An IDP is not required but a Spanish translation can help at checkpoints.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Panama?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Panama 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 Panama?
Rental requires the home licence plus passport showing the entry stamp and a credit card; carry the rental agreement. Police may impound the vehicle if the 90-day limit has been exceeded.

Official sources

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

Requirements for other countries