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World Driving Permit

🇵🇹 Do you need an IDP to drive in Portugal?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 13 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 Portugal, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Portugal 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 Portugal: the rule explained

EU/EEA licenses are fully valid. Non-EU visitors can drive for up to 185 days on a valid national license; an IDP or certified Portuguese translation is recommended, and effectively required for licenses not in the Latin alphabet.

Exemption: EU/EEA licenses are valid in Portugal without an IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Portugal

Rental desks in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve accept EU/US/UK licenses directly; non-Latin-script licenses are asked for an IDP or translation.

What to carry when driving in Portugal

  • 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
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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.

Portugal: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Portugal?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Portugal, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Portugal 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 licenses are fully valid. Non-EU visitors can drive for up to 185 days on a valid national license; an IDP or certified Portuguese translation is recommended, and effectively required for licenses not in the Latin alphabet.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Portugal?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Portugal read your licence, but where Portugal 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 Portugal?
Rental desks in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve accept EU/US/UK licenses directly; non-Latin-script licenses are asked for an IDP or translation.
Which IDP convention does Portugal use?
Portugal 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 Portugal?
Because Portugal 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 Portugal?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Portugal; 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 Portugal from your country

In-depth driving guides

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Requirements for other countries