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World Driving Permit

🇷🇺 Do you need an IDP to drive in Russia?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 18 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

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

Russia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states drivers need both the 1968-model IDP and their national licence in the vehicle. Critically, the FCDO 'advises against all travel to Russia' due to the continuing invasion of Ukraine, security incidents and air-defence activity, so tourist driving is not advisable in current conditions. Traffic police conduct frequent spot checks.

Renting a car in Russia

Beyond the advisory, foreign payment cards generally do not work in Russia, which severely limits rental and fuel payment.

Motorcycles & scooters: Motorcycle category must be endorsed on the licence and 1968 IDP.

What to carry when driving in Russia

  • 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
  • FCDO advises against all travel
  • Foreign cards may not work
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Check your exact trip

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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.

Russia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Russia?
Yes — to drive in Russia you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Russia 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. Russia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and the UK FCDO states drivers need both the 1968-model IDP and their national licence in the vehicle. Critically, the FCDO 'advises against all travel to Russia' due to the continuing invasion of Ukraine, security incidents and air-defence activity, so tourist driving is not advisable in current conditions. Traffic police conduct frequent spot checks.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Russia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Russia read your licence, but where Russia 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 Russia?
Beyond the advisory, foreign payment cards generally do not work in Russia, which severely limits rental and fuel payment.
Which IDP convention does Russia use?
Russia 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 Russia?
Because Russia 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 Russia?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Russia; 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 Russia from your country

Requirements for other countries