Skip to content
World Driving Permit

🇸🇦 Do you need an IDP to drive in Saudi Arabia?

Depends on your licence· 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

It depends on the licence you hold — Saudi Arabia accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. 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 Saudi Arabia: the rule explained

Visitors may legally drive in Saudi Arabia on a valid foreign or international licence for up to one year from arrival (Traffic Law Article 42). An IDP is recognised but is not a standalone document — it must be carried together with the original home-country licence. If the home licence is not in Arabic or English, an IDP or certified Arabic translation is effectively required so traffic officers can verify the details.

Exemption: GCC nationals and residents drive on their valid GCC-issued licence and do not need an IDP; holders of Arabic-language licences do not need a translation.

Renting a car in Saudi Arabia

Rental companies routinely require a foreign driver to present an IDP (or Arabic translation) alongside the original licence, plus passport and visit-visa copy; minimum rental age is typically 21.

Motorcycles & scooters: To ride a motorcycle the IDP/foreign licence must specifically cover the motorcycle category.

What to carry when driving in Saudi Arabia

  • 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 the original physical home-country licence together with the IDP/Arabic translation — the IDP alone is not valid
  • GCC nationals/residents use their valid GCC licence directly
Print / save this checklist (PDF)

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.

Saudi Arabia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Saudi Arabia?
It depends on the licence you hold — Saudi Arabia accepts some foreign licences directly while others require an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Confirm the rule for your specific licence country before you travel. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Visitors may legally drive in Saudi Arabia on a valid foreign or international licence for up to one year from arrival (Traffic Law Article 42). An IDP is recognised but is not a standalone document — it must be carried together with the original home-country licence. If the home licence is not in Arabic or English, an IDP or certified Arabic translation is effectively required so traffic officers can verify the details.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Saudi Arabia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Saudi Arabia read your licence, but where Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
Rental companies routinely require a foreign driver to present an IDP (or Arabic translation) alongside the original licence, plus passport and visit-visa copy; minimum rental age is typically 21.
Which IDP convention does Saudi Arabia use?
Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
Because Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Saudi Arabia; 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 Saudi Arabia from your country

Requirements for other countries