🇸🇬 Do you need an IDP to drive in Singapore?

Yes — to drive in Singapore you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Singapore 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. Singapore requires visitors (non-ASEAN licenses) to carry an IDP or an official translation for non-English licenses. ASEAN licenses are accepted directly.

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Singapore read your licence, but where Singapore requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.

Rental agencies check the IDP for non-English licenses at pickup.

Singapore 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.

Because Singapore 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.

Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Singapore; 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.