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World Driving Permit

🇸🇰 Do you need an IDP to drive in Slovakia?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 17 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Slovakia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Slovakia 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 Slovakia: the rule explained

Slovakia is an EU member and a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (it also recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention), so it accepts foreign licences from convention countries for short tourist visits. Non-EU visitors can drive on a valid home licence, but an IDP is strongly recommended and is effectively required if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.

Exemption: Licences issued by any EU or EEA member state are fully valid in Slovakia and need no IDP or translation.

Renting a car in Slovakia

Rental companies in Slovakia commonly ask non-EU drivers to present both the home licence and an IDP, plus a passport and a credit card in the main driver's name.

Motorcycles & scooters: The same licence and IDP rules apply to renting and riding a motorcycle.

What to carry when driving in Slovakia

  • 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
  • IDP must be carried together with your original home licence — it is not valid on its own
  • Daytime running headlights required year-round; high-visibility vest accessible in the cabin
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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.

Slovakia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Slovakia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Slovakia, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Slovakia 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. Slovakia is an EU member and a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention (it also recognises the 1949 Geneva Convention), so it accepts foreign licences from convention countries for short tourist visits. Non-EU visitors can drive on a valid home licence, but an IDP is strongly recommended and is effectively required if your licence is not in the Latin alphabet.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Slovakia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Slovakia read your licence, but where Slovakia 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 Slovakia?
Rental companies in Slovakia commonly ask non-EU drivers to present both the home licence and an IDP, plus a passport and a credit card in the main driver's name.
Which IDP convention does Slovakia use?
Slovakia 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 Slovakia?
Because Slovakia 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.

Official sources

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

Driving to Slovakia from your country

Requirements for other countries