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World Driving Permit

🇱🇰 Do you need an IDP to drive in Sri Lanka?

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

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Left-hand

Short answer

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

Sri Lanka does not let tourists drive on a foreign licence or IDP alone; the licence/IDP must be validated into a local Recognition Permit. The Motor Traffic Act formally recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention; a 1949 Geneva IDP (or a non-English licence) must be endorsed first. The Recognition Permit is issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC).

Renting a car in Sri Lanka

Only full (not provisional/learner) foreign licences qualify; you obtain a same-day DMT/AAC Recognition Permit before renting, bringing passport, original licence, IDP and a photo.

Motorcycles & scooters: To ride a scooter or motorbike over 50cc you must already hold the motorcycle category on your home licence/IDP — you cannot add the class as a tourist.

What to carry when driving in Sri Lanka

  • 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
  • Obtain a DMT/AAC Recognition Permit before driving
  • Home licence must stay valid at least 1 year from application
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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.

Sri Lanka: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Sri Lanka?
Yes — to drive in Sri Lanka you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Sri Lanka 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. Sri Lanka does not let tourists drive on a foreign licence or IDP alone; the licence/IDP must be validated into a local Recognition Permit. The Motor Traffic Act formally recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention; a 1949 Geneva IDP (or a non-English licence) must be endorsed first. The Recognition Permit is issued by the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC).
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Sri Lanka?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Sri Lanka read your licence, but where Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka?
Only full (not provisional/learner) foreign licences qualify; you obtain a same-day DMT/AAC Recognition Permit before renting, bringing passport, original licence, IDP and a photo.
Which IDP convention does Sri Lanka use?
Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka?
Because Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka from your country

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Requirements for other countries