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World Driving Permit

🇹🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Türkiye?

IDP recommended· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 1 May 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

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

Türkiye accepts foreign licenses for up to 6 months; licenses not in the Latin alphabet should be accompanied by an IDP or notarized Turkish translation.

Renting a car in Türkiye

Rental desks in tourist areas accept EU/US licenses directly; an IDP helps with police checks outside major cities.

What to carry when driving in Türkiye

  • 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
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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.

Türkiye: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Türkiye?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Türkiye, even where it is not always strictly enforced; where one is used, Türkiye 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. Türkiye accepts foreign licenses for up to 6 months; licenses not in the Latin alphabet should be accompanied by an IDP or notarized Turkish translation.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Türkiye?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Türkiye read your licence, but where Türkiye 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 Türkiye?
Rental desks in tourist areas accept EU/US licenses directly; an IDP helps with police checks outside major cities.
Which IDP convention does Türkiye use?
Türkiye 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 Türkiye?
Because Türkiye 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 Türkiye?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Türkiye; 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 Türkiye from your country

In-depth driving guides

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Requirements for other countries