🇱🇺 Do you need an IDP to drive in Luxembourg?

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

Short answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Luxembourg, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence.

Driving in Luxembourg: the rule explained

EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Luxembourg. Non-EU/EEA visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence for short tourist stays, especially if the licence is not in a Latin-script EU language. Luxembourg recognises both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna conventions, and an IDP functions as the official translation of the home licence.

Exemption: EU/EEA-issued licences are fully recognised in Luxembourg and need no IDP.

Renting a car in Luxembourg

Rental firms and traffic police in Luxembourg usually expect non-EU drivers to present an IDP together with the original licence and passport.

Motorcycles & scooters: The IDP covers whichever motorcycle categories appear on the underlying national licence.

What to carry when driving in Luxembourg

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 if you hold a non-EU/EEA or non-Latin-script licence

Check your exact trip

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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.

Luxembourg: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Luxembourg?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Luxembourg, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence. EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Luxembourg. Non-EU/EEA visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence for short tourist stays, especially if the licence is not in a Latin-script EU language. Luxembourg recognises both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna conventions, and an IDP functions as the official translation of the home licence.

Is a translated driving licence accepted in Luxembourg?

A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Luxembourg read your licence, but it does not replace an IDP where one is legally required. Always carry your original national licence with it.

What do I need to rent a car in Luxembourg?

Rental firms and traffic police in Luxembourg usually expect non-EU drivers to present an IDP together with the original licence and passport.

Which IDP convention does Luxembourg use?

Luxembourg 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.

Official sources

Guichet.lu (Luxembourg government portal) — international driving licence

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

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.