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World Driving Permit

🇬🇪 Do you need an IDP to drive in Georgia?

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

Short answer

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

Driving in Georgia: the rule explained

Georgia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and lets foreign visitors drive on a valid foreign national licence for up to one year after their last entry. An International Driving Permit is not universally mandatory but is recommended, and is effectively needed where the licence is not in Latin/Georgian script. Latin-alphabet licences (e.g. English, French, German) are commonly accepted on their own.

Exemption: Latin-script licences are generally accepted without an IDP for up to one year; non-Latin-script licences should carry an IDP.

Renting a car in Georgia

Rental agencies frequently require an IDP alongside the national licence for insurance and liability reasons, particularly for non-Latin-script licences.

Motorcycles & scooters: Verify the motorcycle endorsement appears on your licence and IDP before renting a two-wheeler.

What to carry when driving in Georgia

  • 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 recommended if your licence is not in Latin script

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.

Georgia: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Georgia?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended for driving in Georgia, even where it is not always strictly enforced. Carry it alongside your original national licence. Georgia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention and lets foreign visitors drive on a valid foreign national licence for up to one year after their last entry. An International Driving Permit is not universally mandatory but is recommended, and is effectively needed where the licence is not in Latin/Georgian script. Latin-alphabet licences (e.g. English, French, German) are commonly accepted on their own.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Georgia?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Georgia 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 Georgia?
Rental agencies frequently require an IDP alongside the national licence for insurance and liability reasons, particularly for non-Latin-script licences.
Which IDP convention does Georgia use?
Georgia 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

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

Requirements for other countries