International Driving Permit (IDP) for Georgia

Most travelers can legally drive in Georgia for a limited time using their valid home country driver’s license. However, if your license is not written in the Latin alphabet or does not include a photo, local authorities may request an International Driving Permit (IDP) to verify your credentials. An IDP serves as a translation of your license and can help prevent confusion at police checkpoints or car rental counters. While not always strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended for tourists from the U.S., Canada, Australia, the UK, and many Asian or non-EU countries. Georgia has frequent roadside checks, especially in border and mountainous regions, where an IDP can speed up verification. You can apply directly through our website for a digital version delivered to your inbox.

Yes, tourists can rent a car in Georgia with a valid foreign driver’s license. Most rental agencies require the license to be written in the Latin alphabet and clearly display your photo and driving categories. If your license is issued in a non-Latin script (such as Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, or Georgian), most rental companies will also request an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a supporting document. Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old, although some providers have a higher minimum age of 23 or 25 depending on the vehicle class. You should also have a valid passport and a credit or debit card in your name. To avoid delays at pickup, it’s recommended to have both your original license and an IDP.

Driver’s licenses from the U.S., UK, and EU countries are generally valid for short-term driving in Georgia, especially for tourists staying less than six months. However, local authorities may ask for an accompanying International Driving Permit (IDP), particularly if the license is not easily readable or doesn’t include a photograph. While EU and UK licenses are commonly accepted without issue, U.S. and other non-European licenses may benefit from an IDP to help reduce misunderstandings at police stops. It’s especially useful in rural areas or mountain regions, where communication barriers can make document checks more complicated. An IDP is not a substitute for your national license—you’ll need to carry both when driving. You can apply for a digital IDP directly through internationaltravelpermits.com.

Yes, many travelers use Georgia as a starting point for cross-border road trips into nearby countries. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can be especially useful when crossing borders, as it serves as a widely accepted translation of your home country’s license. While border authorities may not always require an IDP, having one helps reduce delays and ensures smoother processing with both customs officials and foreign police.

Before starting your journey, make sure your rental car is permitted for international travel—some agencies require additional paperwork or cross-border insurance. Road conditions, driving laws, and enforcement standards vary by country, so it’s important to research each destination’s requirements. Carrying an IDP makes it easier to communicate with traffic authorities if you’re stopped abroad.