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International Driving Permit  Guatemala

International Driving Permit Guatemala Original: 2560×1707px
International Driving Permit
  • 6 hours delivery
  • Free Shipping
  • Drives to Lake Atitlán
  • Usage Period: 1, 2 or 3 year
  • The cheapest
  • Secure payment
  • Usable in 180+ countries
  • Translated into 12 languages
International Driving Permit

Accepted in 180+ countries
Asia, Europe, Africa & more.

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secure payment

Trusted by thousands of customers since 2015

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Why travel with an International Driving Permit in Guatemala?

Exploring Guatemala by car offers the freedom to reach stunning, off-the-beaten-path destinations—especially where public transportation is limited. With an International Driving Permit (IDP), travelers often enjoy smoother experiences when renting vehicles or passing through police and military checkpoints, which are common on highways and rural routes.

While many rental agencies in Guatemala accept foreign licenses, having an IDP can ease communication, especially in regions where English isn’t widely spoken. It provides a multilingual translation of your license that helps avoid misunderstandings during roadside stops or document inspections. For travelers planning longer drives to places like Tikal or Lake Atitlán, this added clarity can make a big difference.

Whether you’re navigating city streets in Guatemala City or driving through the winding roads of the Western Highlands, having an IDP adds a level of travel confidence and convenience that many international drivers find useful on the road.

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What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated version of your national driver’s license, designed to help you drive more easily in foreign countries. Our document is a non-governmental translation of your license, available in 12 major world languages and accepted in over 180 countries. It includes your name, photo, and driving details, making it easier for local authorities to understand your credentials.

While it does not replace a government-issued IDP, it can help reduce language barriers and simplify interactions with rental agencies or traffic officials during your travels. Travel with confidence, knowing your driver information is clearly presented, without the hassle of local bureaucracy.

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In 3 Steps Your International Driving Permit

How do you obtain an International Driving Permit?

1

1. Sign up online

Begin your application for a translation of your driver’s license.

2

2. Upload a photo

Make sure to upload a recent photo and follow the guidelines.

3

3. Done!

Wait for your confirmation, and you’re ready to travel!

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What to see & do with your IDP in Guatemala?

With an International Driving Permit, you can fully embrace the flexibility of road travel across Guatemala’s vibrant and varied landscapes. The country is rich with scenic routes, cultural hubs, and natural beauty—making it a rewarding destination for travelers with a car.

1. Antigua Guatemala
A must-visit colonial city, Antigua is just a short drive from Guatemala City. Its cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and views of surrounding volcanoes make it ideal for a day trip or overnight stay. With your own vehicle, you can also explore nearby coffee plantations or drive up to Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views.

2. Lake Atitlán
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán is surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and stunning volcanoes. Driving from Guatemala City to Panajachel (the lake’s main access point) offers a scenic mountain journey. An IDP can be especially helpful when renting a vehicle for this multi-day adventure.

3. Quetzaltenango (Xela)
This highland city is a cultural hub in the western part of the country. Road-tripping to Xela opens up access to hot springs, volcanic hikes, and small indigenous towns. The journey itself includes breathtaking mountain passes and valley views.

4. Rio Dulce and Livingston
Located in the eastern region, Rio Dulce offers river boating and jungle exploration. While Livingston is only accessible by water, having your own car gets you to key river ports and lets you explore national parks and forts along the way.

5. Petén & Tikal National Park
The northern region of Petén is home to the legendary Mayan ruins of Tikal. Reaching this remote area by car gives you complete control over your schedule—ideal for catching a sunrise tour or visiting multiple sites like Yaxhá and Uaxactún.

By driving with an IDP, travelers gain more freedom to shape their routes, discover lesser-known attractions, and enjoy Guatemala’s rich blend of history, nature, and culture at their own pace.

Time to travel around Guatemala

Guatemala is well-positioned for travelers looking to extend their road trip across Central America. With an International Driving Permit, crossing borders by car becomes more manageable, especially when dealing with multilingual checkpoints or foreign rental requirements.

Regional driving lets you experience the unique cultures, landscapes, and historical sites of neighboring countries—all within a few hours’ drive. From coastal getaways to mountainous adventures, there’s plenty to explore just beyond Guatemala’s borders.

Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Guatemala

Driving in Guatemala as a visitor depends on your country of origin. Tourists from the U.S., Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, and many other countries can typically drive with their native license for up to 30 to 90 days. However, many travelers choose to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) for added peace of mind, especially when renting a vehicle or passing through routine police and military checkpoints.

Car rental companies in Guatemala often request a passport and a valid foreign license. While some accept licenses in English, others prefer or require an IDP as a supplement—especially if the license is not in Roman script. An IDP can also help in case of an accident or traffic stop, as it clearly translates your driving credentials into Spanish and other languages.

Police and military checkpoints are common on highways and at regional borders. Officers may ask for license documentation, passport ID, and vehicle papers. While these stops are usually routine, having an IDP can speed up the process and reduce the chance of miscommunication.

Local driving customs can be unpredictable. Many drivers ignore speed limits, lane markings, or traffic lights—especially outside major cities. It’s essential to stay alert and drive defensively.

Important rules and fines in Guatemala:

  • Seat belts are mandatory for front-seat passengers

  • Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in cities, 80-100 km/h on highways

  • Drunk driving is strictly prohibited and heavily fined

  • Mobile phone use while driving is not allowed unless hands-free

  • Road tolls apply on some national highways

  • Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle drivers and passengers

  • Driving without documentation can result in fines or vehicle impoundment

For official information on national driving regulations, visit the Dirección General de Transportes or the Gobierno de Guatemala portal.

Want more detailed information before your trip? Be sure to check out our complete Guatemala Driving Guide here

Frequently Asked Questions

Driving in Guatemala can be safe with the right precautions. Most major routes between cities and tourist destinations are well-traveled during daylight hours. However, avoid driving at night due to limited lighting, unexpected road hazards, and occasional security risks in rural or isolated areas. Stick to highways like CA-1 (Pan-American Highway) and travel in daylight whenever possible.

For most urban and intercity travel, a compact or mid-size sedan is sufficient. However, if you plan to visit mountainous areas like Huehuetenango, or explore regions near Semuc Champey or the Petén jungle, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended due to unpaved roads, steep inclines, and variable weather conditions.

Fuel stations are common in cities and along major highways but can be sparse in remote areas. It’s wise to fill your tank before heading into rural or mountainous regions. Most stations accept credit cards, but carrying local currency (quetzales) is a good backup, especially in smaller towns.

Yes, Google Maps and other GPS apps work well in most of Guatemala, including directions to popular attractions. However, signal loss can occur in remote or mountainous areas. Download offline maps before your trip, and consider using Waze, which is widely used by locals and includes real-time traffic and checkpoint alerts.