International Driving Permit  Lebanon

Yes, many car rental agencies in Lebanon will allow you to rent a vehicle using a valid foreign driver’s license. However, if your license is not in Arabic, French, or English, you may also be asked to present an International Driving Permit (IDP). Rental companies often prefer or require an IDP to help verify the validity and classification of your home license, especially if it uses non-Latin characters.

Having an IDP can also streamline the pickup process and avoid misunderstandings at the counter. Some rental providers might have stricter policies for non-EU or non-GCC licenses, so it’s a good idea to check in advance. To ensure compliance and smooth communication during your rental experience, carrying both your original license and an IDP is recommended.

You can apply directly through our website for a fast, secure, and travel-friendly IDP solution.

When driving in Lebanon, travelers must carry several key documents at all times to comply with traffic enforcement and local regulations. These include your original driver’s license from your home country, a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), your passport or national ID, and your car rental agreement (if applicable).

Checkpoints are common in Lebanon — both for traffic monitoring and general security. Police or military officers may request to see your documents, especially in rural areas or near border zones. An IDP helps by providing a multilingual format that officers can understand quickly, especially if your license is not in Arabic or French.

Failure to present the correct documents can lead to fines, delays, or being denied further travel. Keeping both digital and physical copies of your documents is also advisable in case of emergency.

Checkpoints in Lebanon are common and may appear on both major roads and smaller regional routes. They are typically operated by the Internal Security Forces or the Lebanese Army and serve both security and traffic control purposes.

Travelers can expect checkpoints when entering or exiting cities like Beirut, Tripoli, or Tyre, as well as in areas near the Syrian border, the Bekaa Valley, and mountain passes such as those in the Chouf or Mount Lebanon regions. Coastal roads may also have checkpoints, especially during periods of heightened security or local events.

At these stops, you may be asked to show your driver’s license, passport, and rental documents. An International Driving Permit can be helpful in speeding up the interaction, especially if your home license is not in Arabic or French.

Being cooperative and keeping your documents easily accessible can ensure smoother passage through checkpoints.

Driving in Lebanon without an International Driving Permit (IDP) may create complications, especially if your home license is not easily understood by local authorities or rental providers. While some travelers can legally drive using only their native license, this depends on the country of origin and whether the license is in a widely used language such as Arabic, French, or English.

Without an IDP, you may be denied car rental service, particularly if your license is issued in a non-Latin script or lacks key information like categories or expiry dates. At checkpoints or in the event of a traffic stop, having only your home license could result in delays, fines, or difficulty verifying your eligibility to drive.

An IDP reduces these risks by providing a standardized translation of your license that’s easier for authorities to interpret. It’s especially useful in regions with inconsistent enforcement or where English is not commonly spoken.

For peace of mind during your road trip, our platform offers a digital IDP delivered via email that complements your existing license.