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International Driving Permit in Iceland

Iceland

Get an easy International Driving Permit for your travel in Iceland

  • Instant approval
  • Fast & Easy Process
  • Valid from 1 to 3 years
  • Drive Legally Overseas
  • Translated in 70 Languages
  • Recognized in over 150 countries
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IDP

Where to get an International Driving Permit in Iceland?

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Iceland is straightforward if you hold a valid Iceland national driver's license. For those planning a visit to Iceland, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority in your home country to secure an IDP before departure. However, if you are already traveling and do not possess the IDP, you may opt to have your national driver's license translated online. This method offers a quicker, more convenient, and efficient way to ensure you can legally drive during your travels.

The International Driving Permit is a translation of the national driving license into many languages. The first ID cards appeared in 1926, after the Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic. The International Driving Permit was also influenced by two other conventions in 1949 and 1968. The International Driving Permit is the same as the International Driving License.

We remind you that the IDP works only with a valid national license.

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How to obtain an International Driving Permit in Iceland online?

Simply and quickly
To get the International Driving Permit (IDP), you should apply and then fill out the form for which you need to give us:
  • 1. A photo of your valid domestic driving license
  • 2. Your personal data
  • 3. A photo of yourself
  • 4. Your signature (scan or photo it)
Our services will not cost you a fortune.
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IDP promoters

How to get an International Driving Permit in Iceland?

According to the Vienna Convention of 1968, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are authorized to be issued by national governments or designated organizations. In most countries, this function is carried out by automobile associations affiliated with the AIT/FIA, the police, or other authorized entities. To obtain an International Driving Permit in Iceland, you must possess a local license and apply to the relevant authorities here (please notify us if the link is not working). The cost and processing time for an IDP vary by country.

If you hold a national license not issued in Iceland, you must verify if your license permits you to drive and if you require an IDP. If an IDP is necessary, the only option is to order a translation of your driver's license, available either via delivery or as an electronic version (confirm with the rental car company if an electronic version is acceptable), for example, through our services.

For U.S. citizens with only a U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP from AAA, but it must be done before traveling to Iceland!

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FAQ

How to get an International Driving Permit in Iceland?

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If you have a local license and want to travel, contact a competent organization. If you are an American and plan to travel in advance, you can get an IDP from AAA. In other cases, you can have your driver's license translated into the required languages so that you can travel with your national license and its translation.

How to apply for International Driving Permit?

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Our application process is fast and simple. Complete the IDP application form, attach a copy of your valid driver's license, your handwritten signature and a color ID photo, and make the payment. You can apply for an IDP online here.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Iceland?

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Iceland has not unified its driving license in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention. Drivers from other countries need an International Driving License, unless Iceland and the country that issued your license have an additional agreement on the recognition of driving licenses.

Can I drive in Iceland with a US license?

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You can only drive in Iceland with your driver's license if you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

Сan an American drive in Iceland?

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To drive an American in Iceland, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

What is the International Driver's Document?

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Our IDD is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. No test is required, and the IDD is valid for up to three years. This document is used in conjunction with, but does not replace, your valid national license; it is a translation of your driver’s license in three formats.

Can I rent a car with this document?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with car rental companies.

Can I purchase car insurance with the IDD?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with local insurances companies.

What do you need to know to drive in Iceland?

The research was last conducted in February 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Iceland is a Contracting Party to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic, having acceded on 22 July 1983. However, Iceland is not a Contracting Party to the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. [1] [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    • Iceland recognizes the International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. However, visitors whose domestic driving licenses are printed in Latin characters and contain a license number, photograph, and validity date are not required to obtain an IDP to drive in Iceland. [3]
    • In practice, the IDP's validity period in Iceland derives from the 1949 Convention, which limits its validity to 1 year. [1]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • For non-residents:
      • Non-residents (e.g., tourists) may drive in Iceland for the duration of their stay using a valid foreign driving license. If the license does not meet the standard format (Latin characters, license number, photo, validity date), an IDP is required. [3]
    • For residents:
      • Residents who establish permanent residence in Iceland may use their foreign driving license for up to 6 months. After this period, they must exchange their foreign license for an Icelandic driving license. Residents from the EEA, the United Kingdom, and Japan can exchange their licenses without additional testing, while those from other countries must pass both theoretical and practical driving tests. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11&clang=_en
  2. https://treaties.un.org/pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11&clang=_en
  3. https://www.government.is/ministries/ministry-for-foreign-affairs/faq/
  4. https://island.is/en/foreign-driving-licences

Car rental in Iceland:

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Driving tips for Iceland:

  • There is a right-hand driving here.
  • The minimum age for obtaining a driving license is 18, for car rental - 21.
  • In the period from November to May, it is necessary to use only winter tires.
  • At crossroads, give way to the right.
  • It is forbidden to turn right at the red light.
  • Iceland has the following speed limits: from 30 to 50 km/h - in built-up areas, 80 km/h - on gravel roads, 90 km/h - on macadamized roads.
  • Don’t forget to wear a seat belt!
  • Children under 6 years of age must be transported in special child seats.
  • Children whose height is less than 150 cm are prohibited from sitting in the front seat equipped with an airbag.
  • You can use your mobile phone only with a wireless headset.
  • While driving on country roads, always keep dimmed beams on, regardless of the time of day and season.
  • You must have a third party liability insurance for driving your own car.
  • It is forbidden to get behind the wheel under alcohol or drugs influence.
  • Always have a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in the trunk of your car.
  • Blind turns are often found on the roads of Iceland. When driving on roads with this feature, slow down and try to stay as close to the right edge as possible.
  • Country roads were built on alluvial dams for the protection against snow, so in case of lost control of the car, it can easily tip over. Keep this in mind!
  • In most cases, bridges are single-laned. Be careful when crossing them. Slow down.
  • It is forbidden to travel alone in winter.
  • Keep in mind that not all routes are open in winter.
  • Many mountain roads are closed for passage until the end of June, because they become impassable due to weather conditions.
  • The passage of private vehicles to the territory with the flora and fauna protected by state or public organizations is prohibited.
  • In addition to numbers, the safest roads have the letter "F" in their name.
  • If you want to rent a car in Iceland, keep in mind that insurance is always included in the rental price.
  • Country roads in Iceland are mostly covered with gravel, so it won’t be possible to drive fast on them.
  • The weather in the country is very changeable. Bear this in mind!
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