Destinations / Bahamas
Driving in Bahamas as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Bahamas accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Bahamas expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 911 or 919 |
| Top speed limit | 45 mph highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in BSD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Right of way | Many imported left-hand-drive cars — take care overtaking. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
On the road in Bahamas
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold by the imperial gallon at attendant-served stations; prices are high (commonly around US$5-6 per gallon) and most stations accept major credit and debit cards.
After a crash
Call police immediately on 919 or 911, photograph the scene, exchange insurance details and report it; a police report is expected for any rental-car damage claim and vehicles should be left in place until officers attend.
Sources: bahamashighwaycode.org · royalbahamaspolice.org · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bahamas?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Bahamas accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Bahamas accept?
Bahamas recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bahamas ask for one?
Nassau and Freeport desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.