Destinations / Bolivia
Driving in Bolivia as a visitor
Usually yes. Bolivia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
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 Bolivia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 80–100 km/h 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| 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 BOB. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | High altitude affects engine and driver performance. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.07% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Bolivia
At the pump
State firm YPFB sells Gasolina Especial (~6.96 Bs/L), Gasolina Premium (~11 Bs/L) and Diesel Oil (~9.80 Bs/L); subsidised local prices are low but foreigners are sometimes charged a higher non-subsidised rate, and many rural stations take cash only.
After a crash
Call the Policia Nacional on 110 (or 911 in some cities) and the ambulance on 118; do not move vehicles until the transit police arrive and a report is filed, as the official accident report is required for any insurance or rental claim.
Sources: ypfb.gob.bo · internationaldriversassociation.com · tyremap.com · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Bolivia?
Usually yes. Bolivia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Bolivia accept?
Bolivia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Bolivia ask for one?
La Paz desks request an IDP; 4x4 advised for altiplano and mountain routes.
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.