Destinations / Dominica
Driving in Dominica as a visitor
Usually yes. Dominica 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 Dominica expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 50 mph open roads |
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 | Local rules |
| 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 XCD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | Buy a local driving permit. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Steep, winding mountain roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
On the road in Dominica
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold by attendants at stations concentrated in Roseau, Portsmouth and main towns (sparse elsewhere, so refuel before remote drives); mid-2026 prices are roughly EC$4.19/litre for 95-octane petrol and EC$4.23/litre for diesel.
After a crash
Driving is on the LEFT; after a crash call the 911 emergency centre (the old 999 may still connect during transition), notify the rental company, and do not move the vehicles until police attend and record the scene.
Sources: rhinocarhire.com · avirtualdominica.com · dominicavibes.dm · globalpetrolprices.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Dominica?
Usually yes. Dominica 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 Dominica accept?
Dominica recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Dominica ask for one?
A local visitor's permit is issued at the desk; 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.