Destinations / Dominican Republic
Driving in Dominican Republic as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Dominican Republic 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 Dominican Republic expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h autopistas |
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 DOP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Aggressive urban traffic and motoconchos. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| After dark | Avoid night driving on rural roads. |
On the road in Dominican Republic
At the pump
Stations are attendant-served and sell gasolina premium and regular plus gasoil (diesel); mid-2026 prices are about RD$341/gallon premium, RD$314/gallon regular and RD$263/gallon regular diesel, with cards accepted at most branded stations - confirm the attendant zeroes the pump.
After a crash
Dial the nationwide 911; call the rental company and do not move the car unless it is unsafe to leave it where it stopped, and wait for DIGESETT traffic police to document the scene.
Sources: sixt.com · jumbocar-dominicanrepublic.com · dominicantoday.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Dominican Republic?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Dominican Republic accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Dominican Republic accept?
Dominican Republic recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Dominican Republic ask for one?
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo desks accept many 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.