Destinations / Dominican Republic
Driving in Dominican Republic as a visitor
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Dominican Republic drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Dominican Republic expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often optional, depending on your licence and rental company. The Dominican Republic drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
Which translation format is used for Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Dominican Republic ask for a translation?
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo desks accept many licences; an IDP helps.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Dominican Republic?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in North America
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.