Destinations / Iran
Driving in Iran as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Iran drives on the right and accepts the 1949 Geneva IDP; tourists should carry it with their national licence and passport.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Iran 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 | 110 (police), 115 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h freeways |
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 IRR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero alcohol: alcohol is prohibited. |
|---|---|
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
| Speed | Speed cameras on highways. |
On the road in Iran
At the pump
Fuel is heavily subsidised and extremely cheap; petrol is sold via a rationing fuel-card system (subsidised tiers then a higher free-market price) plus diesel (gazoil). Stations are usually attended and open 24/7 on highways, but foreign cards are not accepted, so carry cash and expect the rental's fuel card to be used.
After a crash
Contact the police immediately for any accident, even a minor fender-bender, and do not move the vehicles until officers document the scene; the road-police emergency number is 110. A police report is mandatory for insurance, and without a licence translation insurance coverage can be void.
Sources: saadatrent.com · remitly.com · globalpetrolprices.com · travelandtourworld.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Iran?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Iran drives on the right and accepts the 1949 Geneva IDP; tourists should carry it with their national licence and passport.
Which translation format is used for Iran?
Iran 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 Iran ask for a translation?
Tehran desks ask for an IDP; self-drive is uncommon for tourists.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Iran?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Middle East
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.