Destinations / Iran
Driving in Iran as a visitor
Usually yes. Iran 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 Iran expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| 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 | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| 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?
Usually yes. Iran 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 Iran accept?
Iran recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Iran ask for one?
Tehran desks ask for an IDP; self-drive is uncommon for tourists.
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.