Destinations / Iraq
Driving in Iraq as a visitor
Usually yes. Iraq 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 Iraq expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 104 (police), 122 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h expressways |
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 IQD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Numerous security checkpoints. |
|---|---|
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
| Roads | Drive defensively on intercity roads. |
On the road in Iraq
At the pump
Petrol (benzene, regular and 'improved'/super grades) and diesel are sold cheaply at attended stations; pumps are attendant-served and cash in Iraqi dinar is expected, as card acceptance is unreliable. Fill up in towns before long desert stretches.
After a crash
After any crash, stop immediately, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 104 (general emergency 122); a police report is required for any insurance claim and for the rental company. Stay at the scene until officers arrive.
Sources: remitly.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org · internationaltravelpermits.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Iraq?
Usually yes. Iraq 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 Iraq accept?
Iraq recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Iraq ask for one?
Self-drive is rare; an IDP and passport are expected where rental exists.
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.