Destinations / Mexico
Driving in Mexico as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is strongly recommended to drive and rent a car in Mexico and is requested by many rental desks.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Mexico 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 | 110 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 MXN. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and sold by rental desks. |
|---|---|
| Speed | Topes (speed bumps) are frequent and often unmarked. |
| After dark | Avoid driving at night outside cities. |
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit, strictly enforced. |
On the road in Mexico
At the pump
Pemex (and private brands) sell Magna 87 (regular, green pump) and Premium 91-92 octane petrol plus diesel; stations are full-service with attendants, so tip 5-10 pesos. Pay cash or card; a small tip is customary.
After a crash
Call 911 for emergencies. Do not move the vehicles and do not admit fault; wait for your Mexican insurer's adjuster (ajustador) and the transit police, as US/Canadian policies are invalid and proof of Mexican liability insurance is mandatory.
Sources: mexperience.com · sanborns.com · angloinfo.com · internationaldrivingpermit.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Mexico?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. An IDP is strongly recommended to drive and rent a car in Mexico and is requested by many rental desks.
Which translation format is used for Mexico?
Mexico 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 Mexico ask for a translation?
Hertz and Localiza desks often request an IDP; Mexican auto insurance is mandatory.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Mexico?
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.