Destinations / Micronesia
Driving in Micronesia as a visitor
Usually yes. Micronesia 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 Micronesia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Top speed limit | 25 mph island roads |
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 | Local rules |
| 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 USD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Speed | Low speed limits on island roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit. |
| Roads | Roads vary widely between states. |
On the road in Micronesia
At the pump
Fuel is imported petrol and diesel sold at attended stations clustered around Kolonia and the main towns; prices are high, outer-area stations are sparse, and cash is the safest payment method.
After a crash
Dial 911 for police and ambulance and report the crash to the relevant state public-safety department (e.g. Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety in Kolonia); accidents frequently cause serious injury, so do not move injured people and wait for responders.
Sources: travel.state.gov · en.wikipedia.org · driverabroad.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Micronesia?
Usually yes. Micronesia 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 Micronesia accept?
Micronesia recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Micronesia ask for one?
Island rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
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.