Destinations / Norway
Driving in Norway as a visitor
Usually yes. Norway 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 Norway expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h motorways |
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 & 1968 Vienna |
| 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 NOK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times, year-round. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit — near zero. |
| Tyres | Winter tyres mandatory in winter. |
| Tolls | Automatic AutoPASS toll roads. |
On the road in Norway
At the pump
Petrol (blyfri 95/98) and diesel are sold at mostly self-service stations; cards are universally accepted. Fuel is among the most expensive in Europe and stations are sparse in remote/mountain areas, so refuel early.
After a crash
Call 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, 110 for fire. Exchange details and complete the standard European accident report; police attendance is required for injuries or disputed/serious damage.
Sources: speedingeurope.com · nordicvisitor.com · lifeinnorway.net · visitnorway.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Norway?
Usually yes. Norway 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 Norway accept?
Norway recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Norway ask for one?
Oslo desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; many tolls are automatic.
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.