Destinations / San Marino
Driving in San Marino as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. San Marino accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
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 San Marino expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 70 km/h open roads (Italian rules nearby) |
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 | Not required by law. Worth having if your licence is not printed in Latin script. |
| 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 EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on motorways and in tunnels. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
On the road in San Marino
At the pump
Unleaded petrol (95/98), diesel (gasolio) and LPG are sold and are noticeably cheaper than in surrounding Italy; stations are a mix of attended and self-serve and accept cards.
After a crash
Call 112/113 for police; exchange details and complete the European Accident Statement (CID/constat) form, and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until authorities attend.
Sources: theaa.ie · adcidl.com · internationaldriversassociation.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in San Marino?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. San Marino accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does San Marino accept?
San Marino recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in San Marino ask for one?
Cars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
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.