Destinations / Serbia
Driving in Serbia as a visitor
Usually yes. Serbia 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 Serbia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 or 192 |
| Top speed limit | 130 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 | 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 RSD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
|---|---|
| In the car | Reflective vest, triangle and spare bulbs required. |
| Alcohol | 0.03% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Toll motorways on main corridors. |
On the road in Serbia
At the pump
Petrol is sold as Eurosuper BMB 95 and 98 plus Euro Diesel; stations are typically attended (an attendant may pump for you) and accept cards, with prices around 200 RSD per litre.
After a crash
Call 192 for police (or 112 general emergency); a police report is mandatory for any injury or significant damage and is needed to take a damaged vehicle out of the country, so do not move vehicles until police attend.
Sources: rac.co.uk · mfa.gov.rs · vintrica.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Serbia?
Usually yes. Serbia 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 Serbia accept?
Serbia recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Serbia ask for one?
Belgrade desks ask for an IDP with non-Latin-script licences.
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.