Destinations / Turkmenistan
Driving in Turkmenistan as a visitor
Usually yes. Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 02 (police), 03 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways |
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 TMT. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol policy. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Checkpoints between regions. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Turkmenistan
At the pump
Petrol and diesel are sold at state-subsidised, very low prices; stations are attended and overwhelmingly cash-only, with cards rarely accepted. Fill up before crossing the Karakum Desert, where stations are scarce.
After a crash
Call 03 for ambulance and the traffic police (102) for any crash; reporting is mandatory, you must not move the vehicles until police document the scene, and foreigners should expect detailed paperwork. Retain the official report for insurance.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · driverabroad.com · saigatours.com · rferl.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Turkmenistan?
Usually yes. Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan accept?
Turkmenistan recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Turkmenistan ask for one?
Independent rental is uncommon; an IDP and passport are expected where available.
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.