Destinations / Ukraine
Driving in Ukraine as a visitor
Usually yes. Ukraine 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 Ukraine expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| 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 UAH. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Lights | Headlights on outside built-up areas Oct–Apr. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.02% alcohol limit. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Ukraine
At the pump
Petrol is sold mainly as A-92 and A-95 alongside diesel (DP) and LPG; most stations are attended, modern chains (OKKO, WOG) accept cards, and prices are moderate by European standards.
After a crash
Dial 102 for police (112 also routes emergencies); for any injury crash do not move the vehicles and wait for patrol police to record the accident, while minor damage-only cases can use a European-style accident report if both parties agree.
Sources: idaoffice.org · visitukraine.today · avisleasing.com.ua · remitly.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Ukraine?
Usually yes. Ukraine 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 Ukraine accept?
Ukraine recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Ukraine ask for one?
Desks ask for an IDP for non-Cyrillic 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.