Destinations / Vatican City
Driving in Vatican City as a visitor
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Vatican City 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 Vatican City expects
| Permit needed | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 (Italian network) |
| Top speed limit | 30 km/h (effectively pedestrian) |
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 | Local rules |
| 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
| Local practice | Effectively pedestrian within the walls. |
|---|---|
| Roads | Italian rules apply on surrounding roads. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit (Italian standard). |
On the road in Vatican City
At the pump
The Vatican operates a duty-free service station accessible only to residents/employees with a permit; tourists must refuel at ordinary Italian stations in Rome, where petrol and diesel are self- or attended-serve and card-friendly.
After a crash
For any incident at the edge of the enclave call Italy's 112; in Italy you exchange details on a CAI/European Accident Statement and must not move vehicles before documenting if there are injuries.
Sources: vaticancityguide.org · autoeurope.com · blog.stayromac.com · drivingdirectionsandmaps.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Vatican City?
Not legally, but it is worth carrying. Vatican City accepts foreign licences, and a permit removes any argument at the rental counter or a roadside check.
Which IDP format does Vatican City accept?
Vatican City recognises the Local rules format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Vatican City ask for one?
No rental desks exist; cars are hired in Rome under Italian requirements.
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.