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International Driving Permit for Iran

International Driving Permit for Iran: IDP recommended for foreign visitors. Driving side, minimum age, and how to get your IDP for Iran online in minutes.

IDP status
IDP recommended
Drives on
Right-hand side
Convention
Geneva 1949 & Vienna 1968
Min. age
18+

Do you need an IDP to drive in Iran?

An IDP is recommended for visitors; carry it with your national licence and passport. An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your national driver's licence into multiple languages — it never replaces your home licence, so always carry both, along with your passport.

What to carry when driving in Iran

How to get your IDP for Iran

You don't need to visit an office. Get your International Driving Permit online with International DL in minutes — we translate your licence into the official UN-convention languages and issue your IDP digitally, ready before you fly.

Which permit Iran recognises

Iran is party to both the 1949 Geneva and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, so an International Driving Permit issued under either treaty is recognised there.

Treaty status per the United Nations treaty depositary: 1949 Geneva Convention · 1968 Vienna Convention

Driving on the Right-hand side in Iran

Iran drives on the RIGHT. If you normally drive on the left, allow time to adjust — roundabouts, junctions and overtaking all run the opposite way, and most rental cars will have the gear shift on your right.

The legal minimum driving age in Iran is 18. Rental companies routinely set their own, higher minimum and often add a young-driver surcharge below 25.

Driving to Iran soon?

Get your digital International Driving Permit in minutes and drive worry-free.

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Common questions about driving in Iran

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Iran?

IDP recommended for foreign visitors. An IDP is recommended for visitors; carry it with your national licence and passport.

Which side of the road does Iran drive on?

Iran drives on the Right-hand side of the road.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for 1–3 years from the date of issue, depending on the plan you choose, and only while your national licence remains valid.

How fast can I get an IDP for Iran?

You can get a digital International Driving Permit from International DL online in minutes — apply, and we issue your IDP without a trip to an office.

How Middle East compares

Requirements change at the border. If your trip crosses into a neighbouring country, check it before you drive.

Country IDP Drives on Min. age
Lebanon IDP recommended Right-hand side 18+
Oman IDP recommended Right-hand side 18+
Syria IDP recommended Right-hand side 18+
Yemen IDP recommended Right-hand side 18+
Bahrain IDP recommended Right-hand side 18+

Other countries

LebanonOmanSyriaYemenBahrain

Read more in our travel guides.

Checked August 29, 2026. Driving rules change and can vary by region and nationality. Always confirm the current requirements with the official transport authority or embassy of Iran before you travel.