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Country requirements · Monaco

Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Monaco?

Short answer
An International Driving Permit is recommended for Monaco and required if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. The principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders. Monaco follows the Both standard, so your permit must be issued in that format. At rental desks operated by Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis and Sixt, a valid IDP is a standard counter requirement for foreign licences; arriving without one can mean a refused booking or a lost deposit. Monaco drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+, with a young-driver surcharge usually applied under 25. Carry your IDP together with your original national licence and passport at all times — the permit is a certified translation and never replaces your licence.
Get my permit for Monaco See all countries
Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerSofia LindqvistReviewed by Sofia LindqvistUpdated June 2026

Sourced from the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna Conventions and rental-network policies

Monaco at a glance
IDP requiredRecommended
Accepted formatBoth
Minimum age to rent18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drive on theRight-hand side
Carry alongsideYour national licence + passport
CurrencyEUR
Top speed limit50 km/h in the principality (French motorways 130)
Emergency number112
Driving in Monaco

What the rules require

When do you need an IDP in Monaco?

The principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders. The permit is a recognised translation of your licence and is presented together with the original.

Does renting a car in Monaco require an IDP?

Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers. Having your permit ready avoids losing your reservation at the counter.

Driving rules in Monaco you should know

  • Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
  • Strict parking enforcement.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.

How long is an IDP valid in Monaco?

Monaco honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. If you travel regularly, the validity clock starts on the issue date, not on first use — so order close to your departure to maximise usable time.

Documents checklist for driving in Monaco

  • Your original national driving licence — the IDP is a translation and is never valid on its own.
  • Your International Driving Permit, in the Both format Monaco recognises.
  • Your passport or accepted national ID for police checks and rental pick-up.
  • For rentals: the credit card used for the booking and your rental agreement (it covers the registration and insurance papers).
  • Local currency or a card for road costs — Monaco uses the EUR.

Monaco · common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Monaco?
Visitors can usually drive in Monaco on a valid foreign licence, but an IDP is required if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet and is recommended for car rental. The principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders.
02
Which IDP format does Monaco accept, and how long is it valid?
Monaco honours both the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention formats. A 1949-format IDP is valid for up to 1 year; a 1968-format IDP can be valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires. Your document is prepared in exactly that convention booklet format.
03
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Monaco?
Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers. The minimum rental age in Monaco is typically 18+, and most agencies apply a young-driver surcharge under 25. Bring your IDP, your original national licence, your passport and the credit card used for the booking.
04
Which side of the road does Monaco drive on?
Monaco drives on the right-hand side of the road. Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
05
What is the drink-driving limit in Monaco?
0.05% alcohol limit. Penalties for exceeding the limit as a foreign driver can include on-the-spot fines, vehicle impoundment and invalidated rental insurance — if in doubt, don't drive after drinking.
06
What is the speed limit in Monaco?
The maximum for cars on the fastest road class in Monaco is 50 km/h in the principality (French motorways 130). Limits drop in built-up areas and on secondary roads, and posted signs always take precedence — speed enforcement against foreign drivers commonly arrives as a fine charged through your rental company.
07
What is the emergency number in Monaco?
Dial 112 in Monaco. From any GSM mobile phone, 112 also connects to local emergency services in most countries even without a local SIM. After an accident, stay at the scene, secure it (use your warning triangle where required) and notify your rental company before any repairs.
08
What documents should I carry while driving in Monaco?
Carry your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit, your passport (or national ID where accepted), and the vehicle's registration and insurance papers (your rental agreement covers these for hire cars). The IDP is a translation of your licence and is never valid on its own.
09
Is an IDP the same as a driver's licence in Monaco?
No. An IDP is an official multilingual translation of your existing licence in the United Nations convention format — it does not grant driving privileges by itself and must always be presented together with your valid national licence. Note that some countries issue official government IDPs only through authorized bodies (in the US, AAA and AATA).
10
How long does it take to get an IDP for Monaco?
With International Driver Licence you receive your digital IDP by email in as fast as 8 minutes — a printable 16-page convention-format PDF booklet plus a QR-verifiable wallet card you can keep on your phone. That makes it practical even if you're already at the airport or the rental counter.
Driving from Monaco to neighbouring countries
Monaco → France
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