NZ licence Chile

Driving in Chile with a NZ license

Short answer: to drive in Chile with a NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your NZ license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Chile on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Chile expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisChile uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskElectronic toll (TAG) devices fitted to rental cars on Santiago motorways.

CarryCarry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Chile Full Chile guide

New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Chile

Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants.
0.03% alcohol limit; criminal above 0.08%.
Headlights on in tunnels.
Andean mountain passes may require chains in winter.

Common questions

Can I drive in Chile with a NZ license?

to drive in Chile with a NZ license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your NZ license. Chile uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my NZ driver's license valid in Chile?

Yes — to drive in Chile on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Chile expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Chile?

Yes — to drive in Chile on an NZ licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your NZ licence. Chile expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Chile with a NZ license?

Electronic toll (TAG) devices fitted to rental cars on Santiago motorways.

What IDP format does Chile accept?

Chile uses the format of the 1968 Vienna Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Chile?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing NZ license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1968 Vienna format Chile uses — carried alongside your NZ license.

Do I still carry my NZ license?

Carry BOTH your NZ national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.