US licence Colombia

Driving in Colombia with a US license

IDP Required

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

Convention basisColombia recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskRequested by major desks; pico y placa plate restrictions apply in cities.

CarryCarry BOTH your US 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 Colombia Full Colombia guide

U.S. drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their state licence when driving or renting a car abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Colombia

Pico y placa restricts driving by plate number on set days.
0.02% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
Headlights on outside urban areas.
Toll roads (peajes) are common.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Colombia with a US license?

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

What IDP format does Colombia accept?

Colombia recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my US license?

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