US licence Cuba

Driving in Cuba with a US license

Short answer: you can drive in Cuba with a US license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your US license.

IDP recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for US licence holders driving in Cuba. Your US licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

Convention basisCuba uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskCars are limited and pre-booking is essential; an IDP is recommended.

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 age21+ 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 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva

Get my IDP for Cuba Full Cuba 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 a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Cuba

Drive on the right.
Watch for cyclists, carts and pedestrians on highways.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Fuel can be hard to find — fill up when you can.

Common questions

Can I drive in Cuba with a US license?

you can drive in Cuba with a US license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your US license. Cuba uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my US driver's license valid in Cuba?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Cuba?

Can I rent a car in Cuba with a US license?

Cars are limited and pre-booking is essential; an IDP is recommended.

What IDP format does Cuba accept?

Cuba uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Cuba?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing US license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Cuba uses — carried alongside your US license.

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.