Ireland licence Finland

Driving in Finland with a Ireland license

Short answer: to drive in Finland with a Ireland license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Ireland license.

Bring an IDP

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

Convention basisFinland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskHelsinki desks ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.

CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland 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: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968

Get my IDP for Finland Full Finland guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Finland

Headlights on at all times.
Winter tyres mandatory in winter conditions.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Watch for elk/reindeer on rural roads.

Common questions

Can I drive in Finland with a Ireland license?

to drive in Finland with a Ireland license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna format, carried together with your Ireland license. Finland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my Ireland driver's license valid in Finland?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Finland?

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

Can I rent a car in Finland with a Ireland license?

Helsinki desks ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.

What IDP format does Finland accept?

Finland uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Finland?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Ireland license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva / 1968 Vienna format Finland uses — carried alongside your Ireland license.

Do I still carry my Ireland license?

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