US licence Iran

Driving in Iran with a US license

Short answer: to drive in Iran with a US license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your US license.

Bring an IDP

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

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

At the rental deskTehran desks ask for an IDP; self-drive is uncommon for tourists.

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: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Iran Full Iran 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 Iran

Drive on the right amid heavy city traffic.
Zero alcohol — alcohol is prohibited.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
Speed cameras on highways.

Common questions

Can I drive in Iran with a US license?

to drive in Iran with a US license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your US license. Iran 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 Iran?

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Iran?

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

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

Tehran desks ask for an IDP; self-drive is uncommon for tourists.

What IDP format does Iran accept?

Iran 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 Iran?

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 Iran 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.