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Driving in Ireland with a US license

IDP Recommended

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

Convention basisIreland recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.
At the rental deskRecommended for non-EU licences and required for some non-Latin scripts.
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 age17+ 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: Both
Get my IDP for Ireland Full Ireland 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 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Ireland

  • Drive on the left.
  • Speed limits posted in km/h.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.02% for learner/novice drivers.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to drive in Ireland with a US license?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for US licence holders driving in Ireland. Your US licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
02
What IDP format does Ireland accept?
Ireland recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.
03
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.
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