US licence Monaco

Driving in Monaco with a US license

Short answer: you can drive in Monaco 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 Monaco. Your US licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.

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

At the rental deskCars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

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 2026Convention: Both

Get my IDP for Monaco Full Monaco 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 & 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Monaco

Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
Strict parking enforcement.
0.05% alcohol limit.
Seatbelts mandatory.

Common questions

Can I drive in Monaco with a US license?

you can drive in Monaco with a US license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your US license. Monaco uses the format of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my US driver's license valid in Monaco?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Monaco?

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

Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.

What IDP format does Monaco accept?

Monaco 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 Monaco?

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 / 1968 Vienna format Monaco 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.