NZ licence Palau

Driving in Palau with a NZ license

Short answer: you cannot drive in Palau on a NZ license or an International Driving Permit alone — Palau requires a local or temporary licence.

Not accepted

An International Driving Permit is not sufficient to drive in Palau. Palau does not accept the IDP for foreign visitors — a local or temporary licence is required. Always confirm the current rule before you travel.

Convention basisPalau relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

At the rental deskKoror desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

CarryCarry BOTH your NZ 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: Local rules

New Zealand drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the Local rules format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Palau

Drive on the right.
Low speed limits across the islands.
0.08% alcohol limit.
Seatbelts mandatory.

Common questions

Can I drive in Palau with a NZ license?

you cannot drive in Palau on a NZ license or an International Driving Permit alone — Palau requires a local or temporary licence. Palau relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

Is my NZ driver's license valid in Palau?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Palau?

Can I rent a car in Palau with a NZ license?

Koror desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.

What IDP format does Palau accept?

Palau relies on local licensing rules rather than the UN IDP conventions.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Palau?

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

Do I still carry my NZ license?

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