US licence Saudi Arabia

Driving in Saudi Arabia with a US license

Short answer: to drive in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia on a US licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your US licence. Saudi Arabia expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

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

At the rental deskRiyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.

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 Saudi Arabia Full Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia

Drive on the right.
Zero alcohol — it is prohibited nationwide.
Saher speed cameras are extensive.
Seatbelts mandatory.

Common questions

Can I drive in Saudi Arabia with a US license?

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

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

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Saudi Arabia?

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

Can I rent a car in Saudi Arabia with a US license?

Riyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.

What IDP format does Saudi Arabia accept?

Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia?

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 Saudi Arabia 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.