●Issued in as fast as 8 minutesInstant digital delivery to your inboxRecognised in 195+ countries
International Driver LicenceOfficial-format IDP booklet service
Home/Spain/Ireland license
Ireland licence Spain

Driving in Spain with a Ireland license

IDP Required

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

Convention basisSpain recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.
At the rental deskHertz, Enterprise and Alamo require an IDP for non-EU licences.
CarryCarry BOTH your Ireland 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: Geneva 1949 / Vienna 1968
Get my IDP for Spain Full Spain guide

Irish drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. 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 Spain

  • Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be carried.
  • Spare pair of glasses required if you wear them to drive.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.03% for novice drivers.
  • Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to drive in Spain with a Ireland license?
Yes — to drive in Spain on an Ireland licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Ireland licence. Spain expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.
02
What IDP format does Spain accept?
Spain recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions. We issue the permit in that exact format.
03
Do I still carry my Ireland license?
Carry BOTH your Ireland national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.
100% money-back guarantee
Full refund if your permit is ever declined.
Unlimited replacements
Lost or damaged? Re-download or reprint, free.
24/7 support
Help before and during your trip, any hour.