UK licence Vatican City

Driving in Vatican City with a UK license

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

Not accepted

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

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

At the rental deskNo rental desks exist; cars are hired in Rome under Italian requirements.

CarryCarry BOTH your UK 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: Local rules

UK drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence; some countries recognise the 1949 version and others the 1968 version. 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 Vatican City

Drive on the right.
Effectively pedestrian within the walls.
Italian rules apply on surrounding roads.
0.05% alcohol limit (Italian standard).

Common questions

Can I drive in Vatican City with a UK license?

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

Is my UK driver's license valid in Vatican City?

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Vatican City?

Can I rent a car in Vatican City with a UK license?

No rental desks exist; cars are hired in Rome under Italian requirements.

What IDP format does Vatican City accept?

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

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Vatican City?

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

Do I still carry my UK license?

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