Does Alamo require an IDP in Monaco?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Alamo in Monaco: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation when the licence is in a non-Latin alphabet, and suggests one for all international renters. Leisure-focused brand popular for airport pickups.
The principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders.
In Monaco specifically, monaco lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Alamo still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
Alamo runs a global network; at its Monaco desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Monaco drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Alamo counter in Monaco
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Monaco drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Monaco Alamo renters should know
- Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
- Strict parking enforcement.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Alamo's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Alamo's standard minimum rental age in the US is 21 (18 in Michigan and New York where state law requires it); renters aged 21-24 pay a "young/youthful driver" surcharge that averages about $25 per day but varies by location (for example roughly $13/day in Michigan and $20/day in New York), and under-25 renters may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card in the primary renter's name is required at most locations; debit/check cards bearing a Visa, Mastercard or Discover logo are accepted at airport locations only with a ticketed return travel itinerary (Discover not accepted in Canada), and the name/address on the card and license must match, with a hold placed at pickup that reduces available funds.
Additional authorized drivers typically cost about $15 per day each (around $5/day in New York), and every additional driver must also meet the minimum-age and license requirements; some promotions or contracted/corporate rates waive the fee. Alamo requires each driver to hold a valid, unexpired driver's license; the license must have been issued before the rental and held for the qualifying period, with locations commonly expecting it to have been held for at least 1 year.
Vehicles rented in the US may typically be driven throughout the US and Canada but cannot be taken into Mexico; vehicles rented in Canada may be driven in Canada and the US. Cross-border and one-way rentals must be disclosed and authorized at the counter, and one-way availability and drop fees vary by location.
Alamo states an International Driving Permit cannot be used on its own and the home-country license must always be presented; an IDP is recommended (not required) when the license uses Roman/English letters, but is required when the license is in a non-Roman alphabet (e.g. Russian, Japanese, Arabic), with a typed professional translation as a substitute if no IDP is available.
Once you collect the keys in Monaco
Monaco itself has no toll roads, but the only practical road approach is France's tolled A8 autoroute, paid by cash, card or Telepass/Liber-t badge at French toll plazas.
On-street space is minimal and strictly controlled; most visitors use public underground car parks, free for the first hour then rising on a sliding scale (about EUR 2.70 to EUR 14.50 for longer stays). Overstaying or bad parking risks a fine around EUR 35 and towing.
Speeding, phone use and seatbelt violations are enforced to French/Monegasque standards with substantial fixed fines, and police can levy on-the-spot penalties. Rental companies recharge any camera fines to the renter with an admin fee.
Call 112 (or 17 for police, 18 for fire/rescue). Leave vehicles in place if anyone is injured and complete the European accident statement (constat amiable); a police report is needed for claims and required by rental firms.
Full driving guide for Monaco →