Does Avis require an IDP in Mexico?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Mexico: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Long-established global brand operating in 165+ countries.
An IDP is strongly recommended to drive and rent a car in Mexico and is requested by many rental desks.
In Mexico specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Mexico ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Hertz and Localiza desks often request an IDP; Mexican auto insurance is mandatory.
Avis runs a global network; at its Mexico desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Mexico drives on the right, uses the MXN, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.
What to bring to the Avis counter in Mexico
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the MXN deposit; Mexico drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Mexico Avis renters should know
- Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and sold by rental desks.
- Topes (speed bumps) are frequent and often unmarked.
- Avoid driving at night outside cities.
- 0.08% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
Avis's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada).
Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.
Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.
Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.
Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.
Once you collect the keys in Mexico
Major highways are tolled (casetas de cuota) and clearly signed with a free 'libre' alternative; pay cash in pesos or by card at staffed booths, or use a TAG/IAVE electronic tag. Costs vary widely, often 30-200+ pesos per booth on long intercity routes.
Central CDMX and other cities use metered 'parquimetro' zones (ecoParq) paid by app or kiosk; illegally parked cars can have a wheel clamp ('arana') fitted or be towed. Use guarded lots ('estacionamiento') where possible.
Transit fines (multas) for speeding, phone use or no seatbelt are issued by city/state police; some are camera-based with the rental firm passing on charges plus a fee. Be aware that requests for on-the-spot cash from officers are a known shakedown ('mordida') and you may instead ask for the official ticket.
Call 911 for emergencies. Do not move the vehicles and do not admit fault; wait for your Mexican insurer's adjuster (ajustador) and the transit police, as US/Canadian policies are invalid and proof of Mexican liability insurance is mandatory.
Full driving guide for Mexico →