Does Avis require an IDP in Monaco?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Monaco: 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.
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 Avis 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.
Avis 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 Avis 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 Avis renters should know
- Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
- Strict parking enforcement.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 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 →