Does Avis require an IDP in Nauru?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Nauru: 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.
Nauru drives on the left and has a single ring road around the island; an IDP is advised with your home licence.
In Nauru specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Nauru ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is very limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Avis runs a global network; at its Nauru desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Nauru drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Nauru
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the AUD deposit; Nauru drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Nauru Avis renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- One main road circles the island.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Very low speed limits.
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 Nauru
Nauru has no tolls, vignettes or electronic road charges; the entire ring road is free to use.
Parking is free and informal everywhere, including around the Capelle & Partner store and government buildings; there are no meters or paid zones and towing is not a practical risk.
Driving is on the left with limits of about 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h on the ring road; seatbelts are required and drink-driving is an offence, with fines generally issued on the spot rather than by camera.
Dial 110 for the Nauru Police Force (or the Crimes Unit on 557 2979); report any injury accident, and leave vehicles where they are until police arrive when someone is hurt.
Full driving guide for Nauru →