Does Avis require an IDP in Norway?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Avis in Norway: 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.
Norway drives on the right with mandatory daytime headlights and one of Europe's strictest alcohol limits; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP.
In Norway specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Norway ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Oslo desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; many tolls are automatic.
Avis runs a global network; at its Norway desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Norway drives on the right, uses the NOK, 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 Norway
- 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 NOK deposit; Norway drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Norway Avis renters should know
- Headlights on at all times, year-round.
- 0.02% alcohol limit — near zero.
- Winter tyres mandatory in winter.
- Automatic AutoPASS toll roads.
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 Norway
Norway has 400+ automatic camera toll points (bomstasjoner) with no booths. Foreign cars are billed by plate via Epass24, or you can pre-register an AutoPASS transponder for a discount; many city tolls also apply.
Cities use municipal pay-and-display and app payment (EasyPark is dominant); blue 'P' signs mark lots. Parking is expensive and zones/residential permits are strictly enforced with fines and towing.
Speeding fines are severe: minor 5-35 km/h overages draw on-the-spot fines roughly NOK 600-7,800, payable by card with a receipt; larger overages risk licence loss. Drink-drive limit is a strict 0.02%.
Call 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, 110 for fire. Exchange details and complete the standard European accident report; police attendance is required for injuries or disputed/serious damage.
Full driving guide for Norway →