Does Europcar require an IDP in Iceland?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Iceland: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Latin-alphabet licences across its European network. Europe's leading mobility brand.
An IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences when renting in Iceland.
In Iceland specifically, iceland lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Europcar still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. F-road (highland) driving requires a 4x4 and specific insurance.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its Iceland desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Iceland drives on the right, uses the ISK, and sets a minimum driving age of 17; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in Iceland
- 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 ISK deposit; Iceland drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Iceland Europcar renters should know
- Headlights on 24/7 by law.
- Off-road driving is illegal and heavily fined.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Gravel and single-lane bridges common on Route 1.
Europcar's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Europcar's typical minimum rental age is 21 (some categories and countries allow rental from 18 on selected vehicles), and a Young Driver Surcharge applies to drivers aged roughly 22 to 25 - published at around EUR 30 per day in addition to the rental cost, with the exact amount varying by country per the local Specific Terms.
Europcar accepts only a credit card in the main driver's name (valid with an expiry date after the scheduled return) for the deposit; the deposit amount is blocked - not debited - on the card at pick-up, or within 48 hours before pick-up for Online Check-In, and debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit.
Only drivers registered on the rental contract may drive the car, and each additional driver must meet the same age and licence-held requirements; an additional-driver fee typically applies and is set per country. The driver must have held a full valid driving licence for at least one year (the from-18 categories also require one year's licence holding).
Cross-border travel must be declared and authorised, and in the UK taking a vehicle abroad requires the mandatory Europdrive product (24/7 overseas breakdown cover plus VE103B proof of ownership and a Green Card); for one-way rentals a one-way fee is charged and is included in the displayed price when pickup and return locations differ.
Europcar requires a full valid licence held at least one year; if the licence is not written in English (or the language of the country of rental) the driver must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside the original national licence - this typically applies to non-Roman/non-Latin-alphabet licences, while an IDP is usually not required to drive within the EU.
Once you collect the keys in Iceland
The only toll is the Vadlaheidi tunnel near Akureyri (the older Hvalfjordur tunnel is now free); pay online within hours of passing via tunnel.is or the app. A nationwide distance-based road usage charge began phasing in from 2026.
Reykjavik uses paid zones P1 to P4 (P1 the central, priciest zone), payable by meter or the Parka/EasyPark app; the compact centre relies on strictly enforced paid street parking rather than congestion charging, and overstays are ticketed promptly.
Speeding cameras are widespread and fines are steep, starting around ISK 15,000 and rising fast; handheld phone use, no seatbelt and any off-road/off-track driving carry large fines. Police can fine on the spot and rental firms pass on camera and damage charges automatically from the card on file.
Call the single emergency number 112 for police, ambulance and fire; report injuries or significant damage. Do not move vehicles if anyone is hurt, photograph the scene, and complete the accident form provided with the rental, as the rental contract dictates damage reporting (gravel, sand and door-wind damage are common Icelandic claims).
Full driving guide for Iceland →