Does Europcar require an IDP in Monaco?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Monaco: 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.
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 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. Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
Europcar runs a europe / 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 Europcar 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 Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
- Strict parking enforcement.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 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 →