Does Europcar require an IDP in New Zealand?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in New Zealand: 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.
Drive on a valid English licence or carry an IDP/translation if it is in another language.
In New Zealand specifically, new Zealand 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. An accurate English translation or IDP is expected for non-English licences.
Europcar runs a europe / global network; at its New Zealand desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. New Zealand drives on the left, uses the NZD, and sets a minimum driving age of 16; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Europcar counter in New Zealand
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the NZD deposit; New Zealand drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in New Zealand Europcar renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Give way rules at intersections are strict.
- Many rural roads are narrow and winding.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; zero under 20.
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 New Zealand
Only three North Island roads are tolled (Northern Gateway near Auckland, Takitimu Drive and Tauranga Eastern Link); there are no booths - pay online at NZTA, via the rental company, or at some petrol stations within five days.
Urban parking is paid at kerbside kiosks or apps (coin or card), with time-limited and resident zones marked on signs; unpaid or overstayed parking earns infringement tickets.
Speeding and seatbelt offences draw fixed infringement fees, and handheld mobile-phone use is a NZD 150 fine plus demerits; fines are issued by camera or police and passed on by rental firms.
Call 111 for injuries; you must stop and exchange details, and report to police within 60 hours (immediately if anyone is hurt) - driving on without authority can void your rental insurance.
Full driving guide for New Zealand →