Does Europcar require an IDP in Norway?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Europcar in Norway: 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.
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 Europcar will typically ask for it at the counter. Oslo desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; many tolls are automatic.
Europcar runs a europe / 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 Europcar 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 Europcar 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.
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 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 →