Does InterRent require an IDP in Israel?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in Israel: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-EU and non-Roman-alphabet licences across its European locations. Europcar's value brand for leisure travellers in Europe.
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to one year; an IDP is recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
In Israel specifically, israel lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but InterRent still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Recommended; requested for some non-Latin scripts.
InterRent runs a europe network; at its Israel desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Israel drives on the right, uses the ILS, 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 InterRent counter in Israel
- 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 ILS deposit; Israel drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Israel InterRent renters should know
- Headlights on inter-urban roads, Nov–Mar.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for new/young drivers.
- Highway 6 uses automatic plate tolling.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
InterRent's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
InterRent's minimum rental age is typically 19-21 depending on country (19 in Spain, 21 in the UK and France), and drivers aged roughly 21-24 (24 and under in some markets) pay a young-driver surcharge that varies by location, for example around 8.50 EUR/day (max ~93 EUR) in Spain, 12.95 EUR/day (max ~181 EUR) in France, and about 35 GBP/day (max ~350 GBP) in the UK; some vehicle categories require drivers to be over 25.
A refundable security deposit is pre-authorised (held, not debited) on the main driver's credit card at pick-up; the card (Visa or Mastercard, sometimes Amex) must be in the main driver's name with an expiry date after the return date, and debit cards are not accepted because their rules do not fit InterRent's deposit policy.
Additional drivers must present their own valid driving licence at the counter and sign the rental agreement at pick-up; InterRent charges an extra-driver fee per day that varies by location, though it is frequently included in promotional/package rates. The main driver must have held a full, valid driving licence for a minimum of 12 months (one year) prior to picking up the vehicle.
Cross-border travel and one-way rentals are restricted and must be authorised in advance; cross-border fees and one-way drop-off charges apply and vary by route, with certain countries (typically higher-risk or non-EU destinations) excluded entirely under the rental conditions.
InterRent requires a full, valid driving licence held for at least 12 months; for licences not written in the Latin/Roman alphabet (or otherwise not understandable to the rental agent), an International Driving Permit (IDP) must be presented alongside the original national licence, as the IDP is a translation and never replaces the physical licence.
Once you collect the keys in Israel
Highway 6 (Kvish Shesh) is the main toll road and is fully electronic by plate with no booths; the charge plus a service fee is added to your rental bill. The fast-lane (Kvish Mahir) into Tel Aviv and the Carmel/Gilon tunnels are also electronically tolled.
Kerb markings set the rule: blue-and-white means paid parking (via app such as Pango/Cellopark or meter), red-and-white means no stopping, and grey/unmarked is free. Residential blue zones and unpaid bays are ticketed and cars can be towed.
Speeding, phone-use and seatbelt offences are largely camera- and patrol-enforced with fines from a few hundred shekels; there are no informal cash payments. Rental firms pass camera tickets to your card with a handling fee.
Call police on 100 (ambulance 101); a police report is required for injuries or disputed fault. Photograph the scene, exchange details, and do not move vehicles on an injury accident - notify your rental company before leaving.
Full driving guide for Israel →