Does InterRent require an IDP in Mexico?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in Mexico: the policy in plain terms
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An IDP is strongly recommended to drive and rent a car in Mexico and is requested by many rental desks.
In Mexico specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Mexico ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so InterRent will typically ask for it at the counter. Hertz and Localiza desks often request an IDP; Mexican auto insurance is mandatory.
InterRent runs a europe network; at its Mexico desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Mexico drives on the right, uses the MXN, 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 InterRent counter in Mexico
- 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 MXN deposit; Mexico drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Mexico InterRent renters should know
- Mexican liability insurance is mandatory and sold by rental desks.
- Topes (speed bumps) are frequent and often unmarked.
- Avoid driving at night outside cities.
- 0.08% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
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 Mexico
Major highways are tolled (casetas de cuota) and clearly signed with a free 'libre' alternative; pay cash in pesos or by card at staffed booths, or use a TAG/IAVE electronic tag. Costs vary widely, often 30-200+ pesos per booth on long intercity routes.
Central CDMX and other cities use metered 'parquimetro' zones (ecoParq) paid by app or kiosk; illegally parked cars can have a wheel clamp ('arana') fitted or be towed. Use guarded lots ('estacionamiento') where possible.
Transit fines (multas) for speeding, phone use or no seatbelt are issued by city/state police; some are camera-based with the rental firm passing on charges plus a fee. Be aware that requests for on-the-spot cash from officers are a known shakedown ('mordida') and you may instead ask for the official ticket.
Call 911 for emergencies. Do not move the vehicles and do not admit fault; wait for your Mexican insurer's adjuster (ajustador) and the transit police, as US/Canadian policies are invalid and proof of Mexican liability insurance is mandatory.
Full driving guide for Mexico →