Does InterRent require an IDP in New Zealand?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
InterRent in New Zealand: 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.
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 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. An accurate English translation or IDP is expected for non-English licences.
InterRent runs a europe 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 InterRent 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 InterRent 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.
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 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 →