Does Localiza require an IDP in Monaco?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Localiza in Monaco: the policy in plain terms
Asks foreign renters to present a licence translation with their home licence at the counter across Brazil and Latin America. The largest car-rental company in Latin America.
The principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders.
In Monaco specifically, monaco lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Localiza still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
Localiza runs a south america network; at its Monaco desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Monaco drives on the right, uses the EUR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the Localiza counter in Monaco
- 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 EUR deposit; Monaco drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Monaco Localiza renters should know
- Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
- Strict parking enforcement.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
Localiza's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Localiza's minimum rental age is 18 (lowered from 21 across Brazil), but drivers under 21 must add the mandatory "Condutor Jovem" (Young Driver) surcharge at booking; the exact fee is set per rental/location and quoted at reservation rather than published as a flat amount.
A credit card (physical or contactless) in the reservation holder's or financial responsible party's name is required for a pre-authorization hold; debit cards are not accepted for the security guarantee. Customers without a credit card can instead pass a weekday business-hours credit evaluation, with daily rentals up to 28 days available for an approximately R$39.90 fee if approved.
Each additional driver must be registered on the contract and present a valid licence and ID at the counter; Localiza does not publish a flat additional-driver fee, charging it per rate plan and location at pickup. Localiza requires a valid full driver's licence but does not publish a fixed minimum holding period; instead the young-driver surcharge (under-21) is the gating control, so a valid current licence is the stated requirement.
Cross-border driving within Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) requires the mandatory "Carta Verde"/Green Card insurance and advance authorization, typically requested at booking; one-way rentals returning in a different country incur a one-way fee that is usually higher than the cross-border fee, so both must be arranged in advance.
Foreign customers must present a valid licence from a country in Brazil's "Reciprocity Agreement" plus a passport, and may drive for up to 180 days from their date of entry (respecting the original licence validity); entry must be proven with a passport stamp, boarding pass, or immigration approval document. An International Driving Permit is referenced under the applicable legislation for non-reciprocity or non-Roman-alphabet licences.
Once you collect the keys in Monaco
Monaco itself has no toll roads, but the only practical road approach is France's tolled A8 autoroute, paid by cash, card or Telepass/Liber-t badge at French toll plazas.
On-street space is minimal and strictly controlled; most visitors use public underground car parks, free for the first hour then rising on a sliding scale (about EUR 2.70 to EUR 14.50 for longer stays). Overstaying or bad parking risks a fine around EUR 35 and towing.
Speeding, phone use and seatbelt violations are enforced to French/Monegasque standards with substantial fixed fines, and police can levy on-the-spot penalties. Rental companies recharge any camera fines to the renter with an admin fee.
Call 112 (or 17 for police, 18 for fire/rescue). Leave vehicles in place if anyone is injured and complete the European accident statement (constat amiable); a police report is needed for claims and required by rental firms.
Full driving guide for Monaco →