Does National require an IDP in Andorra?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Andorra: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
This Pyrenean micro-state drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence, so an IDP is rarely demanded — though non-Latin-script holders should carry one.
In Andorra specifically, andorra lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but National still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Few rental desks exist; most cars arrive from Spain or France with their own paperwork.
National runs a global network; at its Andorra desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Andorra 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 National counter in Andorra
- 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 EUR deposit; Andorra drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Andorra National renters should know
- Drive on the right on steep mountain roads.
- Winter tyres or chains needed in snow.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Dipped headlights in tunnels.
National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
The minimum age to rent is typically 21 (18 in Michigan and New York, as required by state law); renters aged 21-24 pay a "Youthful Surcharge" of approximately $25 per day (varies by location, lower in some states such as $5/day in New York) and may be restricted to certain car classes.
A major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) in the primary renter's name with sufficient available credit is required; National generally does not accept debit cards, and renters without a ticketed return travel itinerary must provide a hold/deposit typically between $300 and $400 depending on location and vehicle class.
The renter's spouse or domestic partner who meets the same age and licence requirements drives free; other additional authorized drivers cost about $15 per day (typically $5/day in New York), and must be at least 21 with a valid licence. National requires a valid, unexpired full driver's licence held by the renter; for under-25 drivers some locations require the licence to have been held for at least one year, though National does not publish a uniform minimum tenure across all locations.
Vehicles rented in the U.S. or Canada are prohibited from being driven into Mexico; U.S.-Canada cross-border travel is generally permitted but one-way US/Canada drop-offs are limited to participating locations, and rentals originating in certain Mexican cities (e.g. Tijuana, Mexicali, Hermosillo, Monterrey, Saltillo) may cross into the U.S. after purchasing an extension of liability protection (about $10 USD/day).
National states that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is commonly requested in select countries and is generally recommended when travelling abroad; specifically, overseas travelers whose licence uses a non-Roman alphabet may need to present an IDP alongside their home-country licence.
Once you collect the keys in Andorra
Andorra has no motorway tolls or vignettes - all roads are free; the only related cost is paid parking in towns and at ski resorts.
Town-centre parking (especially Andorra la Vella and Escaldes) is mostly paid via meters, machines or apps, with signposted restricted zones; illegally parked cars are towed, and P+R lots on the edges ease congestion.
Speeding, seatbelt and handheld-phone offences are fined on the spot; drink-drive limits are strict, and rental firms forward any camera or police fine to the renter's card.
Call 112 for all emergencies; do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive, complete the European accident statement (constat amiable), and obtain a police report for insurance.
Full driving guide for Andorra →