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National · Antigua and Barbuda

Does National require an IDP in Antigua and Barbuda?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Yes, bring one
Many rental companies and local authorities in Antigua and Barbuda ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter.
National in Antigua and Barbuda
National IDP policyBring an IDP (foreign drivers)
National footprintGlobal
Accepted formatLocal rules
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

National in Antigua and Barbuda: 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.

Antigua and Barbuda drive on the left and require visitors to buy a local temporary driving permit at the rental desk, often alongside an IDP.

In Antigua and Barbuda specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Antigua and Barbuda ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. A local temporary permit is issued on top of your licence; an IDP helps.

National runs a global network; at its Antigua and Barbuda desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left, uses the XCD, 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 National counter in Antigua and Barbuda

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the XCD deposit; Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Antigua and Barbuda National renters should know

  • Drive on the left.
  • Buy a local temporary driving permit.
  • Narrow, winding roads.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.

National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

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.

Deposit & accepted cards

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.

Additional drivers

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.

Cross-border & one-way

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).

IDP & foreign-licence rule

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 Antigua and Barbuda

Tolls & road charges

There are no toll roads or toll systems anywhere in Antigua and Barbuda; all public roads are free to use.

Parking in town

Parking in St. John's is informal with no large paid-meter network; use marked lots and avoid blocking narrow streets or yellow-lined areas, where vehicles can be ticketed or towed.

Fines & camera enforcement

Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants and handheld phone use at the wheel is illegal; police can issue on-the-spot fines, and rental firms pass any tickets (plus an admin fee) to the renter's card.

If you have an accident

For minor damage with no injuries you need not call emergency services, but exchange details and notify your rental firm; if anyone is injured or a vehicle is undriveable, call 911/999, do not move the vehicles and wait for police.

Full driving guide for Antigua and Barbuda

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Antigua and Barbuda?
Many rental companies and local authorities in Antigua and Barbuda ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. 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.
02
What documents should I bring to the National desk in Antigua and Barbuda?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Antigua and Barbuda drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from National in Antigua and Barbuda?
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. Locally, Antigua and Barbuda sets a minimum driving age of 18 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does National require?
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.
05
Can I take a National rental across the border or drop it one-way?
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).
06
Does National charge for an additional driver?
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.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in Antigua and Barbuda?
There are no toll roads or toll systems anywhere in Antigua and Barbuda; all public roads are free to use.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a National car in Antigua and Barbuda?
Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants and handheld phone use at the wheel is illegal; police can issue on-the-spot fines, and rental firms pass any tickets (plus an admin fee) to the renter's card.
09
What is National's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. National operates at 1,500+ locations and is distinguished by its Emerald Club loyalty program with the Emerald Aisle, where members select any vehicle (Midsize and above) and pay the Midsize rate, bypassing the counter.
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