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National · Argentina

Does National require an IDP in Argentina?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Yes, bring one
Many rental companies and local authorities in Argentina 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 Argentina
National IDP policyBring an IDP (foreign drivers)
National footprintGlobal
Accepted format1968 Vienna
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

National in Argentina: 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.

An IDP is commonly requested to drive and rent a car in Argentina.

In Argentina specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Argentina ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Requested by all major desks; some toll roads are cash-only.

National runs a global network; at its Argentina desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Argentina drives on the right, uses the ARS, 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 Argentina

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the ARS deposit; Argentina drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Argentina National renters should know

  • Headlights on at all times on highways.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit (0% in some provinces).
  • Carry licence, IDP and rental papers.
  • City parking restrictions are strictly enforced.

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 Argentina

Tolls & road charges

Major highways and the Buenos Aires access autopistas use manned toll plazas (peajes) costing roughly ARS equivalent of USD 1-5 per booth; the electronic TelePASE tag is rarely fitted to rentals, so keep cash, as foreign cards are often not accepted in lanes.

Parking in town

In central Buenos Aires use 'estacionamiento medido' paid zones (pay via meter or the BA Estacionamiento/SEMOV-type apps); yellow-painted curbs and signed clearways mean no stopping, and illegally parked cars are towed (acarreo) with recovery fees.

Fines & camera enforcement

Radar speed cameras are widespread; fines include phone-without-handsfree (~ARS 20,000-50,000) and no seatbelt (~ARS 10,000-30,000). There are officially no on-the-spot cash fines (an officer demanding cash is likely soliciting a bribe); camera fines are passed to the rental firm and charged to your card.

If you have an accident

Call 911 for police and ambulance; do not move vehicles if there are injuries. Complete the insurance accident form (denuncia), exchange details, and get a police report (constancia) which insurers and rental firms require.

Full driving guide for Argentina

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Argentina?
Many rental companies and local authorities in Argentina 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 Argentina?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Argentina drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from National in Argentina?
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, Argentina 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 Argentina?
Major highways and the Buenos Aires access autopistas use manned toll plazas (peajes) costing roughly ARS equivalent of USD 1-5 per booth; the electronic TelePASE tag is rarely fitted to rentals, so keep cash, as foreign cards are often not accepted in lanes.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a National car in Argentina?
Radar speed cameras are widespread; fines include phone-without-handsfree (~ARS 20,000-50,000) and no seatbelt (~ARS 10,000-30,000). There are officially no on-the-spot cash fines (an officer demanding cash is likely soliciting a bribe); camera fines are passed to the rental firm and charged to your 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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