Does National require an IDP in Bahamas?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Bahamas: 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.
The Bahamas drive on the left despite their proximity to the US; visitors can use a valid foreign licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin scripts.
In Bahamas specifically, bahamas 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. Nassau and Freeport desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps.
National runs a global network; at its Bahamas desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Bahamas drives on the left, uses the BSD, 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 Bahamas
- 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 BSD deposit; Bahamas drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Bahamas National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Many imported left-hand-drive cars — take care overtaking.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Bahamas
There are no toll roads in The Bahamas; the only paid crossing tourists encounter is the Paradise Island bridge toll at Nassau (around US$2 per car, payable in cash).
In downtown Nassau use marked lots and metered/paid street bays; spaces fill fast near Bay Street and the cruise port, and vehicles parked on yellow lines or blocking traffic risk ticketing or towing.
Seatbelts are mandatory, child seats are required for young children and handheld phone use is banned (hands-free only); fines are issued by police and rental companies recover any tickets from the renter.
Call police immediately on 919 or 911, photograph the scene, exchange insurance details and report it; a police report is expected for any rental-car damage claim and vehicles should be left in place until officers attend.
Full driving guide for Bahamas →