Does National require an IDP in Barbados?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Barbados: 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.
Barbados drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local visitor's driving permit, usually arranged through the rental company.
In Barbados specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Barbados ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental desks issue the required local visitor's permit; carry your licence.
National runs a global network; at its Barbados desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Barbados drives on the left, uses the BBD, 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 Barbados
- 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 BBD deposit; Barbados drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Barbados National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a visitor's driving permit.
- Narrow rural roads and roundabouts.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
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 Barbados
Barbados has no toll roads; instead a Vehicle Rental Levy of up to BBD$35 per rental contract is charged on hire cars.
In Bridgetown park only where a 'P' sign is posted or in lots/garages; on-street parking outside marked bays risks a ticket, and the compact city centre fills quickly during the day.
Seatbelts are required and handheld phone use is prohibited; police issue fines for speeding and infractions, and rental firms charge any tickets back to the renter, often with a handling fee.
Call Police on 211 (Ambulance 511, Fire 311), do not move the vehicles, photograph the scene and exchange details; notify your rental company and obtain a police report for any insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Barbados →