Does National require an IDP in Cape Verde?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Cape Verde: 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 Atlantic island nation drives on the right; visitors can often use a national licence for short stays, with an IDP advised for non-Latin scripts.
In Cape Verde specifically, cape Verde 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. Island desks recommend an IDP for non-Latin-script licences.
National runs a global network; at its Cape Verde desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Cape Verde drives on the right, uses the CVE, 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 Cape Verde
- 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 CVE deposit; Cape Verde drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Cape Verde National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Steep, cobbled island roads.
- 0.05% 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 Cape Verde
Cape Verde has no toll roads or vignette system; all inter-town and island roads are free to use. Inter-island travel is by ferry or plane rather than road, so no road charges apply.
Outside busy areas parking is generally free; in Praia, Mindelo, Santa Maria and on Sal/Boa Vista there are regulated paid public and private zones and parking is tight, so plan ahead. Informal attendants may expect a small tip to watch your car.
Urban speed limit is 50 km/h and 80 km/h on open roads; police issue on-the-spot fines for speeding, no seatbelt or phone use, payable in escudos. Rental firms recover any unpaid fines from the card on file.
Call police on 132 (national emergency 112; ambulance 130); a police report is needed for insurance. Do not move the vehicles before police attend if there are injuries, and exchange details with the other driver.
Full driving guide for Cape Verde →