Does National require an IDP in Central African Republic?

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.

There is no toll-road or vignette system; the sparse paved network, mostly in and around Bangui, is free. Beyond the capital almost all routes are unpaved compacted-dirt tracks.

Formal paid parking is essentially non-existent even in Bangui; vehicles are parked in guarded hotel, compound or embassy lots, and unattended street parking is discouraged for security reasons. Hiring a guard or driver to mind the car is standard.

Checkpoints are numerous and officials commonly solicit informal 'fees'; request an official receipt for any fine and keep small CFA notes accessible. Speeding, no-seatbelt and phone-use fines are handled on the spot rather than by camera.

Call police on 117 (gendarmerie 116); obtain a police report for any insurance claim and do not leave the scene. Given security volatility, contact your embassy and avoid confronting crowds that may gather.