Does National require an IDP in Czechia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Czechia: 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.
Czechia drives on the right and enforces a strict zero-alcohol rule; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP, and a motorway vignette is required.
In Czechia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Czechia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Prague desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette comes with most rentals.
National runs a global network; at its Czechia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Czechia drives on the right, uses the CZK, 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 Czechia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the CZK deposit; Czechia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Czechia National renters should know
- Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%).
- Motorway e-vignette required.
- Headlights on at all times.
- Reflective vest and triangle 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 Czechia
An electronic motorway vignette (dalnicni znamka), linked to the number plate with no sticker, is required on motorways: 2026 prices for cars are about CZK 230 for 1 day, 300 for 10 days, 480 for 30 days and 2,570 yearly. Buy it online at edalnice.cz, at petrol stations or post offices.
Prague uses coloured zones managed via the Virtual Parking Hours app: orange/purple are paid visitor zones and blue zones are resident-only with a limited 3-hour visitor option. Rates run from about CZK 80/hour in Praha 1 down to CZK 20-40 in outer districts.
Czechia enforces a strict 0.0 alcohol limit and heavy fines - serious offences can run into tens of thousands of crowns with on-the-spot collection possible. Speed cameras are common and rental firms pass camera and parking fines to the renter with an administration charge.
Call 112 (or police 158); police attendance is mandatory if there is injury, damage above CZK 100,000, or damage to a third party's or public property. For minor damage-only crashes, complete a European Accident Statement and exchange details.
Full driving guide for Czechia →