Does National require an IDP in France?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in France: 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.
Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence to drive or rent a car in France.
In France specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in France ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Major desks (Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) request an IDP for licences not issued in the EU/EEA.
National runs a global network; at its France desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. France drives on the right, uses the EUR, 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 France
- 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 EUR deposit; France drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in France National renters should know
- Drive on the right; overtake on the left.
- Carry a reflective vest and warning triangle in the vehicle.
- Priority to the right (priorité à droite) applies at unmarked junctions.
- Strict 0.05% blood-alcohol limit (0.02% for new drivers).
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 France
Most autoroutes are tolled (peage), paid at booths by cash, card or contactless, or via a Liber-T electronic tag; long-distance trips can run EUR 30-60+. Take a ticket on entry and pay by distance on exit; green-arrow lanes are for tag holders only.
Paid on-street parking (stationnement payant) is bought from horodateur meters or apps like PayByPhone/Flowbird, often EUR 2-6/hour in cities; many central spaces are resident-only (zone residentielle). Overstaying triggers a forfait post-stationnement fine and persistent offenders risk towing (mise en fourriere).
On-the-spot fines are common for foreign drivers: speeding starts around EUR 68-135 (more for higher bands), handheld phone use EUR 135, no seatbelt EUR 135; police may demand immediate payment or a deposit. Radar/speed-camera fines are forwarded to the rental company, which passes them to you with an admin fee, and radar detectors are illegal.
Call 112 (or 15 SAMU / 17 police); police attendance is required if anyone is injured. For damage-only crashes complete and both-sign the constat amiable (European Accident Statement), do not move vehicles if there are injuries, and send the form to the insurer/rental firm within 5 days.
Full driving guide for France →