Does National require an IDP in Grenada?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Grenada: 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.
Grenada drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a local temporary permit, arranged through the rental company or police.
In Grenada specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Grenada ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. A local temporary permit is required; rental desks help arrange it.
National runs a global network; at its Grenada desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Grenada drives on the left, uses the XCD, 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 Grenada
- 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 XCD deposit; Grenada drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Grenada National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a local driving permit.
- Narrow, steep roads.
- 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 Grenada
There are no toll roads or vignettes; all public roads are free to use.
Parking is informal outside St George's, where street space is tight and metered/attended lots near the Carenage and market are common; park clear of bus stops and blind corners or risk a ticket.
Police issue fines for speeding, no seatbelt and phone use; the urban limit is low (around 30-40 km/h) and fines are modest but rental firms recover any unpaid tickets from your deposit.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance; do not move the vehicles, wait for police to attend, and obtain a police report, which is required for any insurance claim.
Full driving guide for Grenada →