Does National require an IDP in Guatemala?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Guatemala: 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.
Guatemala drives on the right and accepts a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Guatemala specifically, guatemala 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. Guatemala City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
National runs a global network; at its Guatemala desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Guatemala drives on the right, uses the GTQ, 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 Guatemala
- 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 GTQ deposit; Guatemala drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Guatemala National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Avoid night driving outside cities.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Topes (speed bumps) frequent in towns.
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 Guatemala
There are essentially no toll motorways; the privately run Autopista Palín–Escuintla (CA-9 toward the Pacific) is the notable exception, charged in cash quetzales at the booth.
Guatemala City and Antigua have metered street parking and private lots costing roughly Q10-40 (about USD 1-5); always use guarded/attended lots where possible to avoid theft.
Police fine speeding, no seatbelt and phone use, sometimes on the spot in cash; carry registration and insurance for the frequent highway/military checkpoints, and rental firms pass on any unpaid fines.
Call 110 (PNC police) or 1554/PROATUR tourist assistance; do not move the vehicles and wait for authorities, as in serious or injury crashes all involved drivers can be detained until fault is established.
Full driving guide for Guatemala →