Does National require an IDP in Kuwait?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Kuwait: 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.
Kuwait drives on the right with strict speed enforcement; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence, and alcohol is banned entirely.
In Kuwait specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Kuwait ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Kuwait City desks request an IDP for most non-GCC licences.
National runs a global network; at its Kuwait desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Kuwait drives on the right, uses the KWD, 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 Kuwait
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the KWD deposit; Kuwait drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Kuwait National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited.
- Extensive speed cameras.
- Seatbelts 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 Kuwait
Kuwait has no toll roads or vignette system; the expressway network is free to use.
Parking is free in many areas but prohibited where the kerb is painted black-and-yellow; illegal parking near malls and Kuwait City business districts is ticketed and cars may be towed, so use marked bays and mall garages.
Under the 2025 traffic law penalties are steep: running a red light rose to around KD 150 (with possible jail), reckless driving KD 150 plus impoundment, and fines range roughly KD 10-500; speed and red-light cameras are extensive and rental firms bill camera fines back to the renter.
Notify police immediately on 112, do not leave the scene, and wait for officers; a police report is mandatory for insurance and the rental company, and being involved in a crash (even if not at fault) can lead to temporary detention.
Full driving guide for Kuwait →