Does National require an IDP in Marshall Islands?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Marshall Islands: 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.
The Marshall Islands drive on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though roads are confined to a few atolls.
In Marshall Islands specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Marshall Islands ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Majuro rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
National runs a global network; at its Marshall Islands desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Marshall Islands drives on the right, uses the USD, 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 Marshall Islands
- 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 USD deposit; Marshall Islands drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Marshall Islands National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on narrow roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Few vehicles and limited fuel.
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 Marshall Islands
There are no tolls, vignettes or electronic road-charging schemes in the Marshall Islands.
Parking is free and informal, with no metered zones or paid car parks; on Majuro you simply pull onto the roadside, and towing is essentially a non-issue.
Speed limits are roughly 40 km/h in town and up to 60 km/h on the open road; police actively enforce seatbelt rules with on-the-spot fines, and drink-driving and handheld-phone use are penalised.
There is no single nationwide emergency number; contact the Marshall Islands Police Department headquarters in Uliga, Majuro directly and stay at the scene for any injury accident until officers attend.
Full driving guide for Marshall Islands →