Does National require an IDP in Micronesia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Micronesia: 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 Federated States of Micronesia drive on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence across the scattered island states.
In Micronesia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Micronesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Island rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
National runs a global network; at its Micronesia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Micronesia 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 Micronesia
- 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; Micronesia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Micronesia National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on island roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Roads vary widely between states.
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 Micronesia
There are no toll roads or electronic toll systems in any of the four FSM states.
Parking is free and unregulated, with no meters or paid lots in Kolonia or other towns; vehicles park on roadsides and gravel verges with no towing regime to worry about.
Seatbelt and drink-driving laws are enforced with fines, but enforcement and speed cameras are minimal; the bigger hazard is poor road conditions and unlit roads rather than ticketing.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance and report the crash to the relevant state public-safety department (e.g. Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety in Kolonia); accidents frequently cause serious injury, so do not move injured people and wait for responders.
Full driving guide for Micronesia →