Does National require an IDP in Monaco?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Monaco: 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 principality drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-Latin-script holders.
In Monaco specifically, monaco 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. Cars are typically rented in nearby Nice; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
National runs a global network; at its Monaco desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Monaco drives on the right, uses the EUR, 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 Monaco
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Monaco drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Monaco National renters should know
- Drive on the right on tight, hilly streets.
- Strict parking enforcement.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- 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 Monaco
Monaco itself has no toll roads, but the only practical road approach is France's tolled A8 autoroute, paid by cash, card or Telepass/Liber-t badge at French toll plazas.
On-street space is minimal and strictly controlled; most visitors use public underground car parks, free for the first hour then rising on a sliding scale (about EUR 2.70 to EUR 14.50 for longer stays). Overstaying or bad parking risks a fine around EUR 35 and towing.
Speeding, phone use and seatbelt violations are enforced to French/Monegasque standards with substantial fixed fines, and police can levy on-the-spot penalties. Rental companies recharge any camera fines to the renter with an admin fee.
Call 112 (or 17 for police, 18 for fire/rescue). Leave vehicles in place if anyone is injured and complete the European accident statement (constat amiable); a police report is needed for claims and required by rental firms.
Full driving guide for Monaco →