Does National require an IDP in Nauru?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Nauru: 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.
Nauru drives on the left and has a single ring road around the island; an IDP is advised with your home licence.
In Nauru specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Nauru ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Rental is very limited; an IDP and passport advised.
National runs a global network; at its Nauru desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Nauru drives on the left, uses the AUD, 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 Nauru
- 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 AUD deposit; Nauru drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Nauru National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- One main road circles the island.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Very low speed limits.
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 Nauru
Nauru has no tolls, vignettes or electronic road charges; the entire ring road is free to use.
Parking is free and informal everywhere, including around the Capelle & Partner store and government buildings; there are no meters or paid zones and towing is not a practical risk.
Driving is on the left with limits of about 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h on the ring road; seatbelts are required and drink-driving is an offence, with fines generally issued on the spot rather than by camera.
Dial 110 for the Nauru Police Force (or the Crimes Unit on 557 2979); report any injury accident, and leave vehicles where they are until police arrive when someone is hurt.
Full driving guide for Nauru →