Does National require an IDP in Palau?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Palau: 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.
Palau drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Palau specifically, palau 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. Koror desks accept many foreign licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
National runs a global network; at its Palau desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Palau drives on the right, uses the USD, and sets a minimum driving age of 21; an IDP is still the safest way to avoid a refused booking.
What to bring to the National counter in Palau
- 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; Palau drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Palau National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits across the islands.
- 0.08% 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 Palau
Palau has no toll roads, vignettes or electronic toll systems; all public roads, including the Koror-Babeldaob (KB) Bridge, are free to use.
Parking is informal and free in Koror with no paid-zone meters or colour-coded systems; park sensibly off the carriageway, as space near the main downtown shops and markets is limited.
The national speed limit is just 25 mph (about 40 km/h) and is enforced; fines for speeding, no seatbelt or drink-driving are issued by Koror police, and rental firms pass any citations back to the renter's card on file.
Dial 911 for police and ambulance (Koror police: 680-488-2423); do not move vehicles after an injury crash and wait for officers, as a police report is needed for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Palau →