Does National require an IDP in Panama?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Panama: 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.
Panama drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP is advised for non-Latin-script holders.
In Panama specifically, panama 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. Panama City desks accept many licences; an IDP helps non-Latin scripts.
National runs a global network; at its Panama desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Panama drives on the right, uses the PAB, 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 Panama
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the PAB deposit; Panama drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Panama National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Heavy congestion in Panama City.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Corredor toll expressways in the capital.
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 Panama
Panama City's Corredor Sur and Corredor Norte are 100% electronic with NO cash option, requiring a prepaid PanaPass transponder; a typical airport-to-city run costs about US$3-8 in tolls. Rentals usually come with a PanaPass.
Use paid garages at malls (Albrook, Multiplaza) and hotels in Panama City; the historic Casco Viejo has restricted, tight street parking and tow risk, while informal attendants expect a US$1-2 tip elsewhere.
Speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use draw fixed fines, and speed cameras plus checkpoints are common in and around Panama City; rental companies pass any camera/transit fines to the card on file with a handling fee.
Do not move the vehicles until the Transito police arrive and document the scene; dial 911 for police and ambulance. The transit (parte) report is required for insurance and rental claims.
Full driving guide for Panama →