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National · Philippines

Does National require an IDP in Philippines?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
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Philippines 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.
National in Philippines
National IDP policyRecommended for non-Roman-alphabet licences
National footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theRight

National in Philippines: 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 Philippines drives on the right and lets visitors use a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days; an IDP helps for non-English licences.

In Philippines specifically, philippines 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. Manila desks recommend an IDP for non-English licences.

National runs a global network; at its Philippines desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Philippines drives on the right, uses the PHP, 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 Philippines

  • 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 PHP deposit; Philippines drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Philippines National renters should know

  • Drive on the right.
  • Number-coding scheme limits plates on set days in Metro Manila.
  • 0.05% alcohol limit.
  • Helmets mandatory for motorbikes.

National's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

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.

Deposit & accepted cards

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.

Additional drivers

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.

Cross-border & one-way

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).

IDP & foreign-licence rule

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 Philippines

Tolls & road charges

Expressways such as NLEX, SLEX, SCTEX and CAVITEX are electronic RFID-only at most barriers (Autosweep and Easytrip systems); confirm the rental car has a funded RFID tag, as cash lanes are largely phased out.

Parking in town

Urban parking is tight and mostly in paid private lots and malls charging by the hour; street parking is metered or attendant-run in cities like Makati, and illegally parked cars are clamped or towed.

Fines & camera enforcement

LTO/MMDA fines for speeding, no seatbelt and phone use are issued via apprehension or no-contact apprehension cameras; tourists are sometimes flagged down for on-the-spot citations, and rental firms forward camera fines plus a handling fee.

If you have an accident

Dial the national emergency line 911 for serious crashes and call the police to obtain a report; do not leave the scene, and exchange details, as rental firms require a police report before settling damage.

Full driving guide for Philippines

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Philippines?
Philippines 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. 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.
02
What documents should I bring to the National desk in Philippines?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Philippines drives on the right and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from National in Philippines?
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. Locally, Philippines sets a minimum driving age of 18 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does National require?
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.
05
Can I take a National rental across the border or drop it one-way?
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).
06
Does National charge for an additional driver?
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.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in Philippines?
Expressways such as NLEX, SLEX, SCTEX and CAVITEX are electronic RFID-only at most barriers (Autosweep and Easytrip systems); confirm the rental car has a funded RFID tag, as cash lanes are largely phased out.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a National car in Philippines?
LTO/MMDA fines for speeding, no seatbelt and phone use are issued via apprehension or no-contact apprehension cameras; tourists are sometimes flagged down for on-the-spot citations, and rental firms forward camera fines plus a handling fee.
09
What is National's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local rules call for one. National operates at 1,500+ locations and is distinguished by its Emerald Club loyalty program with the Emerald Aisle, where members select any vehicle (Midsize and above) and pay the Midsize rate, bypassing the counter.
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