Does National require an IDP in Saint Lucia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Saint Lucia: 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.
Saint Lucia drives on the left and requires visitors to buy a temporary driving permit, typically arranged at the rental desk.
In Saint Lucia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Saint Lucia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. A local temporary permit is issued at the desk; an IDP helps.
National runs a global network; at its Saint Lucia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Saint Lucia drives on the left, uses the XCD, 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 Saint Lucia
- 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 XCD deposit; Saint Lucia drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Saint Lucia National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a temporary driving permit.
- Steep, winding mountain roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
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 Saint Lucia
There are no toll roads or vignettes in Saint Lucia; all highways, including the West Coast and Castries-Gros Islet routes, are toll-free.
Paid and free on-street parking exists in central Castries but spaces are scarce; vehicle break-ins occur in town and at trailheads, so use attended lots, lock up and leave nothing visible.
Speeding fines typically run EC$150-EC$500 at officer discretion, with enforcement focused on Castries and main roads on weekends and holidays; courts have warned that unpaid traffic fines can lead to arrest, and rentals pass any tickets to the hirer.
Dial 999 for police or 911 for emergencies (911 for fire/ambulance via 759-2222); report injury accidents immediately and do not move vehicles, while for minor damage you exchange insurance details on the spot.
Full driving guide for Saint Lucia →