Does National require an IDP in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 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 Vincent and the Grenadines drive on the left and require a local temporary permit, arranged through the rental company.
In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 required; rental desks help arrange it.
National runs a global network; at its Saint Vincent and the Grenadines desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Vincent and the Grenadines
- 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 Vincent and the Grenadines drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Buy a local driving permit.
- Narrow, hilly 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 Vincent and the Grenadines
There are no toll roads or electronic tolls in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the Windward and Leeward Highways and all other roads are free.
On-street parking in central Kingstown is limited and congested, especially near the market and cruise berth; many Windward-side hotels offer free off-street parking, which is the safer choice for valuables.
Drivers face fixed-penalty fines for speeding, seatbelt and mobile-phone offences enforced by the police Traffic Department; on-the-spot or court fines apply and rental companies recover any unpaid tickets from the renter.
Call police/emergency on 999 (or 911); report accidents to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Traffic Department, leave vehicles in place where there are injuries, and exchange insurance details for minor knocks.
Full driving guide for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines →