Does National require an IDP in San Marino?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in San Marino: 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.
This enclave inside Italy drives on the right and follows Italian-style rules; an IDP is rarely required but useful for non-EU visitors.
In San Marino specifically, san Marino 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. Cars are typically rented in Italy; an IDP helps non-EU drivers.
National runs a global network; at its San Marino desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. San Marino drives on the right, uses the EUR, 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 San Marino
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; San Marino drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in San Marino National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on motorways and in tunnels.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Reflective vest and triangle required.
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 San Marino
San Marino has no motorways and no toll roads, so no vignette or toll payment is required; the connecting Italian roads (SS72) are likewise toll-free.
Parking in the historic Città (old town) is restricted to colour-coded paid bays and several public garages, since the walled centre is largely pedestrian-only; pay at meters and avoid double-white-line and crossing areas.
Italian-style on-the-spot fines apply for speeding, no seatbelt and handheld phone use (drink-drive limit 0.05%); rental companies operating across the Italy border pass camera fines back to the hirer with an admin charge.
Call 112/113 for police; exchange details and complete the European Accident Statement (CID/constat) form, and do not move vehicles after an injury crash until authorities attend.
Full driving guide for San Marino →