Does National require an IDP in Saudi Arabia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Saudi Arabia: 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.
Saudi Arabia drives on the right and bans alcohol entirely; tourists should carry an IDP with their national licence to rent a car.
In Saudi Arabia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Saudi Arabia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Riyadh and Jeddah desks request an IDP for non-Arabic licences.
National runs a global network; at its Saudi Arabia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Saudi Arabia drives on the right, uses the SAR, 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 Saudi Arabia
- 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 SAR deposit; Saudi Arabia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Saudi Arabia National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Zero alcohol — it is prohibited nationwide.
- Saher speed cameras are extensive.
- Seatbelts mandatory.
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 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is rolling out electronic RFID toll tags on some expressways, but most intercity roads remain free; a tourist generally pays no tolls, and any charge is handled through the rental's tag.
Park only in designated and marked bays; major cities use paid parking apps and meters, and illegal parking brings fines and towing, with rental firms adding an admin fee.
Saher cameras automatically fine speeding, phone use and no seatbelt, with penalties commonly running into hundreds to thousands of riyals; rental firms forward camera fines plus a handling fee, and you must clear them via Absher before leaving.
Call traffic police on 993 (or 911 in major cities) and the Najm insurance service; do not move the vehicles until documented, as a Najm/police report is mandatory and rental firms levy a ~SAR 150 admin fee plus fines if not reported within 24 hours via Absher.
Full driving guide for Saudi Arabia →