Does National require an IDP in Slovenia?
National in Slovenia: 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.
Slovenia drives on the right and requires an e-vignette for motorways; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP with their licence.
In Slovenia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Slovenia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so National will typically ask for it at the counter. Ljubljana desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette included with rentals.
National runs a global network; at its Slovenia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Slovenia drives on the right, uses the EUR, 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 Slovenia
- 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; Slovenia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Slovenia National renters should know
- Motorway e-vignette required.
- Headlights on at all times.
- 0.05% alcohol limit; zero for new/professional drivers.
- Reflective vest and triangle 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 Slovenia
All motorways and expressways require an electronic e-vignette for vehicles up to 3.5t, sold by the week, month or year at petrol stations, post offices and border shops; check whether your rental includes one, as driving without it draws an on-the-spot fine up to about EUR 800.
In Ljubljana, white-line zones allow up to 2 hours paid parking 07:00-19:00, with park-and-ride lots on the outskirts; illegal parking costs EUR 80 (EUR 40 if paid within 8 days). Pay via meters or parking apps.
Minor speeding (1-10 km/h over) starts around EUR 50-120, while 30+ km/h over can mean EUR 300-1,200 plus penalty points and licence suspension; police can issue on-the-spot fines and rental firms forward camera fines plus an admin fee.
Dial 112 for emergencies; for any collision you must notify the police and obtain an accident report for insurance, and vehicles should not be moved until documented if there are injuries.
Full driving guide for Slovenia →