Does National require an IDP in Trinidad and Tobago?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
National in Trinidad and Tobago: 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.
Trinidad and Tobago drive on the left and accept a valid foreign licence for short stays; an IDP is advised for non-English licences.
In Trinidad and Tobago specifically, trinidad and Tobago 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. Port of Spain desks accept English licences; an IDP helps non-English drivers.
National runs a global network; at its Trinidad and Tobago desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left, uses the TTD, 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 Trinidad and Tobago
- 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 TTD deposit; Trinidad and Tobago drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Trinidad and Tobago National renters should know
- Drive on the left.
- Heavy congestion around Port of Spain.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- 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 Trinidad and Tobago
There are no toll roads in Trinidad and Tobago; the Uriah Butler, Solomon Hochoy and Churchill-Roosevelt highways are all free, with congestion rather than tolls being the main concern.
Central Port of Spain has metered and paid lots but very tight, congested kerbside space; downtown and Charlotte Street areas see vehicle break-ins, so use guarded car parks and never leave valuables visible.
From 1 January 2026 fines doubled: speeding ranges from TT$2,000 (1-9 km/h over) up to a TT$6,000 fixed penalty for 31 km/h or more, with heavy seatbelt, phone and DUI penalties; rental firms charge any camera tickets back to the hirer.
Call police on 999 (emergency 990 for fire/ambulance); report the accident to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (online or at a station), do not move vehicles when there are injuries, and exchange insurance details.
Full driving guide for Trinidad and Tobago →