Does National require an IDP in Vatican City?
National in Vatican City: the policy in plain terms
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
The world's smallest state drives on the right but has virtually no public roads to drive; visitors enter Rome's road network, where Italian rules and IDPs apply.
In Vatican City specifically, vatican City lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but National still requires an IDP if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. No rental desks exist; cars are hired in Rome under Italian requirements.
National runs a global network; at its Vatican City desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Vatican City 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 Vatican City
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the EUR deposit; Vatican City drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Vatican City National renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Effectively pedestrian within the walls.
- Italian rules apply on surrounding roads.
- 0.05% alcohol limit (Italian standard).