Does Thrifty require an IDP in Andorra?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Andorra: the policy in plain terms
Asks for a licence translation in select countries and for non-Roman-alphabet licences. Budget-friendly brand paired with Dollar in many markets.
This Pyrenean micro-state drives on the right and most visitors arrive on an EU licence, so an IDP is rarely demanded — though non-Latin-script holders should carry one.
In Andorra specifically, andorra lets visitors drive on a valid foreign licence, but Thrifty still asks for a licence translation if your licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet — and it removes any doubt at the counter. Few rental desks exist; most cars arrive from Spain or France with their own paperwork.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Andorra desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Andorra 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 Thrifty counter in Andorra
- 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 EUR deposit; Andorra drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Andorra Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right on steep mountain roads.
- Winter tyres or chains needed in snow.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Dipped headlights in tunnels.
Thrifty's rental terms that affect your IDP booking
Thrifty's published minimum rental age is 20 at most U.S. and Canada locations (18 in Michigan, New York, and Quebec); drivers aged 20-24 (or 18-24 in those exception states/province) are charged an Underage Drivers fee that varies by location, typically around $29/day and higher (roughly $35-$52) in New York and Michigan.
A valid credit/debit card in the renter's own name is required and a hold is placed for estimated charges plus roughly $200 extra for credit cards or $500 for debit (about $350 CAD in Canada); Visa/Mastercard/Discover debit cards are accepted only on Compact through Fullsize classes (not Premium and above) and a physical card must be presented as digital-wallet cards are not accepted.
Additional drivers must meet the minimum age requirement and hold a valid licence, and an additional-driver fee applies per day; it is waived for Blue Chip Rewards members, government renters on official orders, corporate-rate customers, and the companion/driver of a physically impaired customer. Thrifty's general policy requires a valid driver's licence covering the entire rental period but does not publish a fixed minimum tenure; in practice under-25 renters are typically expected to have held a full licence for at least one year.
Driving is generally restricted to the continental United States and Canada, and a Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S.-owned vehicle into Canada; one-way rentals are offered within the U.S. and within Canada subject to location/availability with a one-way drop fee.
Foreign renters must present a driver's licence issued in their country of residence together with a valid passport; if the licence is not in English, Thrifty requires both the foreign licence and a current International Driver's Permit to be presented.
Once you collect the keys in Andorra
Andorra has no motorway tolls or vignettes - all roads are free; the only related cost is paid parking in towns and at ski resorts.
Town-centre parking (especially Andorra la Vella and Escaldes) is mostly paid via meters, machines or apps, with signposted restricted zones; illegally parked cars are towed, and P+R lots on the edges ease congestion.
Speeding, seatbelt and handheld-phone offences are fined on the spot; drink-drive limits are strict, and rental firms forward any camera or police fine to the renter's card.
Call 112 for all emergencies; do not move vehicles after an injury crash until police arrive, complete the European accident statement (constat amiable), and obtain a police report for insurance.
Full driving guide for Andorra →