Does Thrifty require an IDP in Armenia?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Armenia: 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.
Armenia drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses its own script, so an IDP is advised to translate your licence.
In Armenia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Armenia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Yerevan desks ask for an IDP with non-Latin-script licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Armenia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Armenia drives on the right, uses the AMD, 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 Thrifty counter in Armenia
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the AMD deposit; Armenia drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Armenia Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on outside cities.
- Zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
- Mountain roads with steep grades.
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 Armenia
Armenia has no toll roads, and the previous road-use charge for foreign-registered vehicles was abolished in 2018, so tourists pay nothing to use the highway network. No vignette is required.
Central Yerevan has paid parking marked by red lines, split into Zone A (around 300 AMD/hour) and Zone B (around 200 AMD/hour), with the first 15 minutes and 00:00-09:00 free. The system is fully cashless via app or terminal, and non-payment brings a 5,000 AMD fine.
Speed and red-light cameras are widespread and rental firms pass camera fines to the renter's card; common fines include roughly 5,000 AMD for minor speeding and 10,000 AMD for phone use without a hands-free kit. Seatbelt non-use is also fined, and serious speeding escalates sharply.
Call 102 for police (or 911 unified emergency); do not move the vehicles until police document the scene, as a police report is required for any insurance claim. Drivers must mark the scene and wait for the traffic police to attend.
Full driving guide for Armenia →