Does Thrifty require an IDP in Marshall Islands?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Marshall Islands: 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.
The Marshall Islands drive on the right; an IDP is advised with your home licence, though roads are confined to a few atolls.
In Marshall Islands specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Marshall Islands ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Majuro rental is limited; an IDP and passport advised.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Marshall Islands desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format alongside the original licence. Marshall Islands drives on the right, uses the USD, 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 Marshall Islands
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the internationally recognised format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the USD deposit; Marshall Islands drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Marshall Islands Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Low speed limits on narrow roads.
- 0.08% alcohol limit.
- Few vehicles and limited fuel.
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 Marshall Islands
There are no tolls, vignettes or electronic road-charging schemes in the Marshall Islands.
Parking is free and informal, with no metered zones or paid car parks; on Majuro you simply pull onto the roadside, and towing is essentially a non-issue.
Speed limits are roughly 40 km/h in town and up to 60 km/h on the open road; police actively enforce seatbelt rules with on-the-spot fines, and drink-driving and handheld-phone use are penalised.
There is no single nationwide emergency number; contact the Marshall Islands Police Department headquarters in Uliga, Majuro directly and stay at the scene for any injury accident until officers attend.
Full driving guide for Marshall Islands →