Does Thrifty require an IDP in Moldova?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Moldova: the policy in plain terms
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Moldova drives on the right and uses both Latin and Cyrillic signage; an IDP is advised alongside your licence.
In Moldova specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Moldova ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Chișinău desks ask for an IDP with non-EU licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Moldova desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Moldova drives on the right, uses the MDL, 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 Moldova
- 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 MDL deposit; Moldova drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Moldova Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on outside towns.
- Zero-tolerance alcohol policy.
- Carry passport, IDP and home licence.
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 Moldova
There are no electronic toll motorways. Foreign-registered vehicles pay a road-use vignette on entry (about EUR 4 for up to 7 days), bought at the border and displayed on the windscreen.
In Chisinau use marked paid zones and central car parks; metered/app or attendant payment is common and unofficial 'parking helpers' may approach. Avoid blocking courtyards and tram lanes, where towing occurs.
Speeding fines commonly run from roughly EUR 30 up to EUR 60+ for serious excess, with phone and seatbelt offences also penalised; police may issue on-the-spot fines payable to the state, never directly in cash to the officer. Rentals pass camera/police fines back to the renter.
Call 112 for police and ambulance. Do not move vehicles before police document the scene; an official police report (proces-verbal) is mandatory for any insurance or rental claim.
Full driving guide for Moldova →