Does Thrifty require an IDP in Norway?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Norway: the policy in plain terms
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Norway drives on the right with mandatory daytime headlights and one of Europe's strictest alcohol limits; non-EU visitors should carry an IDP.
In Norway specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Norway ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Oslo desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; many tolls are automatic.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Norway desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Norway drives on the right, uses the NOK, 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 Norway
- Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
- Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format.
- Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
- Local payment for the NOK deposit; Norway drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Norway Thrifty renters should know
- Headlights on at all times, year-round.
- 0.02% alcohol limit — near zero.
- Winter tyres mandatory in winter.
- Automatic AutoPASS toll roads.
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 Norway
Norway has 400+ automatic camera toll points (bomstasjoner) with no booths. Foreign cars are billed by plate via Epass24, or you can pre-register an AutoPASS transponder for a discount; many city tolls also apply.
Cities use municipal pay-and-display and app payment (EasyPark is dominant); blue 'P' signs mark lots. Parking is expensive and zones/residential permits are strictly enforced with fines and towing.
Speeding fines are severe: minor 5-35 km/h overages draw on-the-spot fines roughly NOK 600-7,800, payable by card with a receipt; larger overages risk licence loss. Drink-drive limit is a strict 0.02%.
Call 112 for police, 113 for ambulance, 110 for fire. Exchange details and complete the standard European accident report; police attendance is required for injuries or disputed/serious damage.
Full driving guide for Norway →