Does Thrifty require an IDP in Ukraine?
Written by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Thrifty in Ukraine: 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.
Ukraine drives on the right under the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses Cyrillic, so an IDP helps translate non-Cyrillic licences.
In Ukraine specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Ukraine ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Thrifty will typically ask for it at the counter. Desks ask for an IDP for non-Cyrillic licences.
Thrifty runs a global network; at its Ukraine desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1968 Vienna Convention format alongside the original licence. Ukraine drives on the right, uses the UAH, 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 Ukraine
- 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 UAH deposit; Ukraine drives on the right with a young-driver surcharge under 25.
Driving rules in Ukraine Thrifty renters should know
- Drive on the right.
- Headlights on outside built-up areas Oct–Apr.
- 0.02% alcohol limit.
- 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 Ukraine
Ukraine has no nationwide motorway toll or vignette system - state highways are free to use - so no toll payment is required of tourists.
In Kyiv paid parking is zone-based and commonly paid via apps (such as the Kyiv Digital app) or attendants; park only in marked bays, as towing and clamping occur in the centre.
From June 2025 speeding fines rose to as much as ~UAH 2,550 with possible licence loss; Ukraine enforces zero-tolerance drink-driving with heavy fines, suspension or imprisonment, and police frequently run roadside document checks.
Dial 102 for police (112 also routes emergencies); for any injury crash do not move the vehicles and wait for patrol police to record the accident, while minor damage-only cases can use a European-style accident report if both parties agree.
Full driving guide for Ukraine →