International Driver's License for Cambodia
-
Apply online in 2 minutes — Digital copy in 8 minutesApply in 2 minutes — Receive in 8 minutes
-
Printed booklet shipped worldwide — Free ID card includedWorldwide shipping — Free ID card included
-
Valid in 175+ countries — Translated into 12 languagesValid in 175+ countries — 12 Translations
-
Free replacements if lost or damagedFree replacements if lost or damaged
Do You Need an IDP in Cambodia?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Cambodia depends on who you are and how long you are staying.
Last updated:
| Driver type | IDP needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or short-term visitor | Recommended | Strongly recommended for all visitors; often required when your license is not in the local language. |
| Rental car driver | Often required | Many rental agencies ask for an IDP alongside a foreign license at pickup. |
| Long-term resident | Not sufficient | After establishing residency you will usually need a local driver's license. |
| Local license holder traveling abroad | Recommended | Carry an IDL with your national license when driving in most foreign countries. |
Rules vary by region — see the FAQ below for local requirements and traffic laws.
Documents you need
- A valid driver's license from your home country
- A passport-style photo — a phone photo is accepted
- No driving test and no DMV visit required
You do not need to be a citizen or resident to apply.
How it works
- Complete the online application — it takes about 2 minutes
- Upload your driver's license and photo
- Receive your digital IDL in about 8 minutes; the printed booklet ships worldwide
International Driver's License Information & Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driver's License to drive in Cambodia?
Most car rental agencies and local authorities in Cambodia ask visitors from abroad to carry an International Driver's License alongside their home license. The IDL is an official translation of your national license that helps Cambodian traffic police, rental counters, and insurers read your credentials. Your home license stays the valid document to drive on; the IDL travels with it. You can apply online through E-ITA and receive your digital IDL within minutes.
What is an IDP, and how does it work when driving in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, an International Driving Permit (also called an International Driver's License) is a multi-language booklet that translates the details of your existing national license so officials who don't read your language can understand it. It is never a licence on its own — you carry it together with your valid home license. Without your original license in hand, the IDP has no standing at a Cambodian checkpoint or rental desk.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Cambodia?
People drive on the right side of the road in Cambodia. If you are used to left-hand traffic, take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, and remember that motorcycles and scooters make up a large share of traffic in cities like Phnom Penh.
What are the key traffic laws I should know in Cambodia?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 18. The minimum age to rent a car is 21.
* Cambodia has a national seat belt law — always wear a seat belt where one is fitted.
* Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited; a hands-free device is permitted.
* Helmets are required by law for both riders and passengers on a motorcycle or scooter; there is no age restriction for a child passenger as long as they wear a helmet.
* The maximum speed is 40 km/h (24 mph) in urban areas and 90 km/h (55 mph) on rural roads.
What is the drink-driving limit in Cambodia?
The legal blood alcohol limit in Cambodia is 0.05%. Enforcement includes roadside checks, so the safest choice is not to drink at all before driving. Penalties for driving under the influence can include fines and other sanctions on top of the risk to your rental agreement and insurance cover.
Do rental car companies in Cambodia require an IDL?
Many rental desks in Cambodia will ask to see an International Driver's License together with your home license, and most set a minimum rental age of 21 even though the minimum age to drive is 18. Carrying the IDL smooths the pickup and helps if you need to make an insurance claim after an incident.
Can I get an International Driver's License after I've already arrived in Cambodia?
It is far easier to arrange your IDL before you land in Cambodia, but E-ITA's online application means you are not stuck if you left it late — you can apply from your phone and get a digital copy within minutes to show a rental desk or the police. The physical booklet is the preferred document to carry, so order in time for it to reach you when you can.
How long can I drive in Cambodia on my foreign license and IDL?
An International Driver's License is generally issued for up to one year and is valid only while your underlying home license is valid. It suits tourists and short-term visitors driving in Cambodia. If you settle in Cambodia longer term, you should look into obtaining a local Cambodian license rather than relying on the IDL indefinitely.
Who can apply for a Cambodia International Driver's License?
Anyone who already holds a valid national driver's license and meets Cambodia's minimum driving age of 18 can apply. Because the IDL only translates your existing license, you must hold that license first — E-ITA does not issue driving rights, it produces the translation booklet that accompanies them.
How do I apply for an IDL for Cambodia through E-ITA?
Planning to drive in Cambodia? Start E-ITA's online application, upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your Cambodia-recognised home license, and you can download a digital copy within minutes to show a Phnom Penh rental desk or a checkpoint, with the physical booklet mailed to you afterward. For what's included and current costs, see E-ITA's pricing page rather than any figure quoted here.
What travelers say
Reviews from verified E-ITA customers.
“The rental agent asked for an IDP with my license. I showed the digital copy from my phone and picked up the car with no issues.”
“The digital version arrived fast and worked at the rental counter. The printed booklet took five days to arrive, which was fine for my trip.”
“Applied from the airport with urgent processing and had the PDF before boarding. Exactly what I needed for my road trip.”
Ready to drive in Cambodia?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
