Dominican Republic
International Driver's License for the
Dominican Republic
-
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 the Dominican Republic?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in the Dominican Republic 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 in the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic may accept a foreign license for short stays, but an International Driver's License is highly recommended for every visitor. Because dealings with Dominican police and rental agencies happen in Spanish, the IDL provides the official translation that keeps your license understood by authorities, rental desks and insurers. Apply online through E-ITA and get your digital IDL within minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP for driving in the Dominican Republic?
In the Dominican Republic, an International Driver's License (IDL) — also called an International Driving Permit (IDP) — is a translation of your national license into several languages so it can be read locally. It is always used together with your original home license, never instead of it.
How long can I drive in the Dominican Republic on a foreign license?
The Dominican Republic recognises a valid foreign license for the length of a normal tourist visit, and your IDL remains valid as long as the home license it translates stays valid. For extended stays you would deal with local licensing, but for tourism your home license plus IDL is enough.
Which side of the road does the Dominican Republic drive on?
People drive on the right side of the road in the Dominican Republic. Road conditions and driving styles can be unpredictable outside the resorts, so drive defensively and watch for motorcycles weaving through traffic.
What are the main traffic laws for drivers in the Dominican Republic?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 16 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 21 years old.
* The Dominican Republic has a national seat belt law — always wear one when available.
* The Dominican Republic prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving; a hands-free device is permitted.
* Helmets are required for motorcycle and scooter drivers and passengers, and child passengers under the age of 8 are not allowed.
* Legal Blood Alcohol Content level: 0.05% — do not drink and drive.
* The maximum driving speed is 60 km/h (37 mph) in both urban and rural areas.
What is the Dominican Republic's drink-driving limit?
The legal Blood Alcohol Content limit in the Dominican Republic is 0.05%. Enforcement can involve roadside checkpoints, so the safe choice is not to drink before driving.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in the Dominican Republic?
You can legally drive from 16 in the Dominican Republic, but the minimum age to rent a car is 21. Rental desks commonly ask foreign drivers for an International Driver's License with the home license and passport, and younger drivers may face a surcharge.
Can I get an IDP after arriving in the Dominican Republic?
It is best to arrange your IDL before you fly, but if you are already in the Dominican Republic you can apply online through E-ITA and download the digital copy quickly. Carry it with your national license for rental pickups and police checks.
How do I apply for an IDP for the Dominican Republic and how long does it take?
You apply online through E-ITA: complete the application, upload a passport-style photo and a copy of your license, and download your digital IDL — usually within minutes. The digital permit lets you drive in the Dominican Republic, with an original copy available by mail.
Who can apply for an IDP to drive in the Dominican Republic?
Anyone with a valid national driver's license can apply. The IDL only translates your current license into other languages — there is no new driving test — so your home license simply needs to be valid.
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 the Dominican Republic?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
