Israel
International Driver's License for
Israel
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Apply online in 2 minutes — Digital copy in 8 minutesApply in 2 minutes — Receive in 8 minutes
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Printed booklet shipped worldwide — Free ID card includedWorldwide shipping — Free ID card included
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Valid in 175+ countries — Translated into 12 languagesValid in 175+ countries — 12 Translations
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Free replacements if lost or damagedFree replacements if lost or damaged
Do You Need an IDP in Israel?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Israel 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 Israel?
Most car rental agencies and local authorities in Israel expect visitors from abroad to carry an International Driver's License together with their home license. In Israel the IDL provides an official translation that helps at police stops, rental counters and with insurance claims. You can get your International Driver's License through E-ITA — apply online and have your permit ready in minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how does it apply in Israel?
For driving in Israel, an IDL (International Driving License) or IDP (International Driving Permit) is a booklet that translates your national license into internationally recognised languages. It works only alongside your original home license — Israeli authorities and rental firms will ask to see both, and the IDL alone is not a valid driving document.
Who is responsible for driving rules in Israel?
Road traffic and driver licensing in Israel are overseen by the national Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and its licensing authority. As a tourist you drive on your home license paired with your International Driver's License; a local Israeli license is only relevant if you become a resident.
How long can I drive on a foreign license in Israel?
Visitors may drive in Israel on a valid foreign license, ideally with an International Driver's License, for the length of a normal tourist stay. If you settle in Israel you would eventually need to convert to an Israeli license. For holidays and short trips, your home license plus the IDL is the accepted combination.
Do rental companies in Israel ask for an IDL?
Rental desks in Israel commonly require an International Driver's License along with your passport and home license, and although the general driving age is 16, most companies only rent from age 21. Presenting the IDL up front avoids being refused a vehicle at the counter.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Israel?
There is no on-the-spot tourist service in Israel that issues an International Driver's License for your foreign license, so arranging it before you fly is best. If you are already in Israel and need one, E-ITA lets you apply online and receive your permit in minutes instead of searching for a local issuer.
What are the key traffic laws and drink-driving limits in Israel?
* 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.
* Israel does have a national seat belt law. We recommend always wearing a seat belt if it is available.
* Israel does have a national law prohibiting mobile phone use while driving. Using a hands-free device is permitted.
* Israel does have a national law requiring the use of helmets when on motorcycle or scooter. This applies to both drivers and passengers. There is no age restriction for child passengers as long as they are wearing a helmet.
* Legal Blood Alcohol Content Level: 0.05%. Do not drink and drive.
* The maximum driving speed is 50 km/h (31 miles/hour) in urban areas and 80 km/h (49 miles/hour) in rural areas.
Is driving in Israel manageable for visitors?
Israel drives on the right, and traffic in cities such as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem can be busy. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour and enforced. Carrying your International Driver's License means that at a checkpoint or roadside stop an officer can read your license details without a translation issue.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Israel?
Anyone holding a valid national driver's license can apply. Because the IDL only translates an existing license, you must already be a licensed driver at home before driving in Israel. The whole process is completed online through E-ITA.
Is a digital copy of my IDL enough in Israel?
Carry the physical International Driver's License booklet together with your home license, as that is what Israeli police and rental staff expect to see. A digital copy is a good backup and is often accepted in practice at rental desks, especially for last-minute arrivals, but it works best as a supplement to the printed permit rather than a replacement.
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 Israel?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
