Kazakhstan
International Driver's License for
Kazakhstan
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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 Kazakhstan?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Kazakhstan 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 Kazakhstan?
Most car rental agencies and local authorities in Kazakhstan ask foreign drivers to hold an International Driver's License alongside their home license. In Kazakhstan 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 receive your permit in minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how does it apply in Kazakhstan?
For driving in Kazakhstan, an IDL (International Driving License) or IDP (International Driving Permit) is a booklet that translates your national license into recognised languages, including a form readable alongside Cyrillic-script documents. It works only with your original home license — Kazakh authorities and rental firms will want to see both together.
Who is responsible for road traffic in Kazakhstan?
Road traffic and driver licensing in Kazakhstan are overseen by the national traffic police and licensing bodies. As a visitor you drive on your home license paired with your International Driver's License; you would only need a Kazakh license if you became a resident.
How long can I drive on my foreign license in Kazakhstan?
Visitors may drive in Kazakhstan on a valid foreign license, ideally with an International Driver's License, for the length of a normal stay. Settling in Kazakhstan longer term would eventually call for a local license. For tourism and short trips, your home license plus the IDL is the standard combination.
Do rental companies in Kazakhstan require an IDL?
Rental desks in Almaty, Astana and other cities commonly ask for an International Driver's License with your home license, and the minimum age to rent a car in Kazakhstan is 23, above the driving age of 18. Because local paperwork is in Kazakh and Russian, having your IDL ready avoids problems at the counter.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Kazakhstan?
There is no on-the-spot tourist service in Kazakhstan that issues an International Driver's License for a foreign license, so it is best arranged before you travel. If you are already in the country and need one, E-ITA lets you apply online and receive your permit in minutes.
What are the key traffic laws and drink-driving limits in Kazakhstan?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 18 years old. The minimum age to rent a car is 23 years old.
* Kazakhstan does have a national seat belt law. We recommend always wearing a seat belt if it is available.
* Kazakhstan does have a national law prohibiting mobile phone use while driving. Using a hands-free device is permitted.
* Kazakhstan does have a national law requiring the use of helmets when on motorcycle or scooter. This applies to both drivers and passengers. Child passengers under the age of 12 are not allowed.
* Legal Blood Alcohol Content Level: 0.05%. Do not drink and drive.
* The maximum driving speed is 60 km/h (37 miles/hour) in urban areas and 110 km/h (68 miles/hour) in rural areas.
Is driving in Kazakhstan demanding for visitors?
Kazakhstan drives on the right, distances between cities are vast, and road conditions vary widely away from main routes. Note that children under 12 are not permitted as motorcycle passengers. Carrying your International Driver's License means that at a traffic-police stop, an officer can read your license without a language barrier.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Kazakhstan?
Anyone holding a valid national driver's license can apply. The IDL only translates an existing license, so you must already be licensed at home before driving in Kazakhstan. The application is completed online through E-ITA.
Is a digital copy of my IDL enough in Kazakhstan?
Carry the physical International Driver's License booklet together with your home license, as that is what Kazakh traffic police and rental desks expect. A digital copy is a helpful backup and is often accepted in practice at rental counters, especially for last-minute arrivals, but treat it as support for 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 Kazakhstan?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
