Laos
International Driver's License for
Laos
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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 Laos?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Laos 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 Laos?
Most car and motorbike rental agencies and local authorities in Laos ask international travelers to show an International Driver's License in addition to their home license. The IDL is an official translation that makes dealing with police, rental counters, and insurance claims far smoother. Get your International Driver's License through E-ITA — apply online and receive your digital IDL within minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how is it used in Laos?
An International Driver's License (or International Driver's Permit) translates your national license into multiple languages so Lao officials and rental staff can read it. It is never a stand-alone license — in Laos you carry it alongside your original home license, and it simply makes that license understandable to local authorities.
Laos Traffic Laws
* 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 21 years old.
* Laos does have a national seat belt law. We recommend always wearing a seat belt if it is available.
* Laos does have a national law prohibiting mobile phone use while driving. We recommend not using your phone while driving.
* Laos 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: 0.08%. Do not drink and drive.
* The maximum driving speed is 50 km/h (31 miles/hour) in urban areas and 100 km/h (62 miles/hour) in rural areas.
Do I need an IDL to rent a motorbike in Laos?
Renting a scooter or motorbike is a common way to get around towns like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and many rental shops and police checks expect you to hold the correct license category plus an International Driver's License. Helmets are legally required for both rider and passenger, so wear one and keep your IDL with your home license while riding.
What is the drink-driving limit in Laos?
Laos sets the legal blood alcohol limit at 0.08%. Even so, enforcement and road conditions vary, so the prudent choice is to avoid alcohol entirely before driving, particularly at night on unlit rural roads.
What do rental companies in Laos ask for?
Rental agencies in Laos typically want your passport, your home-country license, and an International Driver's License, with a minimum rental age of 21. Because a foreign license on its own is often not accepted, having the IDL in hand prevents a refusal at the counter. It is easiest to arrange the IDL before you arrive.
Can I get an IDL after I arrive in Laos or at the last minute?
A genuine International Driver's License is issued from your existing home license and cannot be picked up on the ground in Laos. For last-minute plans, apply online with E-ITA, which delivers a digital IDL within minutes so you are covered before your first rental or road trip.
How long can I drive in Laos on my IDL?
For a tourist visit you can drive on your valid home license together with an IDL. The IDL's validity tracks your national license, so it covers a normal Laos trip; once your home license expires, the IDL no longer counts.
Who can apply for an IDL for Laos?
Anyone with a valid home-country driver's license who meets Laos's minimum driving age of 18 can apply. You do not need to be a resident — the IDL is made for visitors driving on a foreign license, and the whole process is completed online through E-ITA.
How do I apply and how long does it take?
You apply entirely online at E-ITA: enter your details, upload your license, and receive a digital International Driver's License within minutes, with the printed booklet to follow. The quick turnaround suits travelers whose Laos trip is only days away.
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 Laos?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
