Malta
International Driver's License for
Malta
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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 Malta?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Malta 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 Malta?
Yes. In Malta, international travelers are expected to carry an International Driver's License alongside their valid home-country license. The IDL is an official translation of your domestic license into multiple languages, so Maltese police and car rental companies can read and accept it. You can apply online through E-ITA and receive your digital documents in minutes.
Which side of the road does Malta drive on?
Malta drives on the left side of the road, a legacy of its British connections. If you normally drive on the right, take extra care at roundabouts and junctions, and remember the driver sits on the right side of the car. Your IDL does not change the rules of the road, but it does make your home license easy for local authorities to verify.
What are the main traffic laws I should know when driving in Malta?
* People drive on the left side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 18. The minimum age to rent a car is 21.
* Malta has a national seat belt law — always buckle up when a belt is available.
* Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited; a hands-free device is permitted.
* Helmets are required by law for motorcycle and scooter riders and their passengers.
* The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Do not drink and drive.
* Speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/h (49 mph) on rural roads.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Malta?
You must be at least 18 to drive in Malta, but most rental companies set their own minimum of 21, and younger drivers may face a young-driver surcharge or restricted vehicle categories. Rental desks will ask for your home license and typically your International Driver's License so they can confirm your driving entitlement before handing over the keys.
Do car rental companies in Malta ask for an IDL?
Many rental agencies in Malta ask to see an International Driver's License together with your national license, particularly if your home license is not in English or the Latin alphabet. Carrying the IDL smooths the pickup process and helps avoid disputes over insurance or at police checks. Applying in advance through E-ITA means you have the document ready before you arrive.
What is an IDL/IDP and how does it work in Malta?
An International Driver's License (also called an International Driver's Permit) is a booklet that translates your national license into several languages recognised by Maltese authorities. It is never a standalone license — you must carry it together with your valid home-country license when driving in Malta. It simply lets police and rental staff read your credentials in a format they recognise.
How long can I drive in Malta on my foreign license?
Short-term visitors can generally drive in Malta on a valid foreign license, with the International Driver's License serving as the accepted translation. If you become a resident, Maltese rules require you to convert to a local license within the period set by the transport authority. For a tourist trip, your home license plus your IDL is what you carry.
Can I get an International Driver's License after I arrive in Malta?
The IDL is issued based on the license from your home country, so it is best arranged before you travel to Malta. If you are already on the island and realise you need one, you can still apply online through E-ITA and access your digital copy quickly, rather than trying to obtain a translation locally at short notice.
How do I apply for an International Driver's License for Malta, and how long does it take?
Applying is done entirely online through E-ITA. You provide your details and a copy of your valid home-country license, and your digital documents are typically available within minutes so you are ready to drive in Malta. See E-ITA's pricing page for current options and delivery choices.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License?
Anyone who holds a valid driver's license from their home country can apply for an International Driver's License to drive in Malta. The IDL translates and accompanies that license — it does not replace it — so your national license must remain valid throughout your trip. You can complete the whole application online with E-ITA.
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 Malta?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
