Mongolia
International Driver's License for
Mongolia
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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 Mongolia?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Mongolia 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 Driving Permit to drive in Mongolia?
For Mongolia an IDP is strongly recommended for most foreign visitors. Because your home license is often in a script Mongolian officials and rental firms cannot read, the IDP provides a recognized translation that they can check alongside your original license. Carry both at all times.
Which side of the road does Mongolia drive on?
Mongolia drives on the right-hand side of the road. Note that many vehicles in the country are right-hand drive imports even though traffic keeps right, so overtaking and visibility can differ from what you are used to; drive with extra care.
What is the IDP I would carry in Mongolia?
The International Driving Permit is a multilingual booklet that translates your valid national license. In Mongolia it works only together with your home license and is not a standalone permit. Without your original license, the IDP does not let you drive.
Can I rent a car in Mongolia with a foreign license?
Rental and self-drive options in Mongolia, including four-wheel-drive vehicles for countryside travel, usually require your home license, and an IDP is commonly requested so staff can read it. Many travelers hire a vehicle with a driver instead; check the exact terms with your provider.
How long can I drive in Mongolia on my foreign license?
Visitors generally drive in Mongolia on a valid foreign license for the duration of a short tourist stay, using the IDP as its official translation. For extended stays or residence you should ask the Mongolian authorities about obtaining a local license rather than relying on a foreign one long term.
Who is eligible to apply for an IDP for Mongolia?
Any holder of a valid national driver's license planning to drive in Mongolia can apply. The IDP is tied to that license, so it must remain valid throughout your trip; an expired home license makes the IDP unusable on Mongolian roads.
How do I apply for an IDP before traveling to Mongolia?
Apply online with E-ITA in a few minutes for your Mongolia trip. You submit your valid national license details and the permit is issued without visiting a government office. Current options are listed on E-ITA's pricing page.
Is a physical IDP or a digital copy better for Mongolia?
In Mongolia the physical IDP booklet is the version to present, since police checkpoints and rental agencies expect a printed document they can inspect. A digital copy makes a sensible backup and may be accepted in practice, but do not rely on it as your only proof.
Will the IDP help me at Mongolian police checkpoints?
Yes. Long-distance travel in Mongolia can involve police checkpoints, and because the IDP translates your license into 12 languages, officers who cannot read your home permit can still verify your details from the booklet held next to your original license.
What documents should I keep with me when driving in Mongolia?
Keep your valid home driver's license, your IDP, your passport and your vehicle papers together when driving in Mongolia. The IDP is not valid on its own, so showing both licenses avoids problems if you are stopped away from the main towns.
What should I expect from roads outside Ulaanbaatar?
Beyond Ulaanbaatar, many Mongolian routes are unpaved tracks across open steppe with few signs and long gaps between fuel and help. This is demanding driving, so plan carefully, travel with supplies, and consider a guide or driver for remote areas.
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 Mongolia?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
