Serbia
International Driver's License for
Serbia
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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 Serbia?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Serbia 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 Serbia?
Serbia may accept a foreign license for a short stay, but an International Driver's License is highly recommended for all visitors. Serbia signs its licenses and road signs in Cyrillic as well as Latin script, so the IDL — an official translation of your home license — helps traffic police and rental agencies read your credentials. Apply online through E-ITA and get your digital document in minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how is it used in Serbia?
An International Driving License (IDL) and International Driving Permit (IDP) are the same document — a translation of your national license into several languages. Serbia is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, and in Serbia the IDL is carried together with your home license so officials can match it to the license you actually hold.
Which side of the road do people drive on in Serbia?
In Serbia you drive on the right-hand side of the road. Motorways link the main cities, but be ready for older two-lane roads and mixed traffic in rural areas, and note that headlights are typically required during the day.
What are the basic traffic laws in Serbia?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 18. The minimum age to rent a car is generally 21.
* Serbia has a national seat-belt law — always buckle up.
* Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited; hands-free use is permitted.
* Helmets are required by law for motorcycle and scooter riders and their passengers.
* Legal blood-alcohol limit: 0.03%. Do not drink and drive.
* Typical maximum speed is around 50 km/h (about 31 mph) in urban areas and 100 km/h (about 62 mph) on rural roads, with higher limits on motorways.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Serbia?
The legal driving age is 18, but rental companies in Serbia generally require drivers to be at least 21 and may add a young-driver surcharge for those under 25. Bring your home license and International Driver's License together, as the rental desk will usually want to see both.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Serbia?
The IDL translates your home-country license, so it is best arranged before you travel rather than in Serbia. E-ITA lets you apply online and receive a digital copy within minutes, so even last-minute travellers can have it ready to carry alongside their national license.
How long can I drive in Serbia on a foreign license?
Short-term visitors can drive in Serbia on a valid foreign license backed by an International Driver's License for the length of a normal tourist stay. If you become a resident, you would eventually need to convert to a Serbian license through the local authorities rather than relying on the IDL.
Do I need extra documents to drive in Serbia?
Along with your home license and IDL, carry the vehicle registration and proof of insurance; if you bring your own car, a Green Card insurance certificate is commonly required. Keep everything together, since Serbian police do carry out roadside document checks.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Serbia?
Any holder of a valid national driver's license can apply. The IDL requires no driving test — it only translates the license you already hold so it can be understood in Serbia. Through E-ITA you apply online and receive your digital document within minutes.
Do rental companies in Serbia accept a digital copy of the IDL?
Carry the physical IDL booklet with your home license, as that is what Serbian police and rental desks expect to inspect. Many rental agencies will accept a digital copy on your phone as a backup, particularly for last-minute bookings, but the printed booklet remains the document you should carry.
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 Serbia?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
