Singapore
International Driver's License for
Singapore
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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 Singapore?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Singapore 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 Singapore?
Singapore recognises the International Driver's License under the international road-traffic conventions, and visitors are advised to carry one with their valid home license. The IDL acts as an official translation of your national license so Singapore's Traffic Police and rental companies can read it. Apply online through E-ITA and have your digital permit delivered in minutes.
What is an IDL/IDP, and how is it used in Singapore?
An International Driving License (IDL) and International Driving Permit (IDP) are the same document — a translation of your national license into several languages. Singapore honours permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention, and there 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 Singapore?
In Singapore you drive on the left-hand side of the road, following its British-influenced traffic system. Roads are modern and well-signposted, but the network is busy and heavily enforced, so keep left, watch lane markings, and be prepared for one-way systems in the city.
What are the basic traffic laws in Singapore?
* 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 generally 23.
* Singapore 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: 0.08%. Penalties are severe, so do not drink and drive.
* Typical maximum speed is around 70 km/h (about 43 mph) in urban areas, with higher limits on expressways.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Singapore?
The legal driving age is 18, but rental companies in Singapore generally require drivers to be at least 23 and may add a surcharge for younger drivers. Bring your home license and International Driver's License together, as the rental desk will want to see both.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Singapore?
The IDL translates your home-country license, so it is best arranged before you travel rather than in Singapore. 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 Singapore on a foreign license?
Short-term visitors can generally drive in Singapore on a valid foreign license backed by an International Driver's License for up to a limited period, typically around 12 months. If you become a resident, you would need to convert to a Singapore license, so the IDL is aimed at tourists and short-term visitors.
Should I know about ERP and tolls before driving in Singapore?
Singapore uses Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) to charge for driving on certain roads and at busy times, and rental cars are fitted with an in-vehicle unit for this. Ask your rental company how charges are billed, and factor in that parking and congestion pricing make driving in the central area relatively costly.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Singapore?
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 Singapore. Through E-ITA you apply online and receive your digital document within minutes.
Do rental companies in Singapore accept a digital copy of the IDL?
Carry the physical IDL booklet with your home license, since that is what Singapore's Traffic Police and rental desks expect to inspect. Some rental agencies may accept a digital copy shown on your phone as a backup, particularly for last-minute bookings, but the printed booklet is the document you should rely on.
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 Singapore?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
