Sweden
International Driver's License for
Sweden
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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 Sweden?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Sweden 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 Sweden?
Sweden may accept a foreign license on its own for short visits, but an International Driver's License is highly recommended for anyone driving here. The IDL provides a clear translation that police, rental agencies, and insurers can read at a glance — useful if your license is not in the Latin alphabet or a language Swedish officials recognise. Apply online through E-ITA and receive your digital copy in minutes.
What is an IDL / IDP, and why carry one in Sweden?
An International Driver's License (IDL), also called an International Driving Permit (IDP), is an official multi-language translation of your national license. In Sweden it doesn't grant any driving rights by itself — it makes your existing license easy to verify at a rental counter or roadside check. You must keep your valid home-country license with it whenever you drive.
Which side of the road does Sweden drive on?
Sweden drives on the RIGHT side of the road. It famously switched from left to right in 1967, so today it matches the rest of continental Europe. Daytime headlights are required at all times, and roads can carry ice and snow for much of the year in the north.
What are the main traffic laws I should know in Sweden?
* People drive on the right side of the road.
* The minimum age to drive a car is 18 (15–16 for mopeds and tractors). The minimum age to rent a car is 18.
* Seat belts are required by law — wear one whenever it is fitted.
* Mobile phone use while driving is restricted; both hands-free and handheld phones are permitted but you must keep control of the vehicle.
* Helmets are required by law for motorcycle and scooter riders, both driver and passenger.
* The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02% — one of the strictest in Europe. Do not drink and drive.
* Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas and 110 km/h (68 mph) on major rural roads.
How strict is drink-driving law in Sweden?
Very strict. Sweden's legal blood alcohol limit is just 0.02%, far lower than in most countries, and enforcement is tough. Effectively this means no alcohol before driving. Penalties escalate sharply above the limit, so plan to stay well under it.
Do I need to worry about winter driving conditions in Sweden?
Yes. Much of Sweden sees snow and ice for a long season, and winter tyres are mandatory during winter conditions. Daytime running lights are required year-round. If you rent between roughly December and March, confirm the car has winter tyres, and allow extra time and distance on rural roads.
Will Swedish rental agencies ask for an IDL?
Rental agencies in Sweden generally want to see your national license, and many also ask for an International Driver's License to confirm the details — particularly if your license isn't in a language their staff can read. The minimum rental age can be as low as 18, though younger drivers often face a surcharge. Carrying an IDL from E-ITA smooths the pickup and avoids questions at the counter.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Sweden?
It's best arranged before departure, but because E-ITA issues the digital IDL within minutes you can still apply after you land in Stockholm or elsewhere. Carry the physical booklet with your home license when you can, and keep the digital copy handy as a fallback at rental counters for a last-minute trip.
How fast can I get an IDL from E-ITA for a Sweden trip?
E-ITA's online application takes only a few minutes, and your digital International Driver's License is issued within minutes — handy if you decide to drive at short notice. Carry the physical booklet with your home license; a digital copy is a helpful fallback for a rental desk.
Who is eligible to apply for an IDL for Sweden?
Anyone holding a valid national driver's license who meets Sweden's minimum car-driving age of 18 can apply. The IDL only translates the license you already have, so there is no additional test. You apply online with E-ITA, and it remains valid as long as your home-country license is valid.
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 Sweden?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
