Taiwan
International Driver's License for
Taiwan
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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 Taiwan?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit in Taiwan 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 Taiwan?
Yes — Taiwan recognises the International Driver's License and expects foreign visitors to carry one when driving. The IDL is an official translation of your home-country license, so authorities and rental companies can read a license issued in another country and script. It works only alongside your valid national license. Apply online through E-ITA and receive your digital IDL within minutes.
What is an IDL / IDP, and how does it work in Taiwan?
An International Driver's License (IDL), or International Driving Permit (IDP), is a booklet that translates your national license into multiple languages. In Taiwan it lets police and rental staff understand a foreign license alongside its translation. It grants no driving privileges by itself — you must always carry your valid home-country license with it. Note that stays beyond a certain length may require the IDL to be validated locally.
Which side of the road does Taiwan drive on?
Taiwan drives on the RIGHT side of the road. Cities such as Taipei and Kaohsiung have very heavy scooter traffic — mopeds and scooters weave through lanes and gather at the front of junctions — so stay alert and check mirrors constantly.
What are the main traffic laws I should know in Taiwan?
* 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 21.
* Seat belts are required by law — wear one whenever it is fitted.
* 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, both driver and passenger.
* The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Do not drink and drive.
* Speed limits are 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas and 80 km/h (50 mph) on rural roads.
What should I know about Taiwan's heavy scooter traffic?
Scooters vastly outnumber cars in Taiwanese cities and behave differently from car traffic — they filter to the front of red lights and use dedicated two-stage left-turn boxes at many junctions. Give scooters plenty of room, check blind spots before turning, and expect them on both sides of your vehicle in traffic.
Do I need an IDL to rent a scooter in Taiwan?
Yes, and your home license and IDL must include the motorcycle category for it. Rental agencies in Taiwan routinely require an International Driver's License together with your national license before renting a car or scooter, and renters usually need to be at least 21. A car-only license and IDL won't cover a two-wheeler, so check the categories before you book.
Is drink-driving strictly enforced in Taiwan?
The legal blood alcohol limit in Taiwan is 0.05%, and enforcement through roadside checks is common, particularly at night and around holidays. Penalties are significant, so the safe approach is not to drink before driving.
Can I get an International Driver's License after arriving in Taiwan?
It's best arranged before you fly, but because E-ITA issues the digital IDL within minutes you can still apply once you're in Taiwan. Carry the physical booklet with your home license where you can, and use the digital copy as a fallback at the rental desk if you're picking up a vehicle last minute.
How fast can E-ITA issue my IDL for Taiwan?
E-ITA's online application takes only a few minutes, and your digital International Driver's License is issued within minutes — useful for last-minute travel to Taiwan. Carry the physical booklet with your home license when you drive, and keep a digital copy on your phone as a fallback.
Who can apply for an International Driver's License for Taiwan?
Anyone with a valid national driver's license who meets Taiwan's minimum driving age of 18 can apply. The IDL only translates the license you already hold, so there's no test involved — you apply online with E-ITA, and it remains valid as long as your underlying home 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 Taiwan?
Apply in about 2 minutes — digital delivery in 8, printed booklet shipped worldwide.
