Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Georgia? Who Does and Who Doesn't
Short answer: most visitors do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Georgia. It comes down to one detail — whether your home licence shows your name in Latin letters. Here is how to check in a minute.
The main rule
Georgia recognises foreign driving licences: you can drive on one for up to 1 year from your last entry into the country. Georgia's Law on Road Traffic requires a certified translation if the details on your licence are written in neither Latin nor Georgian letters. In practice an IDP is shown instead of a translation.
- Your name, surname and categories appear in Latin letters — no IDP needed.
- Your licence is only in Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Korean, Cyrillic or another non-Latin script — you need an IDP or a notarised translation.
Who does NOT need an IDP
- USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.
- All European Union countries, Switzerland and Norway.
- India, Turkey, Israel (the licence shows your name in English) and the UAE.
- Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries whose modern licences duplicate the name in Latin letters.
Who DOES need an IDP
- Licences where the name is only in Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese characters, Korean or another non-Latin script.
- South Korea: older Korean-only licences need an IDP; the English-version Korean licence shows your name in English.
- Mainland China: China does not issue IDPs, so bring a notarised English translation of your licence.
- If you plan to continue from Georgia to countries that require an IDP separately — check their rules in advance.
Check your licence in one minute
- Take the physical licence card.
- Find your surname and first name: if they are also written in Latin letters (e.g. SMITH JOHN), you are fine.
- Check the expiry date: an expired licence is not valid and insurance does not cover you.
- Digital licences on your phone are not a replacement — bring the plastic card.
How long you can drive on a foreign licence
Up to 1 year from your last entry into Georgia. A residence permit does not extend this. If you live in Georgia longer, exchange your licence for a Georgian one at the Public Service Agency.
What we ask for when you rent a car
- Passport.
- A licence with Latin letters — or your national licence together with an IDP or a notarised translation.
- Minimum age 21 and at least 2 years of driving experience.
- A category B licence covers our whole fleet, from sedans to 7-seat minivans.
No credit card needed — you pay on pickup, and some cars require no deposit.
Already here without an IDP?
If your licence has no Latin letters, the quickest fix is a notarised translation in Georgia — notaries in Batumi, Kutaisi and Tbilisi do it in about an hour. Message us on WhatsApp +995 591 955 055 before your trip and we will point you to the nearest notary and help with the booking.
FAQ
Can I drive in Georgia with a US or UK licence? Yes, for up to 1 year from entry; no IDP needed.
Do I need an IDP with an Indian licence? No — Indian licences show your details in English.
Is an IDP enough on its own? No. An IDP is only valid together with your national licence.
What if the police stop me? Show your licence and passport, plus the IDP or translation if your licence has no Latin letters.