Do you need an International Driving Permit in Central African Republic?

Yes. Central African Republic is a party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 3 years when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1968 Vienna Convention
Permit valid up to
3 years
In force since
3 February 1988

Central African Republic and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded3 February 19883 years
1949 Geneva ConventionSucceeded4 September 19621 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Central African Republic

Central African Republic applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1968 Vienna Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The English page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The English page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Central African Republic would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • BE, CE, DE

What each category covers under the 1968 Vienna Convention

What to carry when you drive in Central African Republic

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Central African Republic appears on it.

What the road rules say in Central African Republic

The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Central African Republic.

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Central African Republic, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Central African Republic

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Central African Republic?
Up to 3 years. Central African Republic joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 3 February 1988 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 3 years from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Central African Republic on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Central African Republic's road authority before you travel.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Central African Republic?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.