Do you need an International Driving Permit in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes. Democratic Republic of the Congo 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
25 July 1977

Democratic Republic of the Congo and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded25 July 19773 years
1949 Geneva ConventionSucceeded6 March 19611 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 French page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The French page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Democratic Republic of the Congo 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 Democratic Republic of the Congo

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. Democratic Republic of the Congo appears on it.

What the road rules say in Democratic Republic of the Congo

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Democratic Republic of the Congo, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.

Common questions about driving in Democratic Republic of the Congo

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
Up to 3 years. Democratic Republic of the Congo joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 25 July 1977 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 Democratic Republic of the Congo on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You’ll need a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in DRC." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Democratic Republic of the Congo's road authority before you travel.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Democratic Republic of the Congo?
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.