Do you need an International Driving Permit in Islamic Republic of Iran?
Yes. Islamic Republic of Iran 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
- 21 May 1976
Islamic Republic of Iran and the road traffic conventions
| Convention | Status | In force since | Permit validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 Vienna Convention | Ratified | 21 May 1976 | 3 years |
| 1949 Geneva Convention | Not a party | — | — |
Which vehicles your permit covers in Islamic Republic of Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran 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.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- BE, CE, DE
What to carry when you drive in Islamic Republic of Iran
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
What the road rules say in Islamic Republic of Iran
The UK Foreign Office and the Government of Canada both advise carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Islamic Republic of Iran.
- Emergency services
- police 110, ambulance 115, fire 125
The UK Foreign Office names the 1968 convention for Islamic Republic of Iran, which matches the United Nations depositary record above.
Common questions about driving in Islamic Republic of Iran
- How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Islamic Republic of Iran?
- Up to 3 years. Islamic Republic of Iran joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 21 May 1976 by ratification, 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 Islamic Republic of Iran on my national licence alone?
- The UK Foreign Office states: "You must have a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) when using a UK driving licence to drive in Iran." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Islamic Republic of Iran's road authority before you travel.
- What do I dial in an emergency in Islamic Republic of Iran?
- Reach police on 110, ambulance on 115, fire on 125. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Islamic Republic of Iran. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
- Does the permit replace my driving licence in Islamic Republic of Iran?
- 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.
Driving in Islamic Republic of Iran?
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- Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
- Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.