Do you need an International Driving Permit in Turkey?

Yes. Turkey 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
22 January 2013

Turkey and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded22 January 20133 years
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded17 January 19561 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Turkey

Turkey 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 Turkey 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 Turkey

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. Turkey appears on it.

What the road rules say in Turkey

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying either an International Driving Permit or a locally issued licence in Turkey.

Emergency services
general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

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

Common questions about driving in Turkey

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Turkey?
Up to 3 years. Turkey joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 22 January 2013 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 Turkey on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) or a UK driving licence notarised in Turkish to drive in Turkey." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Turkey's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Turkey?
Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Turkey. 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 Turkey?
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.