Do you need an International Driving Permit in Turkmenistan?

Yes. Turkmenistan 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
14 June 1993

Turkmenistan and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded14 June 19933 years
1949 Geneva ConventionNot a party——

Which vehicles your permit covers in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan

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. Turkmenistan appears on it.

What the road rules say in Turkmenistan

The UK Foreign Office advises carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence in Turkmenistan.

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

Common questions about driving in Turkmenistan

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Turkmenistan?
Up to 3 years. Turkmenistan joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 14 June 1993 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 Turkmenistan 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 Turkmenistan's road authority before you travel.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Turkmenistan?
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.