Do you need an International Driving Permit in Uruguay?

Yes. Uruguay 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
8 April 1981

Uruguay and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionAcceded8 April 19813 years
1949 Geneva ConventionNot a party——

Which vehicles your permit covers in Uruguay

Uruguay 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 Spanish page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The Spanish page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Uruguay 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 Uruguay

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. Uruguay appears on it.

What the road rules say in Uruguay

Blood alcohol limit
Zero tolerance

Common questions about driving in Uruguay

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Uruguay?
Up to 3 years. Uruguay joined the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic on 8 April 1981 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.
What is the drink-drive limit in Uruguay?
Uruguay operates zero tolerance, so do not drink at all before driving. Penalties are typically far heavier than a fine.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Uruguay?
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.