Planning an Iceland road trip and wondering whether your driving license will be accepted?
For many international visitors, the answer is yes. You can usually drive and rent a car in Iceland with a valid foreign driving license, provided that your license meets the necessary requirements.
However, the rules can vary depending on where your license was issued and the language and alphabet used on it. Some travelers may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation.
In this guide, we explain the driving license requirements in Iceland, when you may need an International Driving Permit, and what travelers from countries including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, China, Japan and India should know before renting a car.
Can You Drive in Iceland With a Foreign Driving License?
Yes, many visitors can drive in Iceland using their foreign driving license.
Whether your license can be used depends on factors including where it was issued and whether the information on it can be understood by Icelandic authorities and the rental company.
If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, you may need an International Driving Permit or official translation in addition to your original license.
Remember that an International Driving Permit does not replace your regular driving license. If one is required, you should carry both documents.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Iceland?
Before renting a car in Iceland, you need to meet the requirements of your chosen rental company.
These can include:
- A valid driving license
- Meeting the minimum rental age
- Having held your driving license for the required period
- A valid payment card
- Any additional identification requested by the rental company
- An International Driving Permit or translation if required
Rental requirements can also vary between vehicle groups. For example, some larger 4×4 vehicles may have a higher minimum driver age than small rental cars.
Always check the terms and conditions for your specific rental vehicle before booking.
Can You Rent a Car in Iceland With an EU and EEA Driving License?
If you have a valid driving license issued within the European Economic Area (EEA), you can generally use it when driving in Iceland.
Iceland isn’t a member of the European Union, but it is part of the EEA.
Your license must also cover the type of vehicle you intend to drive. For most visitors renting a standard passenger car, this will normally be a category B license.
Can You Drive in Iceland With a UK Driving License?
Yes. Visitors with a valid UK driving license can generally use it to drive and rent a car in Iceland.
Before traveling, check that your licence is still valid and covers the type of vehicle you plan to rent.
If your license is close to its expiry date, check it before leaving the UK rather than discovering a problem when you arrive at the rental desk.
Can Americans Drive in Iceland With a US License?
Yes, travelers from the United States can generally drive in Iceland with a valid US driving license.
US licenses contain information in English and use the Latin alphabet, so an International Driving Permit is generally not required simply because your license was issued in the USA.
Your license should be valid and clearly show the information needed to identify you and your driving entitlement.
Remember that rental companies can have additional requirements, including minimum age and how long you must have held your licence.
Can Canadians Drive in Iceland With a Canadian License?
Yes. Visitors from Canada can generally use a valid Canadian driving license in Iceland.
This also applies to licenses issued in French-speaking areas such as Quebec. French uses the Latin alphabet, so the language itself doesn’t mean that you automatically need an International Driving Permit.
Check that your license is valid for the entire duration of your trip and meets your rental company’s requirements.
Can Australians and New Zealanders Drive in Iceland?
Yes. A valid driving license from Australia or New Zealand can generally be used when visiting Iceland.
As these licenses are normally written in English and use the Latin alphabet, travelers usually don’t need an International Driving Permit solely because their license was issued outside Europe.
You should still bring your original physical driving license and check the requirements of your rental company before traveling.
Can You Drive in Iceland With an Indian Driving License?
Visitors with an Indian driving license should check the format and language of their license before traveling.
If the required information is clearly shown using the Latin alphabet, it may be accepted. If your license cannot be easily understood in Iceland, you may need an International Driving Permit or an appropriate translation.
Because Indian driving licenses can vary in format, it’s a good idea to check directly with your car rental company before your trip.
Can You Drive in Iceland With a Chinese or Japanese Driving License?
Licenses that aren’t presented in a Latin alphabet may require additional documentation when driving in Iceland.
If your driving license can’t be understood from the original document, you should arrange an International Driving Permit or an official translation, as applicable, before traveling.
Always bring your original driving license as well. An IDP or translation is supporting documentation and doesn’t replace the original license.
If you’re traveling from China or Japan, confirm the documentation required with your rental company before arriving in Iceland.
What About Driving Licenses Using Cyrillic, Arabic or Other Alphabets?
The same consideration applies to licences using alphabets such as Cyrillic or Arabic.
If the details on your license aren’t presented in a format that can be readily understood in Iceland, additional documentation may be required.
Depending on your license and country of issue, this could mean obtaining an International Driving Permit or an official translation before your trip.
Check the requirements before leaving home, as this is much easier than trying to solve a documentation problem after arriving in Iceland.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Iceland?
Not every visitor needs an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Iceland.
If you have a valid license that meets Iceland’s requirements and its information can be clearly understood, you may be able to drive without one.
An IDP may be necessary when your original license uses a different alphabet or doesn’t meet the relevant documentation requirements.
An International Driving Permit acts as a standardized translation of your driving license. It is not a replacement for your original license, so you should carry both when driving.
If you’re unsure whether you need one, check with your rental company before traveling.
Renting a Car in Iceland With a Foreign Driving License
Having a driving licence that’s legally accepted in Iceland doesn’t automatically mean you meet every requirement for renting a particular car.
Car rental companies can set requirements concerning:
- Minimum driver age
- How long you have held your licence
- Vehicle category
- Payment method
- Additional drivers
- Required identification
This is particularly important if you’re planning to rent a 4×4 in Iceland, as some vehicle categories can have different driver requirements.
Check the rental conditions before booking so you know exactly what documents to bring when you collect your car.
What if You’re Brining Your Own Car to Iceland?
Some travelers arrive in Iceland by ferry with their own vehicle rather than renting a car.
Different documentation, insurance and temporary import requirements can apply in this situation. Check the current requirements for your vehicle, insurance and length of stay before boarding the ferry.
These requirements are separate from the rules for travelers renting an Icelandic vehicle.
What if You’re Staying in Iceland Long-Term?
The rules are different if you’re moving to Iceland rather than visiting for a short holiday.
Depending on where your license was issued, you may eventually need to exchange your foreign driving license for an Icelandic one.
Drivers with licenses from EEA countries, the UK, Switzerland or Japan may be able to exchange their license without retaking a driving test, subject to the applicable requirements.
Drivers with licenses from many countries outside these areas may need to complete both theoretical and practical driving tests when applying for an Icelandic license.
If you’re becoming a resident, check the latest rules with the Icelandic authorities rather than relying on requirements intended for tourists
Important Driving Rules in Iceland
Once you’ve confirmed that your license is valid, there are several important Iceland driving rules for tourists to know.
Drive on the Right
In Iceland, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left.
This is particularly important to remember if you’re visiting from a country such as the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.
Everyone Must Wear a Seat Belt
Drivers and passengers must use seat belts. Children must also use an appropriate child restraint based on the applicable requirements.
Keep Your Lights On
Vehicle lights must be used while driving in Iceland, including during daylight hours.
Don’t assume your car’s automatic daytime running lights have also switched on the rear lights. Check your lights before setting off.
Follow the Posted Speed Limit
Always follow road signs. Common maximum speed limits in Iceland include:
- 30–50 km/h in many urban areas
- 80 km/h on gravel roads outside urban areas
- 90 km/h on paved roads outside urban areas
These are general limits, and lower limits may be posted. Always drive according to the signs and the situation.
Don’t Drink and Drive
Iceland has strict drink-driving laws. The safest approach when driving is simple: don’t drink alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Don’t Use a Handheld Phone While Driving
Don’t use a handheld mobile phone while driving. If you need to use your phone, stop somewhere safe before doing so.
Never Drive Off-Road
Off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. Always stay on marked roads and tracks. Driving away from designated routes can damage Iceland’s fragile landscape and may result in penalties.
Know the Emergency Number
If you need emergency assistance in Iceland, call 112
FAQ: Foreign Driving Licenses and Car Rental in Iceland
- Can I drive in Iceland with a foreign driving license?
In many cases, yes. Visitors can generally use a valid foreign driving license in Iceland as long as it meets the necessary requirements. Depending on the language and format of your license, additional documentation may be required.
- Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Iceland?
Not necessarily. Many travelers with licenses written using the Latin alphabet, including visitors from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand, don’t generally need an IDP solely because their license is foreign. Other travelers may need an IDP or official translation.
- Can I drive in Iceland with a US driving license?
Yes, a valid US driving licence can generally be used by visitors driving in Iceland. You must also meet your rental company’s age and licence requirements.
- Can I rent a car in Iceland with a UK driving license?
Yes, A valid UK driving license is generally accepted for visiting renting and driving a car in Iceland.
- Can I use an EU driving license in Iceland?
Yes. Iceland is part of the European Economic Area, and valid driving license issued within the EEA can generally be used in Iceland.
- Do I need my physical driving license to rent a car in Iceland?
Bring your original valid driving license with you when collecting your rental car. Don’t rely solely on a photograph or digital copy unless your rental company has specifically confirmed that it accepts it.
- How long do I need to have held my license to rent a car in Iceland?
Rental-company requirements vary. Check the terms for your chosen rental company and vehicle category before booking.
- What is the minimum age for renting a car in Iceland?
The minimum age depends on the rental company and vehicle category. Some larger or specialized vehicles may have a higher minimum age than standard passenger cars.
- Do I need a special license to rent a 4×4 in Iceland?
A standard license covering passenger cars in generally sufficient for normal passenger 4×4 rental vehicles, but you must meet the rental company’s requirements for the specific vehicle category.
- Can I drive on F-roads with a rental car?
You can only drive on F-roads if your rental vehicle is permitted for them. A suitable 4×4 is required for Iceland’s F-roads, and not every vehicle marketed as an SUV or 4WD is necessarily permitted. Always check your rental agreement.
- Is an International Driving Permit enough by itself?
No. An International Driving Permit is supporting and doesn’t replace your original driving license. If you need an IDP, carry your original valid license as well.
Ready to Drive in Iceland?
For many international travelers, renting a car in Iceland with a foreign driving license is straightforward. Visitors from countries such as the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and EEA countries can generally use their valid home license, while travelers with licenses using other alphabets may need additional documentation.
The most important thing is to check your license before traveling and confirm the requirements for your specific rental vehicle.
Once the paperwork is sorted, renting a car gives you the freedom to build your own Iceland itinerary, stop at the places that interest you and explore more of the country.
Looking for an affordable way to start your road trip? Book your rental car with Firefly Iceland and get ready to explore Iceland by car.
