Driving in Iceland: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Iceland need a valid International Driving Document alongside their foreign driving licence to drive legally. Iceland is one of the more flexible European destinations: it accepts both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Documents. Iceland drives on the right. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on paved rural roads, and 80 km/h on gravel rural roads — confirm with local signage.
Iceland at a glance
- Permit type
- Geneva Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right
- How long it is valid
- 1 year from issue
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% — zero tolerance for new drivers
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
How to get your permit for Iceland
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Iceland + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 3-year print permit covering both 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna conventions for Iceland — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Iceland driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50 km/h
- Speed limit — rural paved
- 90 km/h
- Speed limit — rural gravel
- 80 km/h
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.05% — zero tolerance for new drivers
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all occupants
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 112 (police, ambulance, fire)
- Headlights
- Required at all times, day and night
Documents required to drive in Iceland
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class
- International Driving Document (1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna)Must be carried alongside your foreign licence
- PassportRequired for identification and rental pickup
- Valid Icelandic visa or visa exemptionMost nationalities enjoy visa-free access for tourism
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by the rental company
- Compulsory motor vehicle liability insuranceMandatory in Iceland — rental cars include basic cover
When you need a permit in Iceland
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — all major rental companies require it — Bookings are often cancelled at pickup without one
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police request it at checkpoints — Carry your permit and original licence
Short tourist visit (up to 6 months)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Most tourist stays fall well within licence validity
Staying longer than 1 year
Depends — confirm with local authority — Longer stays may require a local licence conversion
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Iceland with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.