Driving in Mexico: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors driving in Mexico should carry an International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence. Mexico accepts both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document types. Mexico drives on the right. The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%.
Mexico at a glance
- Permit type
- International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right
- How long it is valid
- 1 year (Geneva) or up to 3 years (Vienna)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — enforcement varies by state
- Emergency number
- 911
How to get your permit for Mexico
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Mexico + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 3-year Print International Driving Document covering both conventions accepted in Mexico — 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.
Mexico driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 50–60 km/h in most cities; confirm local signage
- Speed limit — rural
- 80–110 km/h depending on road type
- Speed limit — highway
- 110 km/h on major highways
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.08% — enforcement varies by state
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for front seats; recommended for all passengers
- Helmet
- Mandatory for motorcycle riders in many jurisdictions
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving without a hands-free setup in many areas
- Emergency number
- 911
- Right turn on red
- Generally prohibited unless posted otherwise
- Headlights
- Required at night and in reduced visibility
Documents required to drive in Mexico
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- International Driving Document(only if it applies to you)Accepted if 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention type
- PassportRequired for identification and immigration records
- Valid Mexican visa or visa exemptionMany nationalities receive visa-free entry for tourism
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by the rental company
- Auto insuranceMandatory; rental cars usually include basic coverage
When you need a permit in Mexico
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Recommended — verify with rental company — Some companies accept foreign licences only; others prefer an International Driving Document
Driving a private vehicle
Recommended — Police and insurance providers often request official translation-style documentation
Short tourist visit
Recommended — carry alongside foreign licence — Helps at checkpoints, accidents, and border crossings
Longer stays
Verify with local authority — Residency status, local licence conversion, and length of stay may change requirements
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Mexico 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.