You need either a valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit, or a Chilean license — Chile does not recognize foreign licenses alone

Chile requires all drivers to carry a valid driver's license at all times. If you are visiting from another country, you have two legal options: drive with your home country's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP), or obtain a Chilean license. A foreign license by itself is not enough, even if it is current and in good standing in your home country.

The IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association. It is not a separate license — it translates your existing license into Spanish and confirms your driving privileges to Chilean police and rental car companies. You must carry both documents together. If you have only the IDP without your original license, or only your original license without the IDP, you can be fined or have your vehicle impounded.

How long you plan to stay and whether you want to drive regularly determines which route makes sense. Tourists and short-term visitors almost always use the IDP route. People relocating to Chile or staying longer than a few months usually explore for a Chilean license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home country's license into Spanish and is required to drive legally in Chile alongside your original license.
  • You must carry both your original home-country license and the IDP together — either one alone is not sufficient.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $30 USD depending on where you obtain it.
  • If you are staying in Chile longer than three to six months or plan to work as a driver, you will need to obtain a Chilean license instead of relying on an IDP.
  • Rental car companies in Chile require an IDP even if your home country's license is in English, because Chilean law requires the translation document.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you travel

You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you arrive in Chile — you cannot get one once you are already there. The process takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks by mail, depending on where you live.

Contact your home country's national automobile association. In the United States, this is the American Automobile Association (AAA). In Canada, it is the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the United Kingdom, it is the Automobile Association (AA). In Australia, it is the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). Each country has one official issuing body, and only that body can issue a valid IDP.

You will need your current driver's license, a passport-style photograph, and a completed process form. The fee varies by country but typically ranges from $15 to $30 USD. Some automobile associations allow you to explore online and pick up the IDP in person at a local office; others require you to mail in your process and documents. Check your country's automobile association website for the exact process and current fees before you book your trip.

What happens if you drive in Chile without an IDP

Driving with only your home-country license, even if it is valid and current, is illegal in Chile. Police conduct routine traffic stops and document checks, especially on highways and in cities. If you are stopped and cannot produce an IDP, you face a fine of approximately 1 to 1.5 times the monthly minimum wage in Chile — roughly 200,000 to 300,000 Chilean pesos (around $220 to $330 USD at current exchange rates, though this varies). The amount depends on the officer's discretion and local enforcement practices.

In addition to the fine, your vehicle can be impounded until you produce the required documents. Rental car companies may also refuse to let you continue driving their vehicle and could charge you for recovery and storage costs. If you are involved in an accident without an IDP, your insurance may not cover the claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages.

The safest approach is to obtain your IDP before you leave home and carry it with your original license at all times while driving in Chile.

When to get a Chilean driver's license instead

If you are moving to Chile, working there, or staying longer than three to six months, you should obtain a Chilean license rather than relying on an IDP. An IDP is designed for temporary visitors and is valid for only one year. Renewing it repeatedly is more expensive and inconvenient than getting a permanent Chilean license.

To obtain a Chilean license, you must first obtain a Chilean national ID number (RUT) through the Civil Registry office. You will then need to pass a written test on Chilean traffic laws (available in English at some testing centers) and a practical driving test. The process typically takes four to eight weeks and costs between 50,000 and 100,000 Chilean pesos (roughly $55 to $110 USD). You will also need to provide proof of residence in Chile, your passport, and your home-country driver's license.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from your home country, some testing centers may waive or shorten the practical driving test, though this varies by region. Contact the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación (Civil Registry and Identification Service) in your city for specific requirements and testing dates.

Rental car companies and IDP requirements

All major rental car companies operating in Chile — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local companies — require an IDP before they will rent you a vehicle. Even if your home-country license is in English or another widely understood language, the company will not rent to you without the IDP. This is a legal requirement, not a company policy, and no rental company can waive it.

When you book a rental car, mention that you will be presenting an IDP. Some companies ask you to upload a photo of both your home-country license and your IDP when you reserve online. At pickup, you must present both documents in person. If you arrive without an IDP, the rental company will refuse to complete the transaction and will not refund your reservation.

Keep your IDP and original license in a safe place while you drive. Do not leave them in the rental car unattended, as theft is common in some areas. Carry them with you at all times, just as you would in your home country.

IDP validity and renewal

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip to Chile extends beyond that date, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires. You cannot renew an IDP in Chile — you must renew it in your home country through the same automobile association that issued it.

Plan ahead if you know you will be in Chile for longer than one year. Contact your home-country automobile association at least two months before your IDP expires to begin the renewal process. Some associations allow you to renew by mail or online; others require you to explore in person. Renewal fees are typically the same as the initial issuance fee.

If your IDP expires while you are in Chile, you are no longer legal to drive, even if your home-country license is still valid. You must either renew your IDP through your home country's automobile association (which may take several weeks by mail) or obtain a Chilean license.

Other documents you need to drive in Chile

Beyond your license and IDP, Chile requires you to carry several other documents while driving. You must have proof of vehicle registration (the rental car company provides this), proof of liability insurance (also provided by the rental company), and your passport or national ID. Some regions also require a vehicle safety inspection certificate, though rental companies typically handle this.

Keep these documents in the vehicle at all times. Police can stop you for a document check without a traffic violation, and you must be able to produce them when ready. If you are stopped and cannot produce any required document, you can be fined even if your license and IDP are valid.

Before you drive away from the rental car lot, verify that all documents are in the vehicle and that you understand what each one is. Ask the rental company staff to point out the registration and insurance documents and show you where they are stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Chile with just my home country's license and no IDP?

No. Chilean law requires both your home-country license and an IDP. Driving with only your license is illegal and can result in a fine of 200,000 to 300,000 Chilean pesos and vehicle impoundment. Your insurance may also refuse to cover an accident if you were driving illegally.

How long does it take to get an IDP before I travel?

One to two weeks if you explore in person at your automobile association's office, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail. Some associations offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Start the process at least three weeks before your trip to avoid delays.

What if my IDP expires while I'm in Chile?

You are no longer legal to drive. You must either renew your IDP through your home country's automobile association (which takes several weeks by mail) or obtain a Chilean license. Plan ahead and renew before your IDP expires if you know you will be in Chile longer than one year.

Do I need an IDP if I'm only visiting Chile for a few days?

Yes, if you plan to drive. Even a short rental car trip requires an IDP. The rental company will not hand over the keys without one, and police can fine you if you are stopped without it.

Can I get an IDP in Chile if I forgot to get one at home?

No. IDPs can only be issued by your home country's automobile association. If you arrive in Chile without one, you cannot legally drive. You would need to obtain a Chilean license instead, which takes four to eight weeks, or arrange to have someone mail your IDP to you from home.