What you need to drive in Iceland

You can drive in Iceland with your valid U.S. driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Iceland does not require the IDP by law, but you should carry both documents together — your U.S. license is the legal one, and the IDP is a translation that helps if police or a rental company questions whether your license is real. Rental car companies almost always ask to see both.

The IDP is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license. It is a booklet that translates your license information into ten languages, including Icelandic. It costs between $15 and $30 depending on where you get it, and it is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Your U.S. license must be valid for the entire time you are in Iceland. If it expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive, even with an IDP. Check your expiration date before you book your rental car.

Key Takeaways

  • Your U.S. driver's license is legal in Iceland, but you should also carry an International Driving Permit as a translation and proof of validity.
  • The IDP is not a separate license — it works only alongside your U.S. license and does not extend your driving privileges.
  • You can get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the United States.
  • Rental car companies in Iceland almost always require both your U.S. license and IDP, so do not travel without the IDP even though Iceland does not legally require it.
  • Your U.S. license must be valid for your entire stay — an expired license cannot be used even with an IDP.

How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

You must get your IDP in the United States before you travel. Iceland does not issue IDPs, and you cannot get one at the airport or in the country. Plan to get it at least one week before your departure.

The two organizations that issue IDPs are the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger network — most people go there first. You can visit an AAA office in person or order by mail. In-person service is faster: you bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the fee. The IDP is printed on the spot, usually within minutes. By mail, you send the same documents plus an process form, and it takes one to two weeks.

AATA also issues IDPs and accepts applications by mail or online. The process is similar: you submit your license, a photo, and payment. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must use mail or their website.

The cost is the same at both organizations: $15 to $20 for the IDP itself, plus any service fees. AAA may charge a small additional fee if you are not a member. Neither organization charges extra for rush processing, but mailing takes longer than walking into an office.

What to bring when you rent a car in Iceland

When you pick up your rental car, bring both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP. The rental company will ask for both. They will also ask for a credit card in your name (for the security deposit), your passport, and proof of insurance if you are bringing your own.

Some rental companies ask for an International Driving Permit specifically and will not rent to you without one, even though Iceland does not legally require it. This is the company's policy, not the law. Bringing the IDP avoids any delay or refusal at the counter.

Keep both documents with you while you drive. If you are stopped by police, you will need to show your U.S. license. The IDP is a backup translation if there is any question about the license's validity or if the officer does not read English well.

Driving rules and age requirements in Iceland

You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Iceland, and your license must have been valid for at least one year. If you are between 18 and 20, some rental car companies charge a young driver fee or require you to purchase additional insurance. Check with the rental company before you book.

Iceland drives on the right side of the road, the same as the United States. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour: typically 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 90 km/h on highways. One kilometer is about 0.6 miles, so 80 km/h is roughly 50 mph.

Seatbelts are required for all passengers, and headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Iceland has strict drunk-driving laws: the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.04 percent, which is lower than most U.S. states. Fines for violations are high and can include license suspension.

What happens if you drive without an IDP

If you drive in Iceland with only your U.S. license and no IDP, you are not breaking the law — Iceland does not require the IDP. However, you may face problems in practice.

A rental car company may refuse to rent to you or may charge you a fee for not having an IDP. Police are unlikely to stop you for this reason alone, but if you are stopped for another violation, the lack of an IDP could complicate the interaction. An officer might question whether your U.S. license is genuine or might have difficulty reading it if English is not their first language.

The IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes a few minutes to get at an AAA office. The small cost and effort are worth the protection against delays or misunderstandings.

Renewing your IDP if it expires

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If you plan to drive in Iceland again after three years, you will need a new IDP. You cannot renew an old one — you must get a new one from AAA or AATA using the same process as before.

If your IDP expires while you are in Iceland, it is no longer valid. You cannot use it to drive or to rent a car. If you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over several years, check the expiration date on your IDP before you leave home and get a new one if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Iceland with just my U.S. license and no IDP?

Iceland does not legally require an IDP, so technically yes. However, rental car companies almost always ask for both documents, and many will not rent to you without an IDP. Police are unlikely to stop you for lacking one, but it can cause problems at the rental counter or during a traffic stop.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the United States. AAA has offices nationwide where you can get one in person in minutes. AATA works by mail or online. Both charge $15 to $20.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you visit an AAA office in person, you get the IDP the same day. By mail from either AAA or AATA, it takes one to two weeks. Plan to get your IDP at least one week before your trip, or visit an office in person if you are leaving soon.

Is my U.S. license valid in Iceland if it is about to expire?

Your license must be valid for your entire stay in Iceland. If it expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive, even with an IDP. Check the expiration date on your license before you book your rental car and renew it if necessary.

What if I lose my IDP while I am in Iceland?

Your U.S. license alone is still legal in Iceland, but you may have trouble renting another car or explaining your license to police. Contact your rental company when ready to report the loss. If you need to rent another car, explain the situation — some companies may work with you, but others may refuse.