Get your International Driving Permit for Mauritania in 8 minutes

Your license instantly translated and valid in 150+ countries. Travel freely to multiple destinations with a single permit — use in unlimited countries during validity period.

Digital + Printed International Driving Permit – Always have a backup while traveling
Accepted in 189+ Countries – Drive legally, stress-free
Free English ID Card – Helps with language barriers
Meets Global Driving Standards – Recognized internationally
Perfect for Non-English Countries – No translation issues

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Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

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$149

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Limited Coverage

Digital Only | 1-Year Validity

$49

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Global Coverage

Print + Digital | 3-Year Validity

$79

$149

Does Mauritania require an International Driving Permit?

Original license: Always required
Format accepted: Printed & digital
Issuer matters: Verify authority recognition
Valid from entry: Up to 3 years

Mauritania allows foreign nationals to drive for up to one year from entry with a recognized International Driving Permit alongside their valid domestic license. Issuing authority recognition matters here, confirm yours is accepted before driving.

Driver type	Requirement	Notes
Tourist / short-term visitor	Required in most cases	Carry original license at all times
Rental car driver	Commonly required	Verify issuing authority with your rental company
Long-term foreign resident	Different rules apply	After 1 year, a local license may be needed
Mutually recognized license holder	May be exempt	Depends on home country agreement

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit in Mauritania?

Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and have the following documents ready before you start.

Documents needed

All it takes is what’s already in your wallet

Valid domestic driver’s license
Passport-style photo
Valid government-issued ID
Completed online application

Eligibility

You must meet every condition below

18 years or older
Valid home country license
License not suspended
Applicable from home or abroad

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Which countries require an international driver's permit?

The requirements for an International Driving Permit (IDP) vary by country. Some countries do not require an International Driving Permit, while others require it for all foreign drivers. Here are some examples of countries that require an International Driving Permit:

Algeria

Australia

Angola

Argentina

Antigua

Armenia

Bahrain

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Barbados

Brunei

Belarus

Bhutan

Burkina Faso

Cambodia

Chad

Croatia

Canada

Cape Verde

Cameroon

Congo

Costa Rica

Italy

Dominica

Egypt

El Salvador

Gambia

Gabon

Guatemala

Georgia

Germany

Haiti

Honduras

Indonesia

Jordan

Kenya

Kuwait

Oman

Panama

Portugal

Slovenia

South Korea

South Africa

Senegal

Sudan

Morocco

Myanmar

Namibia

Nepal

Nicaragua

Qatar

Japan

Lebanon

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

Vietnam

Yemen

Tobago

It's important to note that even if a country does not officially require an International Driving Permit, it may be recommended as a helpful document to have, especially if you plan to rent a car or drive frequently during your visit. It is always best to check with the local embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to verify whether an International Driving Permit is required or recommended.

Top Destinations in Mauritania

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is located on the Atlantic coast of Africa, with Nouachkott as its capital. Also known as “The Land of Winds and Ghosts,” Mauritania is full of sweeping desert dunes and sparkling coastal waters. With several UNESCO World Heritage sites, it’s considered one of the cradles of humanity. Truly a place to visit for anyone seeking an adventure unlike any other.

Chinguetti

A former trading post in 777AD, Chinguetti is an ancient city of major importance. Though the desert has reclaimed the city in its sands, the important structures remain until today as a testimonial to the stone city’s amazing architecture. The walls of Chinguetti that still clearly define the ancient streets today were all painstakingly built by hand, one stone at a time.

Driving to Chinguetti is relatively easy with your International Driver’s Permit for Mauritania. The website for UNESCO has declared Chinguetti as a world heritage site. Mauritania is trying to preserve Chinguetti. However, the landowners are afraid that conservation efforts result in the loss or destruction of the artifacts. So efforts are being put in place to increase awareness and tourism. Hoping that this will generate enough revenue to fuel local conservation efforts.

Richat Structure or The Eye of Africa

A naturally formed world wonder, the Richat Structure also known as the “Eye of the Sahara'' or “Eye of Africa,” is a crater almost 50 km wide. It is formed by the rising of lava through the earth’s crust but failing to break through the surface. The structure then collapsed in on itself, forming the Eye as it is known today. To this day, geologists come to the Eye to study its composition, while tourists take all sorts of tours to see the Eye.

Some people prefer to take a camel tour to the Eye and slowly go around the Richat. There are also balloon tours available, so you can appreciate the Eye from the air and see just how massive it truly is. But the most popular way to visit the Eye is by taking a 4x4 and driving to and around the Eye.

Banc d'Arguin National Park

The Banc d’Arguin (Bay of Arguin) is undoubtedly one of the world’s unique places. A unique meeting of desert and ocean, the bay naturally formed a special region of biodiversity and beauty. You will find over 300 species of migrating birds that stop at the Banc to feed and rest on its sands. Beneath its waters, you will find sea turtles and dolphins playing in the naturally cool waters of the Atlantic.

Nature and humanity have found such a unique balance in Banc d’Arguin, living in harmonious mutualism. The fishermen of the Imraguen tribe, who are the only people allowed by the Mauritanian government to live on the Banc, work in coordination with dolphins to drive fish into the fishermen’s nets. This ensures a good haul by the fishermen, and the dolphins don’t need to expel so much energy hunting the fish.

Most Important Driving Rules in Mauritania

In Mauritania, driving rules include stopping at police checkpoints, which are common. If the police ask you to stop, show them both your local and international driver's licenses for Mauritania. Be polite and calm with the police, and they'll be the same with you. Always follow what the police say, especially if they warn you about a road. Mauritania has its own driving challenges.

If you have an accident and you're using your international driver’s license for Mauritania, it's easy to call for help. All emergency numbers start with 222. Add 17, 18, or 19 at the end, depending on who you need to call.

Alcohol will get you in Trouble

Mauritania is considered a “dry country”, meaning alcohol is forbidden. However, there are still people and establishments that carry alcohol for the consumption of tourists and locals. If you do consume alcohol, make sure to never drive, even if you only had a little.

The penalties in Mauritania for drunk driving are severe. For first-time offenders, it’s a hefty fine if you were cordial while being given a violation ticket. If you are belligerent, a night in jail will accompany that citation. A second offense could cause the revocation of your local license and/or your international driver’s permit for Mauritania. Address the police respectfully, and they may let you off with another citation rather than spend the night in jail.

Seatbelts for Everyone at All Times

Seatbelts are required as you drive around with your international driver’s permit for Mauritania. This requirement applies to all passengers of a vehicle, not just the front seats. There are only a few rules while driving in this country, and the police enforce the seatbelt law at all times. In a country where people tend to disregard traffic lights and signs, this isn’t a bad idea.

In case of an emergency. make sure you present to responders your international driver’s permit for Mauritania. The contact numbers for emergency services are 22217 for police, and 22218 for the fire department, and 22219 for traffic-related issues. For light altercations, present your international driver’s permit to the office of the Gendarmerie Nationale (National Police) and make a statement.

Hands-free Only

Being distracted by a phone call is always bad while driving. But being distracted while driving in a fast-paced driving culture like Mauritania is disastrous. The government recognizes this and has implemented laws against the use of mobile phones while driving. If you really need to make that call, always use a hands-free device to keep your hands on the wheel.

Always stay alert while driving with your international driver’s license for Mauritania. The price for being distracted as you traverse the roads of a foreign country could be a steep one. Make sure to either use the speakerphone option or hands free-device, but don’t let the call distract you. If you have to, pull over and finish your conversation before driving again.

Top Destinations in Mauritania

Chinguetti

Richat Structure or The Eye of Africa

Banc d'Arguin National Park

Most Important Driving Rules in Mauritania

Alcohol will get you in Trouble

Seatbelts for Everyone at All Times

Hands-free Only

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Print + Digital International Driving Permit

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Free access to all benefits of the digital International Driving Permit format included
Accepted in 189+ countries – travel without worries
Includes a free ID card with English license details
Globally recognized & meets international standards
Essential for non-English speaking countries

Digital International Driving Permit

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Easily accessible digital format, accepted in many countries
Can be obtained online, fast and easy process
Accepted widely, but not in all countries
Doesn't include printed booklet and complementary plastic card

You will receive a printed and digital International Driving License booklet and card. The digital International Driving Permit is sent in 8 minutes and your physical International Driving Permit will be mailed. Click here for information on countries with International Driving Permit limitations.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common queries and get the information you need quickly and easily.

An International Driving Permit is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and not a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your International Driving Permit whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. You should always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the International Driving Permit whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

An international driving permit (International Driving Permit) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. An International Driving Permit is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an International Driving Permit, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an International Driving Permit, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This International Driving Permit follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the International Driving Permit if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an International Driving Permit.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed International Driving Permit: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an International Driving Permit, you will need:

• A valid domestic driving license
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an International Driving Permit in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An International Driving Permit is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An International Driving Permit is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new International Driving Permit for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An International Driving Permit helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an International Driving Permit at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their International Driving Permit quickly and efficiently before their trip.