Get your International Driving Permit for Sri Lanka in 8 minutes

Planning to drive on your next international trip? For Sri Lankan driver's licence holders, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is often an essential document. This guide will walk you through what an IDP is, why you need it, how to get one in Sri Lanka, and how to use it on your global adventures.

The International Driving Permit is known in Sinhala as ජාත්‍යන්තර රියදුරු බලපත්‍රය (Jāthyanthara Riyaduru Balapathraya) and in Tamil as சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரம் (Sarvadesa Sārathi Anumathippaththiram).

Definition and Purpose (ජාත්‍යන්තර රියදුරු බලපත්‍රය යනු කුමක්ද? / சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரம் என்றால் என்ன?)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official, United Nations-sanctioned travel document that translates your valid Sri Lankan driving licence into multiple languages. Its primary purpose is to be understood by foreign authorities, making it easier for you to drive a private motor vehicle in countries that recognize it. It certifies that you hold a valid driver's licence in your home country.

Benefits of an IDP

• Global Recognition: Accepted in over 150 countries, it helps bridge language barriers with local traffic police and car rental agencies.
• Car Rentals: Many car rental companies worldwide require an IDP, especially if your national licence is not in English or the local language.
• Legal Requirement: In some countries, carrying an IDP along with your national licence is a legal requirement to drive.
• Additional Identification: It can serve as an additional form of photo identification.

IDP as a Complement to Your National Licence

Crucially, an IDP is not a standalone document. It only validates your existing Sri Lankan driving licence for international use. You must always carry your original, valid Sri Lankan driving licence along with your IDP. If your Sri Lankan licence expires, is suspended, or revoked, your IDP automatically becomes invalid. An IDP is also not valid for driving in the country where it was issued (i.e., you cannot use a Sri Lankan-issued IDP to drive in Sri Lanka).

The use of IDPs is governed by UN Conventions on Road Traffic. The two main conventions are:

• 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic: IDPs issued under this convention are typically valid for one year.
• 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic: IDPs under this convention can be valid for up to three years. When a state is party to both, the newer one (Vienna) generally replaces the older one for relations between those states.

Sri Lanka's Position: Sri Lanka is a contracting state to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. This means:

• IDPs issued in Sri Lanka conform to the 1949 model.
• The maximum validity of a Sri Lankan-issued IDP is one year from the date of issue.
• Sri Lanka is not listed as a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. This can sometimes lead to recognition challenges for Sri Lankan IDP holders in countries that primarily adhere to the 1968 Vienna Convention.

If you’re planning to drive overseas and hold a valid Sri Lankan driving licence, there are local and online options available to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).

A. Local Provider in Sri Lanka: Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC)(ශ්‍රී ලංකාවේ ත්ථානික IDP සපයන්නෙකු ලෙස AAC / AAC ஒரு உள்ளூர் அனுமதி வழங்குநராக)

The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) serves as a recognized local provider for IDPs in Sri Lanka. The AAC operates in cooperation with the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) and is affiliated with international motoring bodies.

📍 AAC Head Office Address:
40, Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, P.O. Box 338, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
📞 Phone: +94 11 2421528 / +94 11 2421529
✉️ Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.aaceylon.lk

B. Eligibility Criteria

• Must hold a valid permanent Sri Lankan driving licence (temporary/learner’s licenses not eligible)
• Must be at least 18 years of age

C. Application Process (AAC ජාත්‍යන්තර රියදුරු බලපත්‍රය ගන්නේ කොහොමද? / AAC சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரம் பெறுவது எப்படி?)

1. Download the Application Form: Available from www.aaceylon.lk
2. Fill the Form: Provide your name, address, birth details, licence number, and countries of travel
3. Gather Required Documents:
   • Valid Sri Lankan driving licence (original)
   • Copy of passport or NIC
   • Two passport-size photographs

1. Submit at AAC Colombo Office: Bring the completed form and documents.
2. Pay the Required Fee

⚠️ The original driving licence is retained by AAC for 2 working days during processing. Plan accordingly if you need to drive during that time.

D. Fees (IDP ශ්‍රී ලංකා පිරිවැය / IDP இலங்கைக்கான செலவு)

Service TypeFee (LKR)IDP Only10,394.15IDP + Ordinary AAC Membership13,563.04IDP + Family AAC Membership13,079.74

Fees may change—always verify on AAC’s website or by calling.

E. Processing Time

• Typically 2 working days
• Apply early if your travel date is near

F. Online Alternative: International Drivers Association (IDA)

If you are currently overseas, need a faster option, or prefer a digital process, the International Drivers Association (IDA) offers a global online IDP service:

• Based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, valid in 150+ countries
• Provides a multilingual translation of your Sri Lankan driving licence
• Application takes 8–20 minutes
• Delivery options include digital download, printed booklet, or both

General Acceptance and Validity

• Your Sri Lankan-issued IDP (1949 Geneva Convention type) is valid for one year from its date of issue.
• It must always be carried with your original, valid Sri Lankan permanent driving licence.
• It is generally recognized in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention or have bilateral agreements.

Country-Specific Requirements & Potential Challenges

• Crucial: Always verify the specific IDP requirements with the embassy, consulate, or national motoring authority of your destination country before you travel. Regulations can change, and some countries may have unique local rules or endorsements.

Vienna Convention Countries: As Sri Lanka issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention, you might encounter difficulties or additional requirements in countries that exclusively or primarily adhere to the 1968 Vienna Convention (this includes many European nations). Your 1949 IDP may not be fully recognized, or its acceptance might be subject to local interpretations.

In response to challenges faced by Sri Lankans using their local driving licences abroad, particularly in European countries like Italy (which adhere to the Vienna Convention), the Sri Lankan government has initiated a program to modernize national driving licences.

• Aim: To ensure Sri Lankan driving licences comply with broader international standards, enhancing their global recognition and acceptance. This is expected to address issues like incompatible licence formats and varying recognition standards.
• Lead Agencies: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Highways and the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).
• Potential Impact: If successful, this could improve the direct usability of Sri Lankan licences internationally and potentially pave the way for Sri Lanka to align more closely with the 1968 Vienna Convention standards.

Keep an eye on official announcements from the DMT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on this initiative.

Renewals

Official International Driving Permits issued by the AAC are generally not renewable. Once your one-year IDP expires, you must apply for a new one by repeating the full application process with the AAC in Sri Lanka. There is currently no confirmed official mechanism for Sri Lankan citizens to renew their AAC-issued IDP while overseas.

Lost or Stolen IDP Abroad (විදේශයකදී IDP නැති වුවහොත් කුමක් කළ යුතුද? / வெளிநாட்டில் இலங்கை சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரம் தொலைந்துவிட்டால் என்ன செய்வது?)

There is no clearly defined official procedure from Sri Lankan authorities for replacing an IDP lost or stolen while you are overseas.

• You would likely need to reapply for a new IDP through the AAC upon your return to Sri Lanka.
• If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, it is advisable to:
  • Report the loss to the local police in that country.
  • Contact the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Sri Lanka for guidance.
  • Contact the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or High Commission for advice.
  • It is unlikely you can get a direct replacement issued while you are still abroad from Sri Lankan authorities.

Always verify current rules with the destination country's embassy or motoring authority before travel.

• USA: Requirements vary by state. An IDP is highly recommended and often needed for car rentals. You generally need both your valid Sri Lankan licence and an IDP.
• UK: You can usually drive for up to 12 months on a valid Sri Lankan licence. An IDP is recommended, especially if your licence isn't a photocard with English.
• Canada: A valid foreign licence may be used for a short period (varies by province). An IDP is strongly recommended as a translation into English and French.
• Australia: Temporary visitors can often drive on their valid Sri Lankan licence if it's in English. If not, an IDP or official translation is required. Rules vary by state.
• Italy: As a non-EU/EEA citizen, an IDP is generally required along with your Sri Lankan licence. Italy adheres to the Vienna Convention, and Sri Lankan 1949 IDP holders have reported recognition challenges. The Sri Lankan government's licence modernization aims to address such issues.
• UAE: Visitors typically require an IDP along with their national licence to rent a car and drive.
• Germany: An IDP is generally required if your national licence is not in German or doesn't comply with Annex 6 of the Vienna Convention. Sri Lanka's 1949 IDP may face scrutiny as Germany is a Vienna Convention country.
• France: For short stays, a valid foreign licence is accepted if written in French or accompanied by an official translation or an IDP.
• Malaysia: Generally recognizes foreign licences in English. If not, an IDP or certified translation is needed. IDP advised for non-ASEAN visitors.

Singapore: Foreigners on short stays (less than 12 months) need a valid foreign licence and an IDP (or official English translation if IDP unavailable).

• Always Carry Both: Your physical IDP and your original Sri Lankan permanent driving licence are essential. Digital copies are usually not accepted.
• Obey Local Laws: Your IDP doesn't grant immunity from local traffic laws, speed limits, parking rules, or drink-driving regulations.
• Be Aware of Differences: Research local driving customs, road signs, and whether driving is on the left (like Sri Lanka) or right.
• Insurance: Ensure you have adequate international car insurance. An IDP may be required by rental agencies or for insurance claims.

If you are an expatriate residing in Sri Lanka and hold a driving licence from another country (not Sri Lanka), and you wish to obtain an IDP to drive in a third country:

• The International Driving Permit must generally be issued by the competent authority in the same country that issued your national driving licence.
• The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) issues IDPs based on valid Sri Lankan driving licences.
• If you have converted your foreign driving licence to a Sri Lankan driving licence, then the AAC can issue an IDP based on that Sri Lankan licence.

For Sri Lankan licence holders, an International Driving Permit is a key document for driving legally and with peace of mind in many foreign countries. By understanding the application process through the Automobile Association of Ceylon, being aware of its validity and limitations, and staying informed about international driving regulations and Sri Lanka's own licence modernization efforts, you can navigate global roads with confidence. Always prioritize obtaining your IDP from official sources and conduct thorough research on your destination's specific requirements before you travel.

For the most current information and to begin your application, please contact the Automobile Association of Ceylon directly.

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Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always verify current regulations and requirements with official government sources, embassies, and car rental agencies before traveling.

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