Get your International Driving Permit for Sri Lanka in 8 minutes
Receive a print and digital version
Valid in 150+ countries – travel stress-free
Free ID card with English license info
Globally accepted, meets standards
Essential for non-english speaking countries
Where was your license issued?
Destination
Regulated travel document
See info about country limitations
Unlimited Replacements
Free of charge
24/7 Live Chat
Customer care
Already abroad or planning to leave very soon?
Get your Digital IDP online in minutes with your driver’s license and a passport photo.
An IDP is essential when driving in Sri Lanka
Rent Cars with Ease & Avoid Fines – Many countries and rental agencies require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Get yours in minutes and travel worry-free!
Excellent and amazing service on the chat with Patricia, within a few minutes received the digital copy of the IDP after the process was complete. Very impressed!
See more reviews
Recognized in over 150 countries, an IDP allows you to drive legally and confidently abroad. With an international driving permit, you see the world on multi-country trips that span borders, cultures, & beyond. Get informed about countries with IDP limitations.
Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, an international driver's license is an essential travel document that lets you rent a car, navigate foreign roads, and explore the world legally.
Translations in 12 languages make communicating with foreign officials and rental companies easier. This added convenience ensures you can navigate foreign roads safely and confidently.
Think of all the places you can go with one international driving permit! Valid for up to three years, it's the best choice for frequent travelers. Plan, explore, and stay longer - our IDP has you covered.
Obtain an IDP with full coverage and multiple guarantees. With our money-back policy and unlimited replacement, getting an international driver's license doesn't have to break the bank.
Do you have a question or need help with lost IDP? Reach out whenever and wherever; with our 24/7 customer service, you have a team ready to assist you with any international driving needs.
Wherever you are in the world, you will receive your IDP quickly and hassle-free. Our express shipping makes your international travel plans smoother, offering ultimate convenience.
Risk-Free Pricing: 100% Money-Back Guarantee
Travel with confidence: Full refund if not accepted anywhere + unlimited free replacements
You will receive a printed and digital International Driving Permit booklet and card. The digital IDP is sent in 8 minutes and your physical IDP will be mailed. for information on countries with IDP limitations.
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).
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
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).
International Road Traffic Conventions & 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.
Getting Your IDP in Sri Lanka (ඔබගේ ජාත්යන්තර රියදුරු බලපත්රය ශ්රී ලංකාවෙන් ලබා ගැනීම / இலங்கையில் உங்கள் சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரத்தைப் பெறுதல்)
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?)
- Download the Application Form: Available from www.aaceylon.lk
- Fill the Form: Provide your name, address, birth details, licence number, and countries of travel
- Gather Required Documents:
- Valid Sri Lankan driving licence (original)
- Copy of passport or NIC
- Two passport-size photographs
- Submit at AAC Colombo Office: Bring the completed form and documents.
- 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
Using Your Sri Lankan IDP Abroad (ඔබගේ ශ්රී ලංකා IDP විදේශයකදී භාවිතා කිරීම / உங்கள் இலங்கை IDP ஐ வெளிநாட்டில் பயன்படுத்துதல்)
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.
Sri Lanka's Driving Licence Modernization Initiative (ශ්රී ලංකාවේ රියදුරු බලපත්ර නවීකරණ මුලපිරීම / இலங்கையின் சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திர நவீனமயமாக்கல் முயற்சி)
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.
Renewing or Replacing Your IDP (ඔබගේ IDP අලුත් කිරීම හෝ ප්රතිස්ථාපනය කිරීම / உங்கள் IDP ஐப் புதுப்பித்தல் அல்லது மாற்றுதல்)
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.
Driving in Specific Countries with a Sri Lankan Licence & IDP: General Pointers
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).
Tips for Sri Lankan Drivers Abroad
- 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.
Expatriates in Sri Lanka with Foreign Licences
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sinhala: ජාත්යන්තර රියදුරු බලපත්රය (Jāthyanthara Riyaduru Balapathraya). Tamil: சர்வதேச சாரதி அனுமதிப்பத்திரம் (Sarvadesa Sārathi Anumathippaththiram).
You must apply through the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC). See the "Getting Your IDP in Sri Lanka" section above for details.
The fee for an "IDP Only" is LKR 10,394.15 (as of recent AAC information, subject to change). Bundled options with AAC membership are also available.
The AAC states they retain your original Sri Lankan driving licence for approximately two working days for processing.
It depends on whether the country recognizes IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Always check with the embassy or motoring authority of your destination country before travel.
Report it to local police, contact the AAC in Sri Lanka, and the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission for advice. You will likely need to reapply for a new IDP upon returning to Sri Lanka.
No, Sri Lankan IDPs are generally not renewable. You need to apply for a new one upon expiry.
The AAC website allows you to download the application form. However, the submission and processing typically require physical interaction or using a facilitator. Beware of unofficial websites claiming to issue official IDPs entirely online.
Conclusion
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.
============
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.
Conclusion
Navigate Sri Lankan roads safely with our driving guide. Get tips on traffic rules, road conditions, and essential advice for driving in Sri Lanka.
Ready to check if an IDP is required in your destination?
Use the form and find out in seconds whether you need an international permit.
Question 1 of 3
Where was your license issued?