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You can’t legally drive in Sri Lanka with just your home license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). You need a local Sri Lankan permit too—either from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT).

Most travelers don’t know this. I didn’t either on my first visit. Rental companies won’t hand you the keys without it. And if the police stop you? Expect a fine of up to LKR 50,000 (~$165 USD). Worse—your insurance won’t cover a thing.

Let’s break down how to drive in Sri Lanka the right way, without the panic.

Yes. But it’s only step one. You must also get a local permit once you arrive in Sri Lanka.

Your IDP works like a translator for your license. It’s not a standalone license and is only valid when carried with your home license. Its validity also cannot go beyond your license’s expiry.

Think of it as your entry ticket—the Sri Lankan local permit is the door actually opening.

An IDP is real. An IDL is usually a scam.

IDPs are issued by authorized agencies in your home country (AAA in the US, Post Office in the UK, RTO in India). They follow UN road conventions and are accepted worldwide.

IDLs, on the other hand, are often fake documents sold online by shady websites. No legal power. No recognition. If a site offers a downloadable license or calls it “international license” only—don’t touch it.

You can’t just show up and drive. Even with your home license or an IDP, Sri Lanka requires a local driving permit. There are two ways to get it—depending on what you already have.

✅ Step 1: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Before flying to Sri Lanka, you must get an IDP from your home country.
It translates your license into multiple languages.
It’s valid only when carried with your home license and must not exceed your license’s expiry.

The fastest way to get one?
InternationalDriversAssociation.com

They offer:

• A quick 8-minute application
• Worldwide shipping
• A digital backup (great if your original gets lost)
• Unlimited free replacements
• Global recognition—including in Sri Lanka
  

Once you have your IDP in hand, you're ready for Step 2.

✅ Step 2: Exchange It for a Local Sri Lankan Permit

There are two official options:

Option 1: AAC “Recognition Permit”

(Recommended if you already have your IDP)

• Where: AAC branches in Colombo, Kandy, or Nuwara Eliya
• What you need:
  
  
  • Your IDP
  • Your home country license
  • Passport + Sri Lankan visa
  • Passport-sized photos
    
    
• Cost: Around LKR 8,500 (~$29 USD)
• Processing time: 1–3 hours
• Valid for: Up to 1 year, or until your IDP/home license expires
• Bonus: Want to drive a tuk-tuk? AAC can endorse this if your license allows cars.
  

Option 2: DMT Temporary Driving Permit

(For shorter trips or if you don’t have an IDP)

• Where: Department of Motor Traffic office in Werahera (Colombo suburb)
• What you need:
  
  
  • English national license or certified translation
  • Passport + Sri Lankan visa
  • Passport-sized photos
    
    
• Cost: Around LKR 1,000 per month
• Processing time: 3–4 hours (or more with queues)
• Valid for: Maximum 5 months or until your visa expires
• Limitations: No tuk-tuk driving allowed with this permit
  

Heads up: You can’t drive tuk-tuks with a DMT permit.

Let’s go through common cases:

• US: Get your IDP from AAA or AATA before your trip. Then get the AAC or DMT permit once in Sri Lanka.
• India: Visit your local RTO to get an IDP. You’ll need it for the AAC route. Indian licenses alone won’t cut it.
• UK: Get a 1949 Convention IDP at the Post Office. Still need the AAC Recognition Permit when you arrive.
• Turkey / Italy: Your national license plus IDP is valid for permit application, if your country is in the 1949/1968 conventions.

It’s not worth the risk.

• Fines: Up to LKR 50,000 (~$165 USD)
• Police: Can stop or fine you on the spot
• Insurance: Completely invalid without the local permit—even if you have an IDP

Rental issues: No valid local permit = No car rental. Full stop.

Here’s your checklist:

• ✅ Valid home license
• ✅ IDP (issued before your trip)
• ✅ Passport with valid Sri Lanka visa
• ✅ Passport-sized photos
• ✅ Copies of all documents
• ✅ Translation (if license isn’t in English)

Not fully. But facilitators can help speed things up.

Trusted local services like:

• TukTukRental.com
• Rento Sri Lanka
• Rofi.lk
  

They can prepare your AAC Recognition Permit in advance and deliver it to your hotel or pick-up point. Fast, but you’ll pay a small extra fee.

You’ll need to convert your license into a full Sri Lankan license.

That means:

• 1+ year visa
• A practical driving test
• Medical check from NTMI
• Conversion process through DMT
  

It’s more complex—but mandatory for long-term residents.

If you lose your IDP while in Sri Lanka:

• You can’t get a valid replacement from local offices.
• You’ll need to apply again through the original issuer.
• If you used internationaldriversassociation.com, you can request unlimited replacements.
  

If you lose your Sri Lankan permit:

• File a police report
• Contact the AAC or DMT immediately
• Having a photocopy helps

Navigate Sri Lankan roads safely with our driving guide. Get tips on traffic rules, road conditions, and essential advice for driving in Sri Lanka.