International Driving Permit for Lao People's Democratic Republic

Laos drives on the right, and many visitors explore it by motorbike or scooter along winding roads through Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and the mountainous north. Roads can be narrow, poorly lit and shared with livestock, so caution is essential, and helmets are legally required for motorcycle and scooter riders. Because licences are issued in Lao script, an IDP helps officials read your credentials.

Do you need an IDP to drive in Lao People's Democratic Republic?

Recommended

An International Driving Permit is recommended in Laos, as local licences use the Lao script and police or rental agents commonly want an IDP to accompany your home licence.

Driving side: Right
Minimum driving age: 18 years
Region: Asia
IDP: Recommended

Local languages: Lao

Driving in Lao People's Democratic Republic: key facts

Helmets are mandatory for motorbike riders and passengers, a rule frequently enforced given how popular two-wheel rentals are with tourists.
Road quality varies sharply between paved highways and rough rural tracks, and night driving is discouraged due to unlit vehicles and animals.
Carry your passport, national licence and IDP, plus rental paperwork, as informal roadside checks do occur.

How to get your IDP for Lao People's Democratic Republic

Getting your International Driving Permit for Lao People's Democratic Republic takes only a few minutes:

1
Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
2
Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
3
Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Do I need an IDP to drive in Laos?

An IDP is recommended rather than universally required, but it is the safest way to ensure your foreign licence is accepted by police and rental operators, since Lao licences are in a non-Latin script.

Can I rent a car or scooter in Laos with a foreign licence?

Many shops will rent scooters and cars on a foreign licence, but having an IDP reduces the risk of disputes, and some insurers require one for cover to be valid.

What side of the road does Laos drive on?

Laos drives on the right-hand side of the road.

What is the minimum age to drive in Laos?

The minimum driving age in Laos is 18, and car rental firms may require renters to be older and to hold a licence valid for the vehicle class.

Other countries in Asia

Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bali Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Darussalam Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India