How to Get an International Driving License in Qatar

Doha Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 14 November 2025.

What is an International Driving License?

An International Driving License, commonly known as an International Driving Permit (IDP) or Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD), is an official document that translates your national driving license into multiple languages. It enables you to legally drive in countries that recognise the international conventions governing IDPs.

The IDP serves as a supplementary document and must always be carried together with your valid domestic driving license. It is also a United Nations-regulated travel document for your safety and ease of travel.

This article explains how Qatar residents and citizens can apply for an International Driving License in Qatar that would allow them to drive while visiting other countries.

An International Driving License is a document slightly larger than a standard passport. It is a multiple language translation of one’s existing driver’s license, complete with your photograph and other information.

Who Can Apply for International Driving License in Qatar

In Qatar, anyone who meets the following criteria can apply:

• Holds a valid Qatari driving license
• Is 18 years old or above
• Has a valid Qatar ID or residence permit
• Holds a passport valid for international travel

Anyone with a valid Qatar Driving License can now apply for an International Driving License in Qatar.

Temporary or provisional driving licences are generally not eligible for an IDP.

International Driving License Requirements in Qatar

Requirement	Details
Valid Qatar Driving License	Must be valid at the time of application. Temporary licences are not accepted.
Copies of Documents	Copy of Qatar ID, passport copy, and Qatari driving license.
Passport-Size Photos	Two recent passport-size photos (colour or black-and-white; not scanned).
Minimum Age	Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Application Form	IDP application form provided by the authorised issuing authority.
Application Fee	Typically around QR 150 (cash), depending on the issuing office.
Validity	Usually 1 year (1949 Convention IDP). 1968 IDP may have up to 3 years’ validity.
Where to Apply	Qatar Automobile and Touring Club (QATC) or approved travel agencies/driving schools.

International Driving License Fee in Qatar

The fee is typically around QR 150, depending on the issuing office. Please note that some places like QATC only accept cash payment.

Where To Apply for International Driving License in Qatar

In Qatar, the authorised body for issuing IDPs is the Qatar Automobile and Touring Club (QATC).

In addition to QATC, several travel agencies and driving schools are approved to issue international driving licences, including:

QATC Working Hours

Days	Work Hours
Saturday To Thursday	8 AM to 12 PM 3 PM to 5 PM
Friday	Closed

Qatar Automobile And Touring Club WhatsApp: +974-7478 4371

Driving Schools Offering International Driving License

• Karwa Driving School
• Al Ijarah Driving Academy
• Al Khebra Driving School

Travel Agents Offering International Driving License

• Darwish Travel
• Mannai Air Travel
• Al Muftah Rent A Car
• Regency Holidays
• Ali Bin Ali Travel
• Safe Travels & Tourism
• Deluxe Travels
• Target Travels
• Go Mosafer

Requirements for International Driving License

Typical requirements include:

• Valid Qatari driving license
• Qatar ID (QID) or valid residence permit
• Passport copy
• Two passport-sized photos (white background)
• Payment of applicable fee (generally around QAR 150, depending on the issuing centre)

Your Qatari driving license must be valid for the full duration of the one-year IDP. Some offices may ask you to complete an application form.

Procedure to Apply

The application process is straightforward:

1. Visit QATC or an authorised agency/driving school.
2. Submit the required documents and filled application form.
3. Pay the fee at the counter. QATC accepts cash only (QR 150).
4. Your IDP is typically issued on the same day, often within minutes.
5. Collect your printed International Driving License and keep it with your Qatar driving license when travelling.

Some agencies may offer online submission, but issuance and collection are usually in person.

---

Countries That Recognise IDP

Many countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally, including most of Europe. You must carry both your national driver’s license and the IDP, as the IDP is a translation and not a standalone license.

Africa: Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China (Taiwan), Cyprus, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Republic of), Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Türkiye (Turkey), Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Europe: Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holy See (Vatican City), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova (Republic of), Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom

North America: Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, United States of America

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Oceania: Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea

Note: Some countries do not recognize or accept the IDP. The full list of eligible countries will be included in the printed IDP you receive. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the latest requirements with your destination before you travel.

---

Driving With an International Driving License in Qatar

Visitors may use an International Driving License to drive in Qatar temporarily. Key points include:

• Rental companies in Qatar may ask to see both documents for verification.
• Tourists with a valid IDP may drive in Qatar for a limited period, usually up to three months, depending on immigration status.
• Visitors must also carry their original home-country driving licence.
• Residents and Qatari licence holders cannot use an IDP to drive inside Qatar; the IDP is only for driving abroad.

NOTE: After you enter Qatar on a visit visa or a business visa and apply for a resident permit or employment visa, your home license and international driving permit are no longer valid.

Quick Overview of International Driving License in Qatar

• Issued by QATC, authorised travel agencies, and driving schools
• Valid for 1 year
• Requires a valid Qatari driving license + QID + passport copy + 2 photos
• Usually issued on the same day
• Needed when renting or driving abroad
• Tourists can use an IDP to drive in Qatar for a short period
• Residents cannot use an IDP to drive inside Qatar

Functions of an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Translation of your licence:
An IDP provides an official translation of your domestic driving license, making it easier for foreign authorities to understand your driving credentials.

Proof of valid licence:
It confirms that you hold a valid driving license in your home country and are legally permitted to drive motor vehicles.

Vehicle category confirmation:
The IDP specifies which types of vehicles you are authorised to drive, matching the categories on your original licence.

Support for road safety:
Because many countries require an IDP, it helps ensure that only licensed drivers are on the road, contributing to safer driving standards worldwide.

International Driving License vs Qatar Driving License

Feature	International Driving License (IDP)	Qatar Driving License
Primary Use	Driving abroad	Driving inside Qatar
Issued By	QATC & authorised agencies	Ministry of Interior
Validity	1 year	5–10 years (depending on category)
Requirement	Must have a valid Qatar driving license	Must pass theory & road test
Accepted In	Countries recognising IDPs	Within Qatar + some countries that permit temporary use

Conclusion

An International Driving License is a valuable document for Qatar residents who plan to drive overseas, as well as for tourists driving temporarily in Qatar. It provides a widely recognised translation of your driving credentials and helps avoid legal or administrative problems when renting a car or dealing with foreign authorities. With simple requirements and same-day issuance, obtaining an IDP in Qatar is quick and convenient.

An International Driving License gives you peace of mind while exploring the world – even if you’re not planning to drive!

READ NEXT: List of Traffic Violation Fines And Points in Qatar

---

FAQ About International Driving License

---

---

Related Articles:

1. How To Get Qatar Driving License
2. Professions Not Eligible For Driving License in Qatar
3. Fahes Vehicle Inspection: Complete Guide
4. How to Check, Report and Appeal Traffic Violations in Qatar
5. Qatar Traffic Signs And Their Meanings
6. How To Renew Istimara Online in Qatar

Copyright © DohaGuides.com – Unauthorized reproduction of this article in any language is prohibited.

---