Licences, the International Driving Permit and what to keep in the car
Updated 10 August 2026
Most arguments at handover are not about price. They are about one missing document. The list is short and rarely changes — worth reading once before you travel.
Which licences are accepted
- EU and EEA licences are accepted as they are, with no translation and no extra paperwork.
- A UK licence is likewise accepted directly.
- From anywhere else, carry your national licence together with an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- If your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet, the IDP is not advice — it is required.
An IDP does not replace your licence: it is an official translation of it and is only valid alongside the original. Leaving the original at the hotel means the permit on its own will not get you through a check.
Age and years held
There is no single national number: the condition is set by the car's owner, not by law, and usually sits between 21 and 25 years old with one or two years of licence. On AutoShqip the minimum age and minimum licence years are printed with the specifications on every listing, so you see them before you book rather than at handover.
What to keep in the car
- Your licence (and the IDP, if you need one)
- Passport or national ID
- The rental agreement
- The vehicle's insurance certificate
- A Green Card, if you are crossing a border
These live in the car, not in the suitcase at the hotel. Traffic police stop foreign-plated cars more often than local ones, and every check opens with the documents.
The second driver
Anyone who will drive has to be named. If someone not on the agreement is found at the wheel, the insurance may not cover the incident — and that lands on your deposit. Naming them takes one message to the owner and costs nothing.
When the police stop you
Stops are routine and usually over in two minutes. Pull in where directed, wind the window down, hand over the documents and wait. If you are fined, ask for the written ticket: it is both your proof of payment and the way to settle at half the amount within 15 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an IDP with an EU licence?
No. An EU or EEA licence is accepted as it is, both by the owner and at a roadside check.
Where do I get an IDP?
In the country that issued your licence, before you travel — usually from the motoring club or the licensing authority. It cannot be issued in Albania.
Do I need a credit card to collect the car?
Not on AutoShqip. You pay only the service fee online; the rest and the deposit are settled with the owner at handover.