International driving permits for motorcycle travel: which one do you need?

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to the Netherlands, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Tourists with other foreign motorcycle licences

Tourists who are not resident in the Netherlands may use a valid foreign motorcycle licence. For a licence issued outside the EU/EFTA, RDW recommends an IDP alongside it when the category designations differ from A, B, C, D and E. Obtain the IDP in the country that issued your licence. The separate 185-day rule concerns moving to the Netherlands.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

Visitors can use a valid UK photocard licence in Belgium for up to six months without an IDP. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Recognised foreign licence or convention permit

Belgium recognises valid national licences issued outside the EU/EEA under the Vienna or Geneva conventions or a bilateral agreement, and recognised Vienna/Geneva IDPs. Keep the motorcycle category valid and carry the original national licence with an IDP. The federal guidance permits these documents before 185 days of Belgian registration have elapsed; that registration clock is separate from an ordinary visitor’s entry date. Recognition for driving does not by itself mean the licence can be exchanged.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

The UK government’s checker describes a no-IDP route for a valid UK photocard licence for visits to Germany of up to six months. The licence must cover the motorcycle. Germany’s separate six-month foreign-licence clock starts when normal residence is established; it is not an ordinary tourist-arrival limit. Rental-company document conditions are separate.

Other foreign licences: IDP or translation where needed

A temporary visitor may ride the motorcycle categories on a valid foreign full licence, subject to its restrictions and Germany’s minimum ages for non-EU/EEA licences. Carry the original; an accepted 1926, 1949 or 1968 IDP with it avoids a separate German translation. Otherwise check the recognised translation route. Germany waives translations for Andorra, Hong Kong, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland and Senegal. The six-month limit starts on establishing normal residence.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to France, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Non-EU/EEA licences: French text, translation or IDP

For a short visit of less than 185 days, France accepts a valid non-EU/EEA motorcycle licence written in French, or accompanied by an IDP or official French translation. A translation made abroad must be legalised or apostilled; one made in France must come from an authorised translator or the issuing country’s embassy. Keep any medical restrictions. UK licences have a separate document exception.

Great Britain: EU/EEA visitors

A visitor with a full, valid EU/EEA licence may drive in Great Britain for up to 12 months after entry. Keep the motorcycle entitlement valid; carry proof of vehicle insurance.

Great Britain: other foreign licences

Visitors with a full, valid licence from another country may ride the motorcycles listed on it for 12 months from their last entry into Great Britain.

Northern Ireland: GB/EEA licences

A visitor with a valid full GB/EEA licence may ride the motorcycle category it covers. Northern Ireland's minimum ages apply. An EEA licence obtained by exchanging a non-EEA licence has a separate 12-month limit.

Northern Ireland: other foreign licences

Visitors may use a valid full foreign licence or convention IDP with the appropriate motorcycle entitlement for up to 12 months from entry into the United Kingdom. An IDP must be a prescribed multilingual booklet. A document described as an 'international driving licence' is not valid proof of entitlement.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Austria, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Recognised foreign motorcycle licence: temporary visitor

A visitor without Austrian residence may use a valid motorcycle licence issued by a country in Austria’s recognised convention or Transport Community routes for up to 12 months from entry. The general minimum age is 18, or 16 for A1. Carry the original national licence. If it is neither in German nor in a recognised national-licence model, also carry a qualifying 1926, 1949 or 1968 IDP or a translation from an authorised club or the issuing country’s diplomatic authority. Moving residence uses a separate six-month licensing process.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Switzerland, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Foreign motorcycle licences: readable categories and age

Switzerland recognises a valid foreign licence for its clearly stated motorcycle categories in Latin script. Meet Switzerland’s category minimum age. If the licence needs translation, carry it with a valid 1926, 1949 or 1968 convention IDP and its corresponding national licence, or an official French, German, Italian or English translation; names must be readable in Roman script. A Swiss licence becomes necessary after more than 12 months of Swiss residence without spending more than three consecutive months abroad.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Slovenia, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Foreign licence: convention model and residence rules

Slovenia’s foreign-document rule requires a valid foreign national licence plus a valid IDP issued by the competent foreign authority or organisation when the national licence does not conform to the Vienna road-traffic convention. Keep the motorcycle category and meet Slovenia’s minimum age. Residence limits are separate: qualifying foreign residents generally have one year from registering residence, while Slovenian nationals who live or lived abroad have a separately worded two-year rule. Valid EU/EEA licences have their own recognition route.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Czechia, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Foreign convention licence or permit

Czech law recognises a valid foreign national licence conforming to the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna convention, or a valid foreign IDP under either convention. A foreign 1949 IDP is valid for one year from issue and a foreign 1968 IDP for three years, within the valid motorcycle entitlement. Carry the underlying national licence. The official Czech-translation exception for a nonconforming national licence is limited to holders of the Foreign Ministry identification proving diplomatic or similar privileges; it is not a general tourist translation route.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Spain, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Third-country licences: match the document route

Spain has several routes for licences issued outside the EU/EEA: a convention-conforming national licence, one written in Spanish or accompanied by an official Spanish translation, or an applicable IDP or treaty route. Its IDP provision names the 1949 form and the 1926 or 1968 forms from countries belonging to the relevant convention that have not joined the 1949 Geneva Convention. Keep the licence valid, ensure it covers the motorcycle and meet Spain’s category minimum age. Without normal residence, the general limit is six months from lawful entry. Carry the original licence and passport with an IDP; treaty conditions can differ.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Italy, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Non-EU/EEA licences: carry an IDP or Italian translation

For the general non-EU/EEA visitor route, carry a valid motorcycle licence together with a valid convention IDP issued by the competent licence authority, or an official Italian translation. The licence must cover the motorcycle. International conventions can provide specific exceptions. The one-year limit concerns time since acquiring residence in Italy, rather than an ordinary holiday’s arrival date.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

UK photocard licence for visitors

Visitors can use a valid UK photocard licence in Portugal for up to 185 days without an IDP. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

Convention or reciprocal licences: 185-day tourist route

Portugal’s general route for an eligible convention, bilateral or reciprocal foreign licence allows a nonresident tourist to ride for up to 185 days, counted from the day after entry. Check that IMT recognises your issuer and that the valid licence covers the motorcycle. Establishing residence uses separate rules. Some OECD/CPLP licences qualify for a broader recognition route when its age, validity and issue-date conditions are met.

Eligible OECD/CPLP licences: issuer and age conditions

Portugal also recognises eligible OECD/CPLP-issued licences, even for residents. The issuer must have the relevant convention or bilateral agreement, the holder must be under 60, and no more than 15 years may have passed since issue or renewal. Keep the licence valid and unrestricted by a driving ban, cover the motorcycle and meet Portugal’s category minimum age. This route depends on the licence’s issuing country, not your nationality, and applies only in Portugal.

UK photocard licence for visitors

For ordinary visits to Norway, a valid UK photocard licence does not require an IDP under the UK government’s guidance. The licence must cover the motorcycle; rental-company document conditions are separate.

EEA licences and exchange-origin exceptions

Valid EU/EEA motorcycle licences are usable, subject to Norwegian health requirements. National-only categories are not recognised. A licence obtained by exchanging a non-EEA licence normally retains the original issuer’s rules and a three-month limit; specified older-residence or ten-year-entitlement exceptions apply.

Other foreign licences: normally three months

Eligible non-EEA motorcycle licences normally cover three months from arrival. Use the accepted 1949/1968 document model and any required IDP or certified translation. A residence permit plus Norwegian employment contract lasting more than three months permits up to six months; carry both.

Visitor licences: check each state

IDP requirements differ between U.S. states. Contact the motor-vehicle agency for every state on your route and obtain any required permit in the country that issued your licence before travelling. Carry a valid licence covering the motorcycle; rental companies may require additional documents. Permanent residents use the licensing rules of their state of residence.

Visitor licensing: province and territory rules

Canadian visitor-licence and IDP requirements are set by each province or territory. Check the licensing authority for every province on your route and carry a valid licence covering the motorcycle. Rental companies may set stricter age, experience and IDP conditions. A move to Canada uses the province’s resident-licence process.

British Columbia: visitor licence and residence limits

In British Columbia, a nonresident can use a valid licence issued under the laws of their ordinary residence for up to six months from their last entry into the province. Carry that licence while riding and show it to police on request. Keep the motorcycle category and restrictions, and use a properly registered motorcycle. Becoming a British Columbia resident instead triggers the separate 90-day licensing period. Other Canadian provinces set their own rules.

New South Wales: overseas motorcycle licences

In New South Wales, tourists and temporary overseas visitors may ride for up to six months on a current overseas licence covering the motorcycle. Retain visitor status and valid driving privileges, and carry the licence. If it is not in English, also carry an English translation or IDP. New Zealand licence holders, Australian citizens living overseas and Australian permanent residents follow the three-month rule.

Overseas motorcycle licence: 12-month rule

You can ride in New Zealand for up to 12 months from your last arrival with a current, valid overseas motorcycle licence covering the bike. Carry the physical licence and, if it is not in English, an accepted English translation or IDP. To keep riding beyond the overseas-licence period, convert to a New Zealand motorcycle licence. The longer car-licence period does not apply to motorcycles.

1949 IDP or designated Japanese translation

Japan accepts an authorised paper 1949 Geneva-convention IDP from an eligible contracting jurisdiction, with the motorcycle category clearly endorsed. The driving period ends at the earlier of one year from qualifying entry or document expiry. For registered residents, returning after less than three calendar months abroad does not restart that period. The alternative of a valid original licence with a designated Japanese translation applies to Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan.

Indian RTO-issued 1949 permit

Japan's police identify the authorized Indian RTO-issued 1949 Geneva permit as valid for its IDP route. The paper permit must endorse the motorcycle category and remain valid with the underlying licence. Japan's entry and residence limits still apply; a car-only permit does not authorize motorcycle riding.

Thai permit: 1949 accepted, 1968 rejected

Thailand issues both convention formats, but Japan's police mark the Thai DLT-issued 1949 Geneva permit as valid and its 1968 Vienna permit as invalid in Japan. Use the authorized paper 1949 permit with the motorcycle category endorsed and the valid original Thai licence. The normal Japanese entry and residence limits remain separate from permit expiry.

Vietnamese 1968 permit does not work in Japan

Japan's current police guidance expressly marks Vietnam's 1968 Vienna permit as invalid in Japan. Vietnam is also outside the six-jurisdiction original-licence plus designated-Japanese-translation route. Do not book motorcycle riding on those documents alone. A different qualifying licensing or authorized-IDP route requires its own eligibility check.

Indonesian 1968 permit is not Japan's 1949 permit

The SIM Internasional issued by Korlantas Polri follows the 1968 Vienna format, which Japan does not accept for its IDP route. Indonesia is outside Japan's six-jurisdiction original-licence plus designated-translation route. Those documents alone do not authorize motorcycle riding in Japan; any different qualifying route needs its own eligibility check.

Mainland Chinese licence plus translation is insufficient

Mainland China has no authorized convention-IDP issuance route based on its licence, and a mainland Chinese licence is outside Japan's six-jurisdiction designated-translation alternative. A Chinese licence plus a commercial international-licence translation does not satisfy these visitor routes. Nationality does not decide the answer for someone who holds a separately qualifying foreign licence or IDP.

UK motorcycle licence and 1968 IDP

UK visitors should carry a UK-issued 1968 IDP together with the valid UK motorcycle licence. The licence must cover the motorcycle or scooter, including any engine-size restriction, and the insurance must cover the planned riding. Residents can apply for a Thai driving licence through the local process.

Dutch motorcycle licence and IDP

For a visitor with a Netherlands-issued motorcycle licence, carry the valid original licence, an IDP covering the motorcycle and your passport. ANWB lists both 1949 and 1968 permits as accepted in Thailand and recommends 1968. A car-only licence does not cover the usual rental motorcycle or larger scooter.

ASEAN domestic motorcycle licences

For a temporary visit to Thailand, ASEAN recognition covers the motorcycle category on a valid full domestic licence issued by an ASEAN authority. Temporary, provisional and learner licences are excluded. If the licence is not in English, carry a certified English translation. Thai government guidance confirms ASEAN licence recognition for foreign visitors; DLT guidance also explicitly includes motorcycles. Check vehicle-import permits, rental conditions and insurance separately.

UK motorcycle licence, 1968 IDP and insurance

UK visitors riding in Vietnam must carry a 1968 IDP with the valid UK licence covering the motorcycle. The permit does not add motorcycle entitlement. Third-party insurance is required; keep rental and travel-insurance conditions with the booking.

US-issued licences and permits do not cover Vietnam riding

The US Department of State says US driver's licences and US-issued International Driving Permits are not valid for driving in Vietnam. Obtain the appropriate Vietnamese motorcycle licence before riding. A rental company handing you a scooter does not establish legal entitlement.

Australian-issued permits are not valid in Vietnam

Vietnam's Embassy in Australia states that an Australian-issued IDP is not valid in Vietnam because Australia has not ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention. An Australian licence and its 1949 IDP therefore do not establish motorcycle entitlement there. Check the appropriate Vietnamese licensing route before riding.

Canadian and New Zealand 1949 permits do not cover Vietnam

CAA and the New Zealand AA both warn that their 1949-convention IDPs are not recognised in Vietnam. Do not use a UK or Dutch 1968-permit example as evidence that a Canadian or New Zealand 1949 permit covers your motorcycle there. Check Vietnam's licensing requirements for your actual document route.

Vietnam's general foreign-IDP route requires a Vienna party

Vietnam's general foreign-IDP route requires a valid 1968 Vienna permit from a Convention member and a valid national licence covering the motorcycle from a member country. Carry both documents. A Japanese or Indian-issued 1949 permit does not meet this route; a Polri-issued 1968 permit is not enough to infer eligibility because Indonesia has not ratified the Convention. Separate treaty-recognition or Vietnamese-licence routes need their own checks.

Mainland China: local licence and temporary-permit routes

Mainland China requires the appropriate Chinese driving authorisation and valid insurance. Shanghai and Beijing’s temporary-permit route for domestically rented vehicles covers C1/C2 cars, so it does not authorise a rented motorcycle. A temporarily imported personal motorcycle uses a separate permit route matching both the foreign licence category and the imported vehicle. Carry the permit, original licence and Chinese translation, and follow local motorcycle-access restrictions.

UK motorcycle licence and 1949 IDP

For the UK-issued licence route, obtain a 1949 IDP before travelling and carry it with the valid UK licence. The permit must include the motorcycle category covered by your licence; the 1949 convention recognises only the categories for which it was issued. The visitor driving period varies by Indian state, so use the licensing authority’s period for every state on your route.

UK motorcycle licence and 1968 IDP

A UK domestic licence alone is not accepted for driving in Indonesia. Obtain the UK-issued 1968 IDP identified by the UK government’s checker, with the motorcycle entitlement matching the bike. UK nationals living in Indonesia with a KITAS limited-stay permit can use the local driving-licence application route. Rental and travel-insurance conditions are separate.

Recognised foreign licences: 180-day visitor route

Brazil’s recognised foreign-licence route lasts up to 180 days from entry, within the original licence’s validity. Carry the valid licence, identification and evidence of your entry date; the Vienna-convention route also requires a valid IDP with the licence. Your licence must cover the motorcycle. To continue riding after the visitor period, follow the applicable DETRAN process for a Brazilian licence.

Brazilian nationals with licences obtained abroad

A Brazilian national using a licence obtained abroad must also prove that they had normal residence in its issuing country for at least six months when the licence was issued. The evidence must be an attestation, declaration or certificate from Brazil’s consular authority there. The applicable recognition route and motorcycle category still control. An outstanding Brazilian licence suspension, cancellation or judicial ban prevents recognition.

UK licence: 1968 permit and one-year visitor limit

UK travel advice requires the valid UK licence together with a 1968 IDP in Morocco and says the 1949 format is no longer accepted for that route. Carry the appropriate licence category for the motorcycle and evidence of motor insurance. If you stay longer than one year, you need a Moroccan licence. The Dutch-issued licence route has different IDP instructions.

Dutch motorcycle licence: no IDP required

ANWB’s Morocco motorcycle guidance says a valid Netherlands-issued licence can be used without an IDP, including for rental, for up to one year under its Dutch-resident visitor profile. The licence must cover the motorcycle. A longer stay requires a Moroccan licence, and rental companies may set extra age or experience conditions.

Foreign-national visitors: valid foreign licence for up to one year

A foreign national visiting Morocco may use a valid licence issued abroad for up to one year from the start of the temporary stay. The licence must cover the motorcycle. A qualifying IDP cannot extend that period or its own expiry. Moroccan nationals living abroad have a separately worded rule; a longer stay requires the applicable Moroccan licence or exchange process.

UK photocard licence for up to 12 months

A valid UK photocard licence can be used in South Africa for up to 12 months under UK visitor guidance. A UK paper licence requires a 1968 IDP or an upgrade to a photocard licence. The licence must cover the motorcycle. If you become a permanent resident, exchange the UK licence within 12 months of obtaining residency.

Other foreign licences: language and identity documents

For private riding, South Africa accepts a valid full foreign motorcycle licence issued while you were not permanently or ordinarily resident there. RTMC describes English licence text, an attached English translation, or an attached English authenticity or validity certificate from a competent authority. Your photograph and signature must be on or attached to the licence. If you use an IDP, carry the original licence and keep both valid.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign licence or convention permit: temporary visitor

A temporary visitor without normal residence in Denmark may ride the categories covered by a valid foreign licence written in Latin characters. Otherwise, use the specified certified Danish, English or French translation route. Denmark also expressly recognises valid 1926, 1949 and 1968 convention IDPs. Carry the underlying valid motorcycle licence with the permit and keep its categories and restrictions. The separate non-EU/EEA resident rule generally runs for 180 days after normal residence is established; it is not the tourist rule.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Valid foreign motorcycle licence: document and residence conditions

A non-EEA motorcycle licence must remain valid in its issuing country and must not have been exchanged for a Swedish licence. The holder generally must not have been registered as resident in Sweden for more than one year; UK and Faroe Islands licences have a specific exception. If the licence follows neither the 1949 nor 1968 national-licence model and is not in English, German or French, carry a certified translation in English, German, French, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. A licence without a photograph also needs photographic identification. Swedish age requirements and any withdrawal of driving rights still apply.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Convention licences: category and translation checks

Valid motorcycle licences from 1949/1968 Convention states, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan are recognised in mainland Finland. Use a Convention-model licence, equivalent Latin-letter details, or the original with a matching Convention IDP or official Finnish/Swedish translation.

Other recognised-state motorcycle licences: one year

Other Finnish-recognised states can supply valid A1/A2/A-equivalent licences for mainland Finland. The period is one year from arrival, or population registration if registered. Use equivalent-model/clear Latin details or an authorised/reliable translation; keep the original valid.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign motorcycle licence: convention and treaty routes

Outside the EU/EEA and Swiss routes, Poland’s law recognises a 1949 Geneva IDP, or a 1968 Vienna national licence or IDP, for the vehicle categories covered. The general convention route lasts six months from the start of permanent or temporary stay. Keep the national motorcycle licence valid and carry it with an IDP. Other international agreements can recognise national licences on their own terms; do not assume that every foreign national licence or every convention model has the same route.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign motorcycle licence: reciprocal visitor recognition

A foreign visitor, or a Croatian citizen living abroad and visiting Croatia, may drive on a valid foreign licence issued by the competent foreign authority where reciprocity applies. Croatia’s Interior Ministry says an IDP is not required for that route. The licence must cover the motorcycle. People granted temporary or permanent Croatian stay, and Croatian nationals returning to live there, have a separate one-year licence-exchange rule counted from entry.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign motorcycle licence: recognised convention documents

Slovakia recognises valid national licences issued by a 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna contracting state, as well as valid convention IDPs: a 1949 permit must be within one year of issue and a 1968 permit within three years. For the 1968 IDP route, carry the matching valid national licence issued by the same country as the IDP. Keep the motorcycle category and meet Slovakia’s category minimum age. Non-EEA convention licence holders who obtain or register residence must request exchange within 60 days after 185 days of that residence; that is a separate resident process.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Qualifying foreign motorcycle licence: model or translation route

Hungary recognises a valid qualifying foreign motorcycle licence that meets its identity, photograph, signature and Latin-character requirements. The recognised routes include 1949/1968 convention-model or matching-category licences, a corresponding convention IDP when the national model or categories do not match, or a certified Hungarian translation establishing the entitlement. Unless an international treaty provides otherwise, the relevant non-EEA foreign-licence route lasts one year from the start of the stay. Temporary and learner licences are excluded; residence and licence-exchange rules remain separate.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign licences: distinguish Vienna and Geneva routes

Romania recognises valid national motorcycle licences from Vienna 1968 parties and reciprocal-agreement states. Eligible Geneva 1949-only licences outside a separate exemption require the national licence plus 1949 IDP. A commercial translation cannot make an otherwise unrecognised licence valid.

Specified citizens: national licence and passport without IDP

Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the United States with a valid licence and passport issued by that same state may drive without an IDP for six months from Romanian entry. Chile’s matching-document route lasts three months. The licence must cover the motorcycle.

Effective from

30 September 2025

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Foreign IDP, treaty licence or official-translation route

Nonresidents may use an accepted foreign IDP with their valid national motorcycle licence, or a qualifying ratified-treaty national-licence route. If the issuer does not issue IDPs, its valid motorcycle licence needs an official Greek/English translation. Match the document category and Greek minimum age.

Effective from

13 June 2025

Listed foreign motorcycle licences: direct recognition

Greece directly recognises valid motorcycle licences from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies and Gibraltar during stays. Keep the appropriate motorcycle category and meet Greek minimum ages. The current ministry circular requires official Greek/English translation only for entries not in Greek or English.

Effective from

13 June 2025

Swiss motorcycle licence: twelve months from entry

The Greece–Switzerland recognition route accepts a valid Swiss motorcycle licence for twelve months from entry. Keep its category and restrictions valid and meet Greek minimum ages. Continuing beyond twelve months requires the applicable Greek licence process.

Valid full EU motorcycle licence

A valid full EU-issued motorcycle licence is recognised throughout the EU, including an EU licence obtained by exchanging a non-EU licence. The category must cover the motorcycle, and the licence must remain valid; destination minimum ages still apply. You cannot ride across borders on a provisional licence or certificate. Temporary documents replacing a lost or stolen licence are not automatically recognised in another EU country. Moving your residence uses the destination’s separate licensing rules.

Current foreign motorcycle licence: visitor route

NDLS says a visitor to Ireland may drive on a current, valid licence from any country outside the EU/EEA for up to one year. Keep the motorcycle entitlement valid and carry the original licence. Taking up normal residence instead requires the applicable Irish exchange or licensing process; NDLS describes normal residence as usually living in Ireland for at least 185 days in a calendar year because of personal and occupational ties. Ireland’s own 1926/1949 permit availability does not establish which foreign IDP format a particular visitor needs.

Foreign motorcycle licences: issuer and language matter

A valid EEA/Faroe motorcycle licence is recognised until expiry or age 70, whichever comes first. Other foreign licences are generally recognised for up to 12 months and must use Latin letters or include a translation into Icelandic, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish or English.

Timing and date qualifications: The temporary EEA recognition route for UK-issued licences lasts until 1 January 2027.

Use your full EU/EEA motorcycle licence

A valid full EU/EEA motorcycle licence is recognised in Luxembourg. Its category must cover the motorcycle and its restrictions still apply. French or Belgian car-licence permission for 125 cc motorcycles does not transfer to Luxembourg.

Visitors: IDP or ASEAN licence

For a temporary visit under 12 months, JPJ accepts an authority-issued 1949 or 1968 IDP from an eligible treaty country, with the underlying motorcycle licence. Holders of valid full ASEAN-issued licences may use them with a certified English translation if they are not in English. Your licence must cover the motorcycle you ride.

Visitors: licence plus IDP or translation

For foreign visitors staying under 12 months, Traffic Police ask for a valid motorcycle licence plus an IDP from an authorised body in the home country, or an official English translation if an IDP is unavailable. Visitors using a valid full ASEAN-issued licence do not need an IDP; a non-English licence still needs a certified English translation.

Federal roads: visiting on a foreign-registered bike

A foreign-national rider on a foreign-registered motorcycle must carry a valid driving licence issued by the competent authority where they live, and be able to prove both their lawful stay and the motorcycle's lawful entry. These federal-road rules do not establish the document route for a locally registered rental or for state and city roads.

Use the Geneva permit route for a motorcycle

Chile recognises valid international permits issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. For that route, use an authorised permit with the motorcycle category endorsed and carry your valid original motorcycle licence too. The ordinary foreign-licence exception for tourists covers Class B vehicles; it does not cover motorcycles, which are Class C in Chile.