🌴 Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Mallorca?

So, you’ve booked your flight, packed your sunnies, and can’t wait to cruise those winding coastal roads — but then it hits you:
“Wait... do I actually need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mallorca?”

Let’s clear that up once and for all. The answer depends on where your driving licence is from — but don’t worry, we’ll make it simple.

👉 In short: If you’re visiting from the UK or EU, you don’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Mallorca — your regular photocard licence is perfectly fine.

If your licence was issued outside Europe (like the US, Canada, or Australia), you’ll need to carry an IDP alongside your original licence. It’s quick, cheap, and saves you any hassle with car rentals or police checks.

Also, if you are still thinking about whether you really need a car in Mallorca, then check out our Do You Need a Car in Mallorca? post. Now, let’s break it all down so you can hit the road stress-free. 🚗

🚗 First Things First: What Even Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is basically a translated version of your driving licence. It’s recognised in over 150 countries and helps car rental companies (and police) understand your credentials if your licence isn’t in Spanish or English.

It’s not a replacement for your licence — it’s a “helper document” that you carry alongside your real one.

Think of it as the “Google Translate” version of your licence for when you’re abroad.

Driving in Mallorca with a UK Licence

Here’s the good news for UK travellers:
If you’ve got a UK photocard driving licence, you’re good to go — you don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mallorca or anywhere in Spain for a short visit. 🙌

A few quick notes though:
✅ If you only have the old paper licence, some rental companies might still ask for an IDP.
✅ Always double-check with your car hire company at Palma Airport before you fly — policies can differ.
✅ You’ll need to show your passport and rental booking when you collect your car.

🏖️ Local tip: Driving in Mallorca is honestly the best way to explore hidden coves, mountain villages, and beach bars that public transport never reaches. Don’t skip it if you can help it!

If you’re still shopping around for a good deal, we recommend comparing prices on Discovery Cars — they work with trusted local brands like Hiper and Record Go, and you can usually cancel for free.

🌍 If Your Licence Is from Outside the EU (US, Canada, Australia, etc.)

For non-EU travellers, the rules are a little stricter.
If your licence was issued outside the EU or UK, Spanish authorities recommend that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence.

That includes:
🇺🇸 US licences – bring your regular licence + IDP
🇨🇦 Canadian licences – same rule
🇦🇺 Australian licences – IDP strongly advised
🌎 Licences not in Latin script (Arabic, Cyrillic, etc.) – IDP required

Even if you technically could get by without one, some rental companies in Mallorca simply won’t hand over the keys without seeing an IDP. So it’s better to spend a few euros and skip the airport drama.

🚘 What the Local Car Hire Companies Actually Care About

Now, here’s where many visitors get caught out. Legally, you might not need an IDP — but your rental company might disagree.

Here’s what really matters to them:

• Is your licence valid and in English or Spanish?

• Is it a photocard licence (not paper)?

• Are you driving a standard car or something larger (like a campervan)?

Some smaller local offices will ask for an IDP even if the big chains (like Hertz or Europcar) don’t. Always read the fine print on your booking or email them before you go.

💡 Pro tip: If you plan to explore the Serra de Tramuntana mountain roads, a small automatic car makes life much easier. Check out Driving Around Mallorca: Best Routes & Scenic Stops for road-trip ideas.

✈️ How to Get an International Driving Permit Before You Travel

It’s super simple — and cheap.

UK travellers:
Grab an IDP from your local Post Office or PayPoint shop. It costs about £5.50 and takes 5 minutes.

US travellers:
Apply at your nearest AAA branch or online — around $20 USD and valid for 12 months.

Australian travellers:
Visit the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) website for a quick online application.

Keep both documents together when you drive — you’ll rarely need to show them, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

🧭 Bonus: What You Should Always Have When Driving in Mallorca

Even if you’re just renting a car for a few days, Spanish law requires certain items in your vehicle. Luckily, most rental companies include these — but it’s good to know what’s what:

• Your driving licence (and IDP if needed)

• Passport or ID card

• Car rental agreement

• Insurance documents

• Reflective vest and warning triangle (already in the car)

• Spare wheel or puncture kit

🔎 Local insight: Police checks are rare but friendly — as long as you have your papers and a smile, you’ll be fine.

🏝️ Local Driving Advice You’ll Thank Us For

• Avoid driving in Palma city centre unless you love tight streets and tricky parking.

• Parking zones: Blue = paid, White = free, Yellow = no parking.

• Use Google Maps or Waze — both warn of cameras.

• Don’t rush — Mallorca’s magic is in the backroads and spontaneous stops.

🚗 Local tip: For flexibility, check out Discover Cars or GetRentacar as well as local favourites like Hiper Rent a Car and Vanrell Rent a Car — all reliable options on the island.

Looking for more Mallorca tips?

Check out these posts you’ll love:

• Best Beaches in Mallorca

• Where to Stay in Mallorca

• Things to Do in Mallorca

• Travel Blog

Happy holidays and ¡nos vemos en la isla! 🌞