What License Do You Need to Drive in the Marshall Islands?

You’re ready to explore the lagoon-side roads of Majuro, but can you legally get behind the wheel with a license from overseas? For most visitors, the answer is yes, your valid overseas driving license should be suitable for both driving and hiring a car in the Marshall Islands.

Our checks with the local car rental industry found that licenses from countries around the world are broadly accepted. Even licenses that are not written in English may be accepted, although the rental provider might need to verify the document first.

An International Driving Permit is not generally required. However, carrying one can make the rental process smoother if your license is written in another language or does not use Roman script (anything that reduces paperwork on holiday is usually a win).

We explain the requirements, age restrictions and possible translation checks in this complete guide to driving in the Marshall Islands with an overseas license.

For more car hire advice, don’t miss What You Need to Hire a Car in the Marshall Islands and 5 Best Car Rentals in the Marshall Islands.

This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!

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Overseas Licenses Accepted in the Marshall Islands

It’s fairly straightforward. Valid overseas driving licenses from most countries are accepted in the Marshall Islands.

Our research across the local rental industry found that providers generally accept licenses issued in any country. You must present the original license and it needs to remain valid throughout your rental period.

The main complication is likely to arise if your license is not written in English or does not use Roman script. Several rental providers can still accept these licenses, but they may carry out an additional verification procedure to confirm that the document is genuine.

This check could involve translation software or confirmation through the rental provider’s office. Allow a little extra time when collecting your vehicle, particularly if your license is written in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or another non-Roman script.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not usually compulsory, but it provides a recognised translation of your license and may help avoid delays. More on that is detailed in the "How to Apply for an International Driving Permit" section below.

Paperwork drivers license
© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

Conditions of Driving in the Marshall Islands on an Overseas Driving License

Driving in the Marshall Islands with an overseas license comes with a few conditions and restrictions. You can generally drive:

  • If you are aged 18 or over
  • For up to 30 days using your valid overseas license
  • If your license is not revoked, suspended or disqualified
  • Only the class of motor vehicle that your license permits you to drive in your home country

Although local rental providers commonly accept drivers aged 18 and over, individual age policies vary. Some companies set their minimum rental age at 21 or 22.

Additional drivers may also face a higher minimum age than the main driver. For example, a provider that accepts a primary driver aged 18 might require any secondary driver to be at least 21.

How to apply for IDP, licenses for American Samoa
© MarshallIslandsPocketGuide.com

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit

If your driver's license from your home country is not written in English and you want to play it safe in the Marshall Islands, then it's best to travel with both your original driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

You need to apply for an IDP before you leave the country in which your driving license is issued. You cannot apply for an IDP for an overseas driving license in the Marshall Islands.

How you apply for your IDP varies between countries. While in some countries you can only apply in person at a local transport authority or government, in others, you can simply apply online or by post.

The best way to find out how to apply for an International Driving Permit is to contact your country’s transport authority.

What You Need to Apply for an IDP

In most cases, the following is required to apply for an International Driving Permit:

  • A photocopy of both sides of your driving license
  • A recent passport-style photograph
  • A completed application form
  • Some countries may require a copy of your national identity card
  • Some countries may require a fee.

Be aware that your application could take up to a month to process, so be sure to start the IDP application process as soon as possible! Typically, IDPs are valid for three years from the issue date.

A Warning About International Driving Permit Scam Websites

We noticed that there are a lot of scam websites when researching this article. This article from the official International Driving Permit website (internationaldrivingpermit.org), lists a few of the scam websites to avoid.

More About Driving in the Marshall Islands

Now that you know whether your overseas licence is accepted in the Marshall Islands, here are more practical guides covering car hire, road rules and journey planning:

Finally, discover the other ways to travel between towns, atolls and islands in The Marshall Islands Transport Guide: 10 Best Ways to Get Around the Marshall Islands.