Planning to rent a car abroad? An international driving license is a small document that can prevent arguments at the rental desk, issues with local police, and complications in case of an accident. Where to obtain it, what to bring, and is the Israeli license alone sufficient? Here is the organized guide.
One of the recurring questions before a vacation is whether you really need to obtain an international driving license. After all, the new Israeli driving license also appears in English and looks completely official. However, in practice, recognition of the Israeli license varies from country to country, and car rental companies may also have their own requirements.
Therefore, if you plan to drive abroad, the safest way is to check in advance the requirements of the destination country and the rental company and to equip yourself with an international license when it is required.
What is an International Driving License?
An international driving license is a document that translates and presents the details of the Israeli driving license in a format recognized in many countries. It does not replace the Israeli license and does not grant driving categories that the driver does not have in Israel.
The most important point: the international license is valid only when presented together with the permanent and valid Israeli driving license. In other words, while driving abroad, you need to carry both documents.
Is an Israeli Driving License Sufficient Abroad?
It is not advisable to assume so. There are countries where you can rely on the Israeli license for a limited period, but the rules are not uniform. Additionally, even when local law recognizes the Israeli license, the car rental company may require an international license as a condition for handing over the car.
There is also an insurance consideration. In the event of an accident or damage, the insurance company or the rental company may check if the driver held all the documents required in the country and in the rental agreement.
Therefore, two separate checks need to be performed:
- What the law requires in the destination country.
- What the car rental company requires through which the car was booked.
Where to Obtain an International Driving License?
According to official information from the Ministry of Transport, the license can be issued at authorized photo stations providing service on behalf of the ministry. Among the authorized bodies listed on the government website are Optica Halperin and Marmanet.
Not every branch of every network necessarily provides the service at all times. Before leaving home, it is recommended to check the official station list to ensure the branch is active, verify the opening hours, and inquire by phone that the service is available.
You can find the address and phone number of a station using the Ministry of Transport’s Issuance Stations Database.
What should you bring for license issuance?
It is recommended to arrive with a valid permanent Israeli plastic driver’s license. If the license is expired, suspended, or invalid, the international license cannot be used as a substitute.
It is advisable to also bring identification and a means of payment. If someone else is coming on your behalf, check in advance with the station and the Ministry of Transport which documents and power of attorney are required – do not assume that all stations will operate in the same manner.
Do you need to bring a passport photo?
In most cases, the authorized station uses the details and photo existing in the Ministry of Transport’s system, but there may be situations where an updated photo is missing or there is a registration issue. Therefore, if you have not previously been issued a permanent license with a photo or if you received other instructions, it is recommended to check with the station before arriving.
How much does an international driver’s license cost?
The issuance of the license involves a fee at the authorized station. Since the rate may be updated, it is advisable to check the current price on the Ministry of Transport’s website or directly with the station where you plan to issue the document.
Compared to the overall cost of a vacation and car rental, it is usually a small expense that can save significant inconvenience.
How long is the international license valid?
The validity of the international license is limited and also depends on the validity of the Israeli license. If the Israeli license expires earlier, you cannot continue driving solely with the international document.
Check both dates before traveling. Do not wait until the car rental counter abroad to discover that one of the documents is invalid.
Can you present a photo on your phone?
It is not advisable to rely on a photo, scan, or file on your phone. When picking up the car and during driving, it is recommended to carry the original documents: permanent Israeli license, international license, and passport.
Even if a representative agrees to accept a photo, there is no guarantee that local police or insurance authorities will accept it if needed.
International License and Car Rental
Before booking, review the rental company’s terms and not just the car price. Check the minimum driver age, required experience, deposit amount, type of credit card, and documents that need to be presented.
It is recommended to also read our guide on car rental abroad and all the things you need to check to avoid pitfalls. If price is particularly important to you, you can also refer to the article on saving on car rental through broader comparison.
Checklist Before Driving Abroad
- A valid permanent Israeli driver’s license.
- A valid international driver’s license, when required.
- Passport and car rental reservation documents.
- An appropriate credit card in the name of the main driver.
- Review of traffic and parking laws in the destination country.
- Confirmation that the vehicle type matches your license category.
- Reading the insurance terms and deductible conditions.
The Bottom Line
If you plan to drive or rent a car abroad, do not assume that the Israeli license is always sufficient. Check the rules of the destination country and the rental company’s terms, and if necessary, obtain an international driver’s license in advance from an authorized station.
Remember: the international license is not a standalone document. It must be carried along with the valid permanent Israeli driver’s license.
The information in the article is based on publications by the Ministry of Transport at the time of update. Procedures, stations, and rates may change, so it is important to verify the updated information with the Ministry of Transport, the destination country, and the car rental company.
