Driving licences in Morocco: what tourists need to know

"Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Morocco?" It is one of the questions our international customers ask most often. The answer is reassuring — and depends mostly on the language your licence is written in. Here is the clear picture, backed by official sources.

Your national licence is enough (in most cases)

A valid foreign driving licence, written in the Latin alphabet and carrying a photo, is accepted for driving in Morocco, in principle for up to one year from the date you enter the country, according to information on driving conditions in Morocco. In practice, holders of a French, Belgian, Swiss, British or other European licence can rent and drive on their national licence alone for a tourist stay.

When an International Driving Permit becomes useful (or essential)

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is simply an official translation of your national licence. It is strongly recommended — and sometimes required by rental companies — if your licence is not written in the Latin alphabet (for example in Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese or Japanese characters). Morocco recognises IDPs issued under the 1949 convention (valid 1 year) and the 1968 convention (valid 3 years), always within the one-year limit after entering Morocco, as explained in guides to driving in Morocco. The official travel advice also recommends carrying your licence together with an International Driving Permit.

Our practical recommendation

• Licence in the Latin alphabet (EU, North America…): your national licence is enough to rent from us. An IDP does no harm, but it is not essential.
• Licence in another script: bring an International Driving Permit — easy and inexpensive to obtain in your home country before departure. You apply through the relevant authority (licensing office, automobile club…) and it can take several weeks: plan ahead.
• In every case: the licence must be valid and you must have held it for at least one year (the usual rental company requirement).

What to keep with you at all times

When driving, keep within reach your licence (plus the IDP if applicable), an ID document, the vehicle papers handed over by the agency (registration document, insurance certificate) and your rental contract. At a police check — common and stress-free — you may be asked for them.

Not sure before booking?

Every situation is slightly different (nationality, type of licence, length of stay). The simplest thing: write to us or send a WhatsApp message with the type of licence you hold, and we will confirm what you need before you even book. For everything else, see our complete guide to renting a car in Fez.