Before you rent a car at Skopje Airport, you need to confirm that your licence is valid in North Macedonia. The requirements differ depending on where your licence was issued, and a missed document can mean a denied booking at the counter. This guide covers the rules clearly so you know exactly what to bring.
The Core Requirement
North Macedonia requires drivers to hold a valid full driving licence from their country of residence. You must have held this licence for at least one year to rent a vehicle. Learner permits, provisional licences, and licences issued for less than 12 months are not accepted by any rental company in the country.
The minimum age to rent a car with Relax Rent a Car is 21 years. Drivers aged 21–24 may be subject to a young driver surcharge. The maximum age is not restricted.
EU/EEA Driving Licences
If your driving licence was issued by a European Union or European Economic Area country, no additional documents are required. The standard EU-format card licence is fully recognised across North Macedonia. You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
This applies to:
- All 27 EU member states
- Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein (EEA)
- Switzerland (bilateral agreement)
Simply present your current EU licence at the rental counter.
UK Driving Licences
A standard UK photocard driving licence is fully accepted in North Macedonia. You do not need an International Driving Permit.
If you hold an older UK paper licence, this is also accepted, though rental counters may request additional photo ID alongside it. The paper licence was phased out for new issue after 1997, but existing ones remain valid.
Note: Since Brexit, UK licences no longer carry automatic EU recognition, but North Macedonia is not an EU member state and has independent bilateral arrangements. UK licences have been unaffected by EU-UK changes as far as North Macedonia is concerned.
US and Canadian Driving Licences
A US or Canadian state/provincial driving licence is valid in North Macedonia under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which both countries have signed. However, the local licence text is in Macedonian (Cyrillic script), which means you should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national licence.
An IDP is a multilingual translation booklet issued by automobile clubs in your home country. It is not a standalone document — it must always be presented together with your original national licence.
Where to get an IDP (USA): AAA branches issue IDPs on the spot for a small fee ($20–25). No appointment needed. Bring your valid driving licence and a passport photo.
Where to get an IDP (Canada): CAA branches issue IDPs for a similar fee. The process takes minutes in-branch.
The IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Apply before your trip — IDPs cannot be issued abroad.
Australian and New Zealand Licences
Australian and New Zealand driving licences are accepted, but rental companies in North Macedonia will almost always ask for an International Driving Permit alongside them. As with US licences, the IDP provides a translation of your licence details for local authorities.
Where to get an IDP (Australia): The Royal Automobile Club (RAC/NRMA/RACV/RACQ depending on your state) issues IDPs. Allow 2–3 business days for postal applications or get one in-branch.
Where to get an IDP (New Zealand): The AA New Zealand issues IDPs in-branch or by post within a few days.
Other International Licences
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.)
Driving licences from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are recognised in North Macedonia. An IDP is advisable but not always required. Check with your rental company at the time of booking.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
These licences are accepted, but an IDP is required to rent a car with most agencies including Relax Rent a Car. Procure the IDP from your home country's automobile association before travelling.
China, Japan, South Korea
Japanese licences are not on the 1968 Vienna Convention list, so an IDP is essential. Chinese and South Korean licences similarly require an IDP. Apply through your national automobile association.
Turkey
Turkish driving licences are directly accepted in North Macedonia due to bilateral agreements and geographic proximity. No IDP is required.
Russia, Ukraine, and CIS Countries
Licences from CIS countries (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.) are generally accepted. However, due to changing travel advisories and verification procedures, contact the rental company directly for current requirements.
What Documents to Bring to the Counter
For most travellers, the list is short:
- Your valid driving licence (original — copies are not accepted)
- Your passport or national ID card (for identity verification)
- International Driving Permit (if required for your licence country)
- Payment card (credit card in the driver's name, used for the security deposit hold)
The credit card must be in the name of the primary driver. Debit cards are accepted at some locations for the rental payment, but a credit card is required for the deposit hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if my licence is in Latin script?
Not necessarily. If your licence is issued in a country that is part of the 1968 Vienna Convention and uses a Latin-script format that North Macedonian authorities can read, the IDP adds little practical value for day-to-day driving. However, for rental purposes, we follow the standard that if your country's primary language is not a Latin-script language (regardless of whether your licence has Latin transliteration), an IDP is required. If in doubt, get the IDP — it costs very little and eliminates any counter issues.
My licence expires during my rental period. What happens?
You must hold a valid licence for the entire duration of the rental. If your licence expires mid-trip, it becomes invalid on that date and your rental insurance may be void. Renew before travel.
Can I add a second driver to the rental?
Yes. An additional driver must be present at the rental counter and must meet the same licence requirements as the primary driver. There is a fee of €2 per day for additional drivers. If your travel companion holds a different nationality licence, check their requirements separately.
Is a digital driving licence acceptable?
No. North Macedonia requires the physical licence document. Digital copies on a phone or tablet are not accepted at rental counters or by local authorities.
My licence is in Arabic/Cyrillic/Chinese — is it valid?
The licence itself may be technically valid, but without an IDP providing a Latin-script translation, rental companies and police cannot verify the details. An IDP is effectively required in these cases.
Minimum Age Requirements by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle type | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Economy cars (Seat Ibiza, VW Polo) | 21 |
| Compact / midsize | 21 |
| SUV (Seat Ateca, Hyundai Tucson) | 23 |
| 7-seater van (Seat Alhambra) | 25 |
Drivers aged 21–24 who rent an economy or compact car may be charged a young driver surcharge. This is applied automatically based on the date of birth on your licence.
Checking Before You Arrive
If you are unsure whether your licence is valid for rental in North Macedonia, contact us before booking. We can confirm requirements for your specific country quickly. There is nothing worse than arriving after a long flight and discovering a missing document at the counter.
To book a rental car at Skopje Airport, your licence details can be entered at time of reservation and we will flag any potential issues before you travel.
For a broader guide to driving in North Macedonia — road rules, fuel prices, speed limits, and tips for driving to Ohrid and Mavrovo — see our complete driving guide.
