If you’re renting a car in Tangier (TNG airport, city center, or near the port), the International Driving Permit question usually pops up at the worst time—right before you fly, or at pickup when you’re tired and just want the keys.
Here’s the practical truth for 2025: some drivers can rent in Tangier with just their home license, but an IDP can still be required or strongly requested depending on your license format, your issuing country, and the rental company’s internal policy. In Tangier specifically, this matters because rentals often include port/ferry travelers, EU/UK visitors, and summer peak demand, so agencies tighten checks when inventory is tight.
Below is a clear decision guide (no fluff), a Tangier-focused pickup checklist, and a simple way to avoid being refused at the desk.
Table of Contents
Quick answer (AEO)
What an IDP actually is (and what it isn’t)
When you DO need an IDP for Tangier rentals
When you usually DON’T need it
Tangier-specific situations where IDP saves you
What papers to keep in the car
How to get an IDP fast (UK vs US)
FAQs
1) Quick answer (AEO)
Do you need an IDP for renting a car in Tangier?
Sometimes yes. If your license isn’t easily readable (non-Latin characters) or your rental company requires it, you’ll need one.
If you’re a UK driver, UK government guidance lists Morocco under the 1968 IDP system, so bringing the correct IDP is the safest way to avoid a last-minute refusal.
If you’re unsure, bringing an IDP is the lowest-cost “no-drama” solution, especially during busy weeks in Tangier.
2) What an IDP actually is (and what it isn’t)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is basically a standardized translation booklet that accompanies your normal driving license. It helps authorities and rental staff read your details quickly.
An IDP is not:
a replacement for your license
a way to “upgrade” driving privileges
valid on its own without your original license
Think of it like: Passport + visa logic. Your license is the “passport.” The IDP is a “translation document” that some places require.
3) When you DO need an IDP for Tangier rentals
A) Your license isn’t in Latin characters
If your license is written in Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, Japanese, etc., many companies will require an IDP because staff must be able to verify:
full name
license number
categories (B, etc.)
issue/expiry dates
Even if the law allows your license, the rental company can still refuse if they can’t validate it confidently.
B) Your rental company policy says “IDP required”
This is the most common “surprise.” Some companies set stricter rules than the minimum legal requirement—especially for:
peak summer weeks
automatic cars
SUVs
7–9 seaters
premium categories
If the company policy says “IDP required,” arguing at the counter rarely helps. The staff will follow their compliance checklist.
C) You’re a UK driver and want the safest path
UK government guidance for driving abroad lists Morocco as a 1968 IDP country.
Even if you hear mixed experiences online, the best travel-proof move is simple: carry the correct IDP and your UK photocard license.
A practical link to check the current UK IDP country list and format is here (and it explicitly shows Morocco in the 1968 column): https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
4) When you usually DON’T need it
Many travelers rent in Tangier with only:
their valid home driving license (photocard), and
their passport
This is most common when:
the license is in Latin characters (English/French/Spanish, etc.)
the license details are clearly readable
the rental is a standard economy/manual category
the company is comfortable with the document format
But here’s the key: “Usually” isn’t “Always.” If you want to avoid a situation where a single staff member says “no,” an IDP becomes your backup card.
5) Tangier-specific situations where IDP saves you
Tangier has a few patterns where IDP helps more than in other cities:
1) Port + ferry travel timing (zero patience for delays)
If you’re picking up a car to catch a ferry (or you arrived from Spain and want to drive immediately), you don’t want extra debate at pickup. IDP reduces friction.
2) Last-minute summer bookings
Tangier has weeks where cars sell out fast. When inventory is tight, companies become stricter about documents to avoid risk. Having an IDP keeps you “easy to approve.”
3) Police checkpoints and paperwork confidence
Most stops are routine, but the smoother you make it, the faster you’re back on the road. An IDP can help if your license is not instantly understandable.
4) Multiple drivers
If you plan to add a second driver, document checks get more detailed. IDP makes the second driver easier to verify (again: especially if the license isn’t in Latin characters).
6) What papers to keep in the car
Whether you have an IDP or not, keep these accessible while driving:
Original driving license (always)
IDP (if you have one)
Passport or official ID (many carry the passport; some carry a high-quality copy while keeping the original secure—choose what fits your situation)
Rental agreement/contract (proof you’re authorized)
Insurance/attestation provided by the rental company
Vehicle documents provided by the rental company (often stored in glovebox)
Pro tip: take photos of your contract + car condition at pickup (wheels, bumpers, windshield, fuel level). It prevents 90% of end-of-rental arguments.
7) How to get an IDP fast (UK vs US)
If you’re from the UK
Use the UK’s official guidance to confirm you’re getting the correct IDP version for Morocco (1968).
If you hold an older paper license, the guidance also notes you may need to update to a photocard or get an IDP.
If you’re from the US
In the US, the most widely recognized issuer is AAA. Their official IDP page and application requirements are here: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html
Bring the IDP with your US license, IDP is not valid alone.
(If you’re from another country: the golden rule is to get the IDP from the same country that issued your license, through an authorized issuer.)
FAQs
If my license is in English or French, do I still need an IDP in Tangier?
Often you can rent without it, but some companies still request it. If you want the least risk, bring one.
I’m from the UK, what IDP do I need for Morocco?
UK government guidance lists Morocco under the 1968 IDP system.
Will an IDP help at police checks?
It can, especially if your license format isn’t immediately readable. It keeps interactions fast and clear.
Does an IDP replace my driving license?
No. You must carry your original license with your IDP.
Can a rental company refuse me even if I’m legally allowed to drive?
Yes. Rental companies can apply their own document requirements for compliance and risk.
