Driving licence requirements in the Maldives
What tourists, expats and locals need to legally drive — and what vehicle owners will ask for at pickup.
Last updated July 2026
Whether you're visiting for a week or settling in for longer, here's how driving licences work in the Maldives and what you'll need before renting a car or scooter.
For tourists and short-term visitors
You must hold a valid licence for the vehicle category you want to rent. If your licence was issued by one of the Ministry’s 30 approved countries, you can drive in the Maldives on it for up to 90 days from the date of arrival — no local licence needed. The full list is below. If your country isn’t on it, you’ll generally need an International Driving Permit alongside your licence, or a locally issued or endorsed licence. Bring your physical licence to every pickup.
The approved country list (May 2025)
The Ministry’s current list of countries whose licences are accepted — for driving up to 90 days as a visitor, and for conversion to a Maldivian licence — was issued on 12 May 2025 and names 30 countries: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.
Last verified July 2026 against the Ministry’s published notice (linked below). The list changes over time — if your country isn’t named, check the official source before you travel.
For expats and new residents
Residents holding a foreign licence can apply for a Maldivian driving licence based on it through the transport authority's services, and licences from many approved countries can be converted without a driving test. The exact process and documents depend on the issuing country — check the official government service linked below for the current procedure and fees.
Conversion applications are now submitted online through the transport ministry’s SIMS portal (sims.transport.gov.mv), which signs in with an eFaas account. Foreigners can register for eFaas with their passport details at efaas.egov.mv, then log in to SIMS, choose ‘Submit New Application’ and pick ‘Foreign Driving License Conversion’.
For Maldivian licence holders
Bring your valid Maldivian licence with the right category — motorcycle for scooters and motorbikes, light vehicle for cars and vans. Owners on Dhihvaa will check it at pickup.
What owners expect at pickup
Hosts on Dhihvaa hand over their own vehicle, so expect them to look at your licence before giving you the keys — it protects both of you. Renting or lending to an unlicensed driver isn’t just risky; it can void protections and leave both parties liable in an accident.
Speed limits and basic rules
The Maldives drives on the left. Town-centre speed limits are around 30 km/h, with up to 50 km/h on the Sinamalé Bridge and similar highway links. Helmets are mandatory for riders on the bridges, link roads and highways — the Sinamalé Bridge and the Addu and Laamu link roads among them — and enforced by the Maldives Police Service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in the Maldives with my home country’s licence?
Yes, if it was issued by one of the 30 approved countries on the Ministry’s May 2025 list — you can drive on it for up to 90 days from arrival. If your country isn’t on the list, you’ll generally need an International Driving Permit alongside your licence, or a locally issued or endorsed licence.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the Maldives?
If you hold a foreign licence and it isn’t endorsed locally, an IDP is the standard route. Get it from your home country’s motoring authority before you travel — IDPs can’t be issued after you arrive.
Can I rent a scooter without a licence?
No. A valid motorcycle licence is required, and owners on Dhihvaa check it at pickup. Riding unlicensed risks fines and voids the rental’s protections.
Where do I get a foreign licence recognised or converted?
Online through the SIMS portal at sims.transport.gov.mv — sign in with eFaas (foreigners can register with their passport details at efaas.egov.mv), then choose ‘Submit New Application’ and pick ‘Foreign Driving License Conversion’. Many approved-country licences can be converted without a driving test.
Can I drive in the Maldives with an Indian licence?
Yes — India is on the Ministry’s approved list, so a valid Indian licence works for up to 90 days from arrival, for the vehicle category on your licence. Staying longer? Convert it to a Maldivian licence through the SIMS portal. Bring your physical licence to every pickup.
What if my country isn’t on the approved list?
Licences from countries not on the list — including Russia, France and Italy as of the May 2025 notice — aren’t accepted on their own. You’ll generally need an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence, or a locally issued or endorsed licence. Get the IDP from your home country’s motoring authority before you travel.
Official sources
Driving laws and licence rules change — confirm with the official source before you travel.