Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Guam? The answer depends on where your driver’s license was issued and how long you have been on Guam. A valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction can generally be used for up to 90 days after arrival. Licenses from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the European Union, and several other jurisdictions listed in Guam law can generally be used for up to 30 days. An IDP is not a substitute for your original license.
Quick guide by license-issuing jurisdiction
| License issued by | Period allowed without a Guam license | IDP |
|---|---|---|
| A U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or other U.S. jurisdiction | Up to 90 days from arrival | Not required |
| Japan, Republic of Korea, Republic of China (Taiwan), an EU country, Canada, New Zealand, Philippines, Australia, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, or Marshall Islands | Up to 30 days from arrival | Not required by this Guam provision when the valid original license is carried |
| A country or region not expressly listed above | Do not assume the home license alone is sufficient | Confirm with Guam DRT and the rental company before travel |
The clock starts on the date you arrive in Guam, not on the rental pickup date. Your license must remain valid, must cover the class of vehicle you drive, and must be in your immediate possession while driving.
What an International Driving Permit does—and does not do
An IDP is a standardized supporting document issued under an international road-traffic convention. It helps present information from your domestic license in a format that foreign authorities can understand. It does not create driving privileges by itself and normally must be carried with the valid license on which it was issued.
If Guam law already recognizes your valid license for the applicable 30- or 90-day period, an IDP is not required by that provision. You may carry one as supporting documentation, but never leave your original driver’s license at home.
Rules for U.S. visitors, military personnel, and international travelers
Visitors with a U.S. state or territorial license
A person carrying a valid driver’s license issued by another U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or U.S. jurisdiction may drive in Guam for up to 90 days from arrival. An IDP is not relevant for a U.S.-issued license.
Active-duty military personnel and dependents
Under 16 GCA §3101(b), an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed on Guam—and the member’s dependent—does not need to obtain a Guam license while carrying a valid license from another U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. Rental-company age, payment, authorized-driver, and vehicle requirements still apply.
Visitors from listed foreign jurisdictions
Guam law expressly lists Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, EU countries, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Australia, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Holders of valid licenses from those jurisdictions may drive for up to 30 days from arrival while carrying the original license.
Licenses from other countries or regions
If the issuing jurisdiction is not expressly listed—such as mainland China or Hong Kong—do not apply another country’s 30-day rule by analogy. Ask the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) and TAICO what documents and driving authority are required. An IDP may be supporting documentation, but should not be assumed to solve every licensing issue by itself.
What to bring when picking up a TAICO rental
TAICO currently requires the following for a tourist rental:
- The original, valid driver’s license—photocopies are not accepted
- A passport or passport copy as permitted by the current rental terms
- An accepted major credit card in the main driver’s name
If the driver and payer are different people, TAICO requires identification for both. Every person who may drive must be listed as an authorized driver on the rental agreement and must satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.
Five checks to make before departure
- Expiration date: Make sure the license remains valid through the rental period.
- Vehicle class and restrictions: Confirm that the license covers the vehicle and follow corrective-lens or other restrictions.
- Name consistency: Check the spelling across the reservation, passport, license, and payment card.
- Original document: A phone photo or photocopy does not replace the license you must carry.
- Arrival date: Count the statutory period from entry into Guam—not from the day you collect the car.
Staying beyond 30 or 90 days
Guam law provides a registration process that may extend an out-of-Guam license privilege until the earlier of one year after arrival or the license’s expiration date. The driver must register the license with DRT and pay the applicable fee. DRT may decline registration if it cannot verify the license or arrival date, and it may require a written test, road test, or both.
Contact DRT before your initial period expires. A long-term rental agreement is a separate matter, so confirm TAICO’s rental requirements as well.
Remember: Guam uses right-hand traffic
A valid license does not mean the road environment will feel familiar. Guam drives on the right in left-hand-drive vehicles. After turns and when exiting a parking lot, keep the vehicle on the right side of the double yellow centerline. Slow down until the lane position feels natural.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent with an IDP but no domestic license?
No. An IDP is supporting documentation, not a standalone driver’s license. Bring the valid original license on which it was issued.
Can I use a photo or photocopy of my license?
No. Guam law requires the valid license to be in your immediate possession, and TAICO’s terms require the original at pickup.
Can another person in my group take over the driving?
Only if that person satisfies the license requirements and is registered as an authorized driver on the rental agreement.
Does leaving Guam and returning automatically restart the period?
Do not plan travel solely to reset a licensing period. Entry dates and eligibility are subject to official verification; contact DRT for an extended stay.
Check current rules before you drive
For a smooth pickup, bring the original license, passport documentation, and the main driver’s accepted credit card. Rules differ by issuing jurisdiction and length of stay, so check Guam law and TAICO’s current rental terms before departure.
View TAICO rental requirements
