Riding permit
A foreign licence isn't enough here
Riding on your home licence alone is against the law in Sri Lanka. It's the thing that catches most visitors out.
International Driving Permit (IDP) — Recommended for Motorbikes & Cars
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is fully valid in Sri Lanka for motorbikes and cars. You can use a digital or printed version of your IDP, but you must also carry your original home country driving licence with the motorcycle category.
- Validity: 1 year
- Accepted in: 150+ countries worldwide
- Best for: Motorbike and car rentals, long-term travel, multiple trips
Tip: Show your digital IDP on your phone or tablet, but always have your original licence as proof.
The digital version of the licence will be issued within one hour and it's sufficient to rent or ride a scooter, motorbike or car in Sri Lanka.
DMT Temporary Driving License
The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) issues a temporary Sri Lankan driving licence at Bandaranaike International Airport for travellers arriving without an IDP. The counter operates 24/7 and issues licences on the spot. This licence is valid for 30 days only and only within Sri Lanka, making it suitable for short stays but not for long-term or repeat travel.
Step 01
Apply for your riding permit
Fill in your details and send them over WhatsApp with your four photos — that's the whole application.
Step 02
Done with the submission?
Next, you have to make the payment to proceed to the next step.
We charge only 40 USD per licence and it would only take 2–3 business days for you to receive your licence. If you have any questions or doubts, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp.
Step 03
You can now enjoy your ride
You will receive your driving licence to the requested location on time. If you need any more details or clarifications, please contact us.