Key Takeaways
- Foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus a Sri Lankan endorsement issued through the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC).
- Bring your passport, home driving licence, IDP and a passport photo — processing usually takes under an hour.
- Highway Rent A Car can arrange the endorsement for you before your car is handed over.
- Driving without a valid permit can void your insurance, so sort it out before your first drive.
Who needs an AAC permit?
Any foreign visitor who wants to drive a car in Sri Lanka must hold a permit recognised by the Sri Lankan authorities. Your home licence alone is not enough. The Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) endorses your International Driving Permit so it is valid on local roads.
Sri Lankan citizens with a valid local licence, and residents holding a Sri Lankan licence, do not need this permit.
Documents you need
- Valid passport with your tourist visa or ETA
- Your original home country driving licence
- International Driving Permit (1949 Convention)
- One recent passport-size photograph
Pro tip: Get your IDP in your home country before flying. It is quick and cheap there, and it makes the Sri Lankan endorsement much faster.
Costs & permit options compared
| Option | What you need | Typical time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDP + AAC endorsement | Passport, home licence, IDP, photo | Same day | Most tourists |
| Temporary recognition permit (DMT) | Passport, home licence, photo, forms | 1 day | Visitors without an IDP |
| Arranged by Highway Rent A Car | Document copies on WhatsApp | Ready at handover | Travellers short on time |
Fees change from time to time, so check the latest rate with us on WhatsApp before you travel.
Step-by-step application
- Send us clear photos of your passport, licence and IDP when you book.
- We confirm the requirements and the current fee.
- Visit the AAC office in Colombo, or let us assist with the paperwork.
- Collect your endorsed permit and keep it with you while driving.
What if I arrive late at night?
We can deliver your car to the airport and arrange the permit the next working morning, so you are never stranded.
Key Sri Lankan driving rules
- Drive on the left; overtake on the right.
- Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front passenger.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 70 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on expressways.
- Zero tolerance for drink driving.
Pro tip: Always carry your permit, passport copy and rental agreement in the glovebox — police checkpoints are common.
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Founder of Highway Rent A Car in Pannipitiya, Colombo. With over 15 years of hands-on experience helping thousands of international tourists and Sri Lankan locals navigate the island safely in spotless, unbranded self-drive vehicles.
