Home/Driving permit/Which permit do I need?
Which permit do you need?
Three quick questions, one answer — AAC or DMT, with what it costs.
Step 1 of 3
Which vehicle are you renting?
The short answer, without the quiz
- Which permit do I need for a tuk tuk?
- The AAC permit. The DMT permit does not cover three-wheelers, and the AAC route requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country, obtained before you travel.
- Which permit do I need if I have an International Driving Permit?
- The AAC permit. It costs $45 with a vehicle booking, or $55 on its own, lasts six months, and covers every vehicle including tuk tuks.
- Which permit do I need if I don't have an IDP?
- The DMT permit, available at the airport counter 24 hours a day, from LKR 15,000, valid from one month. It doesn't cover tuk tuks — those need the AAC and an IDP regardless.
- What if I'm renting a tuk tuk and don't have an IDP?
- You'll need to get an IDP before you travel — the DMT permit doesn't cover tuk tuks, so the AAC permit is the only route, and AAC requires a valid International Driving Permit from your home country. If that's not possible in time, a scooter, motorbike or car can still use the DMT permit at the airport instead, no IDP needed.
- Does my home country affect which permit I need?
- No — the AAC or DMT choice depends only on which vehicle you're renting and whether you have an International Driving Permit, not your nationality. Your home licence still needs to be valid and, for the DMT route, in English or accompanied by a certified translation.