Licence and IDP rules
Motorcycle licence and IDP rules for riding in Cambodia (2026)
Smartraveller says Cambodian law lets you ride a motorcycle up to 125cc without a licence. Above 125cc you need your home licence with a motorcycle category and an International Driving Permit.
Checked against official sources on 2026-11-05.
Check what you need for Cambodia
Three answers and you get a plain verdict. Rules checked against official sources; links below.
This is general information from official sources, not legal advice. Rules change; check with the embassy if your trip depends on it.
The rules in Cambodia
- International Driving Permit
- Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors.
- Motorcycle category
- The 125cc line is what matters: up to 125cc needs no licence under Cambodian law; above it, your licence must cover the bike.
- Local licence
- GOV.UK: for long-term use you need a Cambodian licence; local agencies can arrange one for a fee.
- Helmets
- Compulsory. GOV.UK says police can fine you on the spot for riding without one, and that it may invalidate your insurance.
- Insurance
- Smartraveller: some insurers won't cover riders unless they hold a home motorcycle licence, "even if riding a motorcycle with capacity less than 125cc".
What you need, by where your licence is from
Assumes your licence includes the motorcycle category. Without it, no IDP makes riding legal.
| Riders from | What you need in Cambodia |
|---|---|
| United States | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from the United States together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In the United States permits are issued by AAA and AATA. |
| United Kingdom | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from the United Kingdom together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In the United Kingdom permits are issued by PayPoint shops (for the DVLA). |
| Australia | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Australia together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Australia permits are issued by the Australian Automobile Association, through state motoring clubs such as NRMA, RACV and AANT. |
| Canada | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Canada together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Canada permits are issued by CAA. |
| Germany | An IDP from Germany (1926 or 1968) is not recognised in Cambodia. Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors. In Germany permits are issued by your local Fahrerlaubnisbehörde (driving licence office). |
| Ireland | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Ireland together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Ireland permits are issued by the Road Safety Authority, through NDLS centres. |
| New Zealand | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from New Zealand together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In New Zealand permits are issued by AA New Zealand. |
| France | An IDP from France (1968) is not recognised in Cambodia. Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors. In France permits are issued by ANTS (France Titres), online. |
| Netherlands | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from the Netherlands together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In the Netherlands permits are issued by ANWB. |
| Switzerland | An IDP from Switzerland (1968) is not recognised in Cambodia. Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors. In Switzerland permits are issued by your cantonal road traffic office (or TCS/ACS in some cantons). |
| India | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from India together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In India permits are issued by your Regional Transport Office (RTO). |
| Singapore | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from Singapore together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In Singapore permits are issued by AA Singapore. |
| South Africa | Yes: carry your licence plus a 1949 IDP. Carry your licence from South Africa together with a 1949 International Driving Permit. In South Africa permits are issued by AA South Africa. |
| Israel | An IDP from Israel (1968) is not recognised in Cambodia. Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors. In Israel permits are issued by the Ministry of Transport. |
| Brazil | An IDP from Brazil (1968) is not recognised in Cambodia. Cambodia is party to the 1949 convention. GOV.UK says that for a bike over 125cc you may need the 1949 IDP and your licence; Smartraveller says the same for short-term visitors. In Brazil permits are issued by your state Detran or the Automóvel Clube Brasileiro. |
No motorcycle licence?
An IDP never adds a motorcycle category, so without one you can't legally ride in Cambodia. You can ride pillion behind a licensed local rider, or join a guided tour where a staff rider carries you, if the operator offers that. A guided tour does not make it legal to ride yourself without a licence.
Questions riders ask
- Do I need a licence to ride a scooter in Cambodia?
- Not up to 125cc, according to Smartraveller. Above 125cc you need your home licence with a motorcycle category and an IDP. Check your insurance either way.
- Which IDP do I need for Cambodia?
- The 1949 version, according to GOV.UK, for bikes over 125cc.
Sources
Checked on 2026-11-05.
- Smartraveller (Australian Government): Cambodia
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Cambodia, safety and security
- GOV.UK: International Driving Permits, which one you need by country
- UN Treaty Collection: 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, status
- UN Treaty Collection: 1968 Convention on Road Traffic, status
This page is general information drawn from the sources above, not legal advice. Rules change; if your trip depends on it, check with the embassy of the country you're visiting.
Tours in Cambodia
See every motorcycle tour listed in Cambodia. If you're unsure what you'll need on a particular trip, ask the operator about licence requirements through the enquiry form on the tour page before you book.
Motorcycle tours in Cambodia