Department of Motor Traffic

To manage transport independently in Sri Lanka for foreigners is imperative to obtain a temporary permit for driving a car or motorbike (International Driving License). You need to visit the Department of motor traffic that located in the suburbs of Colombo: Department of motor traffic Rd, Boralesgamuwa, Sri Lanka. The mode of operation from 8.30 to 17.00, day off: Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

1. Only light vehicle license can be obtained under this system.
2. The foreign driving license which is valid for the conversion date(Provisional driving licenses or learner permits are not accepted)
3. If the applicant is a foreign national, the applicant having valid visa for more than 06 months period are eligible for applying a Sri Lankan driving license while other having a valid visa for less than six months will only be issued with a temporary-driving license.
4. If the Driving license and the passport are not in English, the English translations of those two documents, done by the relevant Embassy/Mission.
5. Medical fitness certificate obtained from the National Transport Medical Institute, within a period of six months.
6. The letter of acknowledgment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the event of a person in the foreign Diplomatic service.
7. The passport with the National Identity Card Number on it, in the event of a Sri Lankan or a holder of dual citizenship.

Another option is to order through the website https://www.idlid.com/ International driving license.

Rent a car and happy journey!