Your driving licence in Sri Lanka
Anyone with a valid driving licence can get a temporary Sri Lankan driving licence when they arrive. You do not need to arrange anything in the country that issued your licence.
Getting the temporary licence
The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) issues temporary driving licences to visitors. Press reports say it has had a counter at Bandaranaike airport since August 2025, so you can usually sort this out on the day you land.
The temporary licence is a Sri Lankan licence, valid for the period you pay for (see the fees below). It is what lets you drive our car legally while you are here.
The DMT sets the rules and the fees, and they can change. Always check the DMT page before you travel.
How the day goes
This is the usual order, based on the DMT's published arrangements and press reports.
- You land at Bandaranaike airport and clear immigration.
- You go to the DMT counter with your own driving licence and your passport.
- You pay the DMT fee for the length of your stay and receive your temporary licence.
- We hand you the car, and we keep a copy of your licence for the rental agreement.
What to have with you
Your own valid driving licence and your passport. Everyone who will drive needs their own.
We will tell you exactly what to bring when we send your price.
There is a full list on our what to bring page.
What the DMT charges
These are the temporary licence fees the DMT listed on 7 September 2026. The fee is paid to the DMT, not to us. Check the DMT page for the current figure.
| Holder | Valid for | Fee (Sri Lankan rupees) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor, not a Sri Lankan citizen | 1 month | 15,000 |
| Visitor, not a Sri Lankan citizen | up to 2 months | 21,000 |
| Visitor, not a Sri Lankan citizen | up to 6 months | 30,000 |
| Sri Lankan citizen | 3 months | 15,000 |
| Sri Lankan citizen | up to 6 months | 18,000 |
Pick the period that covers your whole stay.
Which one are you?
- Visiting on a foreign passport. You pay the visitor fee. A UK, Canadian, Australian or Italian licence all count as a valid driving licence.
- Sri Lankan citizen living abroad. You have your own fee band, which is lower for the same period (see the table). Bring your foreign licence and your passport.
- Dual citizen. News reports from December 2025 say the airport counter also serves returning citizens and dual citizens on a valid foreign licence. Ask us which passport to show and which fee applies, and we will check with the DMT before you fly.
- Travelling with a partner who is not Sri Lankan. They pay the visitor fee and show their own licence and passport. Additional drivers are free with us.
What your own government says
Some governments' travel advice lists extra steps, such as carrying an International Driving Permit. For example, the UK government's advice for Sri Lanka and the Government of Canada's travel advice. Read yours before you fly. If you already hold an International Driving Permit, bring it.
We will tell you exactly what to bring when we send your price.
Every driver needs one
Every person who will drive needs their own temporary licence. Additional drivers are free with us, but each one must show their licence and passport, and we keep a copy before they drive.
Common questions
Do I need to get anything from the country that issued my licence?
No. Anyone with a valid driving licence can get a temporary Sri Lankan driving licence on arrival. Check your own government's travel advice too, as some governments list extra steps.
How long does a temporary licence last?
It lasts for the period you pay for. At the fees the Department of Motor Traffic listed in September 2026, a visitor can choose one month, up to two months or up to six months, and a Sri Lankan citizen three months or up to six months.
Who pays the licence fee?
You pay the fee to the Department of Motor Traffic when you collect the licence. It is separate from your car hire price.
Can my husband, wife or parent drive too?
Yes. Additional drivers are free. Each one needs their own licence, must show it with their passport before they drive, and we keep a copy.
I was born in Sri Lanka and have a foreign passport. What applies to me?
Sri Lankan citizens have a lower fee band. If you hold a foreign passport and a foreign licence, tell us your situation when you ask for a price and we will confirm with the Department of Motor Traffic what applies before you fly.