What a Cambodia International Driver License Is and Who Issues It

An international driver license in Cambodia is a document that translates your Cambodian driving license into multiple languages and formats recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. It does not replace your national license — you must carry both together when driving outside Cambodia. The document is issued by the General Department of Traffic Police (GDTP), which operates under Cambodia's Ministry of Interior.

The international license is valid for three years from the date of issue. It allows you to drive in countries that recognize the 1968 UN Convention, which includes most nations in Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond. However, some countries have their own rules about which documents they accept, so you should check with your destination country's embassy or consulate before traveling.

The international license is not a separate driving privilege — it is a companion document that proves your home country has already tested and licensed you. Border officials and police use it to verify your driving status without needing to contact Cambodia directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The General Department of Traffic Police issues Cambodia's international driver license, and you must hold a valid Cambodian national license first.
  • You will need your national license, passport, proof of residence, and a passport-sized photograph to request the international license.
  • The process typically takes one to three business days and costs between 25,000 and 50,000 Cambodian riel, depending on the office and processing speed.
  • You must carry both your national license and international license together when driving outside Cambodia — one document alone is not sufficient.
  • The international license is valid for three years and does not extend your national license's expiration date.

Where to Request Your International License in Cambodia

The main office for international driver licenses is the General Department of Traffic Police headquarters in Phnom Penh, located on Street 271 in Sangkat Boeung Keng Kang I, Khan Chamkarmon. This is the fastest and most reliable place to request the document if you are in or near the capital.

Many provincial traffic police offices also issue international licenses, though processing times and staff familiarity with the procedure vary. If you live outside Phnom Penh, contact your local traffic police station first to confirm they handle international licenses and what documents they require. Some smaller offices may direct you to the nearest regional center or to Phnom Penh itself.

You can also request an international license through certain travel agencies and driving schools in Phnom Penh and other major cities, though you will pay a markup for this convenience. The agency handles the paperwork and submission to the traffic police on your behalf, but the GDTP still issues the final document.

Documents You Need to Bring

You must present your valid Cambodian national driver license — expired licenses cannot be used as the basis for an international license. If your national license has expired, you will need to renew it first through the traffic police.

Bring your passport or national ID card. The traffic police use this to verify your identity and record your personal details on the international license. Make sure your passport is not expired.

You will need proof of residence — typically a utility bill, rental agreement, or official residence certificate issued by your commune or sangkat office. The document should show your current address and be dated within the last three to six months. If you live in a hotel or guesthouse, ask the management for a letter confirming your stay.

Bring one or two passport-sized photographs, usually 4 by 6 centimeters. The photos should be recent, in color, with a plain background, and show your face clearly. Many photo shops near traffic police offices can take these on the spot if you do not have them ready.

How Long the Process Takes and What It Costs

Standard processing at the main GDTP office in Phnom Penh usually takes one to three business days. If you request expedited processing, you may receive your international license the same day or within 24 hours, but this carries an additional fee.

The base cost ranges from 25,000 to 50,000 Cambodian riel for standard processing. Expedited service typically adds 10,000 to 20,000 riel. Prices vary slightly between the main office and provincial branches, and travel agencies charge significantly more — often double or triple the official rate — because they handle the submission and collection for you.

Payment is usually cash only. Bring small bills if possible, as some offices may not have change for large denominations. Ask for a receipt that shows the fee, processing time, and expected pickup date.

What Happens at the Traffic Police Office

When you arrive, go to the international license counter or ask staff where to submit your documents. You will fill out a form with your personal details, license number, and passport information. Staff will verify that your national license is valid and that your documents are complete.

You will be asked to sign the process form and may be asked to confirm your address or answer basic questions about your driving record. The process is straightforward and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes at the counter.

You will receive a receipt with a reference number and the date to return and collect your international license. Keep this receipt — you will need it to pick up the document. Some offices allow you to collect the license on the same day if you pay for expedited processing; others require you to return on the specified date.

Picking Up Your International License

Return to the same office on the date shown on your receipt. Bring the receipt and your national license. Staff will verify your identity, check that the international license has been printed correctly, and hand it to you.

Before you leave, check that all your details — name, license number, passport number, date of birth, and photograph — are correct. If there is an error, report it when ready so staff can correct it or reprint the document.

Once you have the international license, store it with your national license in a safe place. When you travel outside Cambodia, carry both documents together in your vehicle or travel bag. Do not rely on the international license alone.

Using Your International License Outside Cambodia

The international license is recognized in most countries that signed the 1968 UN Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and most European nations. However, some countries have additional rules or may not recognize it in certain situations.

Before traveling, check the embassy or consulate website of your destination country to confirm they accept the Cambodian international driver license. Some nations require you to also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country's automobile association, though Cambodia does not have an official automobile association that issues IDPs in the traditional sense.

If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident outside Cambodia, present both your national and international licenses. The international license serves as proof that your home country has licensed you; the national license shows your current status. Together, they provide the clearest picture of your driving authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my Cambodian national license is about to expire?

You can still request an international license, but it will only be valid until your national license expires. Once your national license is renewed, you will need to request a new international license as well. It is more efficient to renew your national license first, then request the international license.

Can I request an international license if I am not a Cambodian citizen?

No. The international license is issued only to holders of a valid Cambodian national driver license. Foreign residents must first obtain a Cambodian national license through the traffic police, which requires passing a written test and a driving test. Once you hold a national license, you can then request the international version.

What should I do if my international license is lost or damaged while I am traveling?

Contact the nearest Cambodian embassy or consulate for guidance. They can issue a temporary travel document or advise you on how to proceed. When you return to Cambodia, you can request a replacement international license from the traffic police by bringing your national license, passport, and a police report of the loss or damage.

Is the international license the same as an International Driving Permit?

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a separate document issued by automobile associations in some countries and is valid for one year. Cambodia does not have an official automobile association that issues IDPs. The international driver license issued by the GDTP is Cambodia's equivalent and is valid for three years.

Do I need the international license to drive within Cambodia?

No. Your national Cambodian driver license is sufficient for driving within Cambodia. The international license is only needed when you drive outside Cambodia in countries that recognize it.