If you plan to drive in St Kitts, you need a temporary local driving permit before you get behind the wheel.
This applies to every visitor. Your home country licence alone does not allow you to drive here. An international driving permit does not replace it either. St Kitts requires its own temporary permit, issued under the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 15.06.
The good news is the process is fast. Most visitors who rent a car receive the permit during the rental pickup and are driving within minutes. Visitors who prefer to apply independently can also do so online before they arrive.
This guide explains exactly how the permit works, what it costs, how to get one, and what you need to carry while driving.
What Is the Temporary Driving Permit in St Kitts
A temporary driving permit, sometimes called a temporary driver’s licence, allows visitors to legally drive on the roads of St Kitts and Nevis.
The permit is administered by the Licensing Authority (Traffic Department) of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force. The police are responsible for all driver and vehicle licensing in the federation under the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 15.06.
The temporary permit works alongside your existing driver’s licence from your home country. You must carry both documents while driving.
Two duration options are available:
- Three months: EC$62.50 (approximately US$24)
- One year: EC$125.00 (approximately US$46)
Most visitors choose the three-month option. The permit is valid from your selected start date.
Do You Need a Temporary Permit to Drive in St Kitts
Yes. All visitors must have the temporary permit before driving.
This rule applies even if you hold:
- A valid driver’s licence from your home country
- An international driving permit (IDP)
Neither of these documents replaces the St Kitts temporary permit. The local permit is a separate legal requirement.
If you are a citizen of an OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) member country, you may be exempt from the temporary permit requirement. The Vehicles and Road Traffic Act allows OECS citizens to drive using their valid home country licence. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, confirm with the Traffic Department before driving.
How to Get the Temporary Driving Permit
There are three ways to obtain the permit. The right option depends on how you are arriving and whether you are renting a vehicle.
Option 1: Through a Car Rental Company (Most Common for Tourists)
If you are renting a car, this is the fastest and simplest route.
Authorised car rental companies in St Kitts can issue the temporary driving permit directly during the rental pickup process. You do not need to visit a government office or apply online separately.
Here is how it works:
Step 1 – Present your valid driver’s licence from your home country
Step 2 – Show your passport or photo identification
Step 3 – The rental company processes the permit through the police licensing system
Step 4 – Pay the permit fee (usually added to the rental agreement)
Step 5 – Receive your temporary permit
Most visitors complete this in ten to fifteen minutes.
This is the option we recommend for cruise passengers and airport arrivals who want to start driving immediately.
If you are planning to rent, start here: Car Rental St Kitts
For cruise visitors, read: Car Rental from St Kitts Cruise Port – Complete Guide
Option 2: Online Through the Police E-Services Portal
Visitors who want to apply independently, before arriving or without renting through a company, can apply online through the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force e-services portal.
The portal is available at: eservices.police.kn/ELicense
The online application allows you to:
- Apply for the temporary driving permit
- Make your payment online
- Check your application status
- Download your approved e-licence
We confirmed directly with the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force that this portal is available to all visitors. Cruise passengers enter their ship name in the “Name of Vessel” field. Visitors arriving by air enter their flight name and number in the same field.
What You Need for the Online Application
The police portal instructions require the following:
- Applicants must be 18 years or older
- A clear scan or photo of the bio page of your passport
- A clear scan or photo of your valid driver’s licence from your home country
- A passport-size photo on a plain background
- Uploaded files must be in .jpg, .png, or .bmp format
- Each file must be 2MB or less
Photo guidelines are available from the police: Driver’s Licence Photo Guidelines (PDF)
Important: Individuals aged 73 years and above cannot use the online portal. They must apply in person at one of the designated issuing locations on the island.
Option 3: In Person at the Traffic Department
Visitors can also apply in person at the Traffic Department (Licensing Authority) of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force.
This option is required for applicants aged 73 and above. It may also be used by visitors who prefer to handle the process face to face rather than online.
Bring your valid driver’s licence, passport, and the permit fee.
Cost of the Temporary Driving Permit
The fees are set by the government:
- Three months: EC$62.50 (approximately US$24)
- One year: EC$125.00 (approximately US$46)
If you are renting through a car rental company, the permit fee is normally included in or added to your rental agreement.
If you are applying online through the police e-services portal, payment is handled during the application process.
There are no additional hidden fees for the permit itself.
How Long the Permit Lasts
The three-month permit is valid for 90 days from the start date you select during the application.
The one-year permit is valid for 12 months.
If you return to St Kitts within the validity period, the same permit may still be active. Check the expiry date printed on your permit or e-licence before driving.
What You Must Carry While Driving
Since the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act of 2018, all holders of temporary driving permits must produce the following documents if stopped by traffic police:
- Your temporary St Kitts driving permit (or printed e-licence)
- Your driver’s licence from your home country
- Photo identification (passport or government-issued ID)
The 2018 amendment specifically addressed concerns about misuse of temporary permits. Visitors can no longer rely on a 48-hour grace period to produce documents. You must have them with you at all times while driving.
If you are renting a car, also carry your rental agreement.
What Is the Minimum Age to Drive in St Kitts
The legal minimum age to drive in St Kitts (for vehicles other than motorcycles) is 18 years old. The police e-services portal confirms that applicants must be 18 years or older.
However, most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old. This is a rental company policy, not a legal requirement. Some companies may allow younger drivers for certain vehicle types with restrictions.
Always confirm the minimum age requirement with your specific rental provider before booking.
Do Cruise Passengers Need the Permit
Yes. Cruise passengers must have a valid temporary driving permit to drive in St Kitts, even for a single day.
Most cruise visitors who rent a car receive the permit during the rental pickup near Port Zante in Basseterre. The process is designed to work within cruise port hours.
Cruise passengers who want to apply independently before their trip can do so through the police e-services portal. Enter the name of your cruise ship in the “Name of Vessel” field on the application form.
For a detailed guide on how the rental pickup works at the cruise port, read: How to Pick Up a Rental Car Near Port Zante in St Kitts
Do You Need an International Driving Permit for St Kitts
No. An international driving permit (IDP) does not replace the St Kitts temporary driving permit.
An IDP is a translation document for your home country licence. While it may be useful in some countries, St Kitts requires its own local temporary permit regardless of whether you carry an IDP.
You do not need to obtain an IDP before visiting St Kitts. The local temporary permit is the only document required in addition to your home country licence.
Can You Drive Without the Permit
No. Driving without a valid temporary permit is an offence under the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.
The police enforce this requirement. If stopped and unable to produce a valid permit along with your home country licence and photo identification, you may face fines or penalties.
Rental companies also enforce this rule because they are authorised to issue permits as part of the rental process and are accountable to the licensing authority.
The Governing Law
The temporary driving permit system is established under the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 15.06 of the Laws of St Christopher and Nevis.
The Licensing Authority (Traffic Department) of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force administers driver and vehicle licensing under this Act.
The Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act of 2018 added the requirement for temporary permit holders to carry photo identification while driving.
In January 2025, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis passed the Vehicles and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which introduced tougher penalties for traffic offences including reckless driving and driving under the influence. Visitors should be aware that the government is actively strengthening enforcement of road traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Temporary Driving Permit
How much does the temporary driving permit cost?
EC$62.50 (approximately US$24) for three months, or EC$125.00 (approximately US$46) for one year.
How long does it take to get the permit?
Through a rental company, most visitors receive the permit within ten to fifteen minutes during the rental pickup. Online applications through the police portal may take longer depending on processing times.
Can I get the permit at the cruise port?
Yes. If you rent a car near Port Zante, the rental company issues the permit during pickup. You can also apply independently through the police e-services portal before your visit.
Can I get the permit at the airport?
Yes. Car rental companies that offer airport pickup at Robert Bradshaw International Airport issue the permit during the vehicle handover.
Can I apply for the permit before I arrive in St Kitts?
Yes. The police e-services portal at eservices.police.kn/ELicense allows visitors to apply online. Cruise passengers enter their ship name and air passengers enter their flight name and number in the “Name of Vessel” field.
Do I need an international driving permit?
No. The St Kitts temporary driving permit is the only additional document required beyond your home country licence.
Is the permit valid in Nevis as well?
The permit covers the Federation of St Christopher and Nevis, so it should be valid on both islands. However, if you plan to drive in Nevis, confirm this with the rental company or the Traffic Department.
What happens if I am aged 73 or older?
Individuals aged 73 and above must apply in person at a designated issuing location. The online portal cannot be used for applicants in this age group.
What side of the road do they drive on in St Kitts?
Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in St Kitts. Steering wheels are on the right side of the vehicle. Most visitors from the United States and Canada adjust within the first few minutes.
For a full guide on driving rules and road conditions, read: Driving in St Kitts, Rules, Safety, and Tips for Tourists
Summary
The temporary driving permit is required for all visitors who want to drive in St Kitts. The process is straightforward:
- If renting a car, the rental company handles everything during pickup
- If applying independently, use the police e-services portal at eservices.police.kn/ELicense
- The permit costs EC$62.50 for three months or EC$125.00 for one year
- Carry your permit, home country licence, and photo ID at all times while driving
Once you have the permit, the island is yours to explore. Distances are short, roads are manageable, and most attractions sit within forty minutes of Basseterre.
Ready to explore St Kitts? Book your car rental today.
Official Resources
- Police E-Services Portal, Online Application
- Photo Guidelines for Online Application (PDF)
- Inland Revenue Department, Driver’s Licence Overview
- Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 15.06 (PDF)
Related Guides
- Car Rental St Kitts, Homepage
- Car Rental from St Kitts Cruise Port, Complete Guide
- How to Rent a Car in St Kitts, Step by Step
- Driving in St Kitts, Rules, Safety, and Tips
- One Day Driving Itinerary for Cruise Passengers
- Taxi vs Car Rental for Cruise Visitors in St Kitts
- How to Pick Up a Rental Car Near Port Zante
- How Far Attractions Are from the Cruise Port
