Frequently Asked Questions

It is an official document that makes your foreign driving credentials valid for use on Sri Lankan roads. It is what police and rental owners expect you to carry alongside your home licence and International Driving Permit.

No. An IDP is only a translation of your home-country licence — it is not a stand-alone licence. To drive legally in Sri Lanka you need your foreign licence, your IDP, and the AA Ceylon recognition permit.

Yes. Since 2025, AA Ceylon issues the recognition permit on the basis of an International Driving Permit only. We recommend obtaining your physical IDP from your home country's automobile association before you travel.

First, create a free Rento account. Then log in, start a new application, and upload your documents. Our team submits the application to AA Ceylon and arranges delivery or collection.

The temporary driving permit issued by AA Ceylon through Rento costs USD 45. With delivery to a Sri Lankan address, the total is USD 46.50. Payment is made securely online.

Applications are typically processed within 24 hours, and emergency applications can be processed within an hour. If you choose delivery, it then takes around 3 to 4 working days to reach your address, or you can collect it from the AA Ceylon head office in Colombo.

A permit issued on the basis of an International Driving Permit is valid for 12 months.

Clear, colour copies of:

• Your passport.
• The front of your International Driving Permit.
• The back of your IDP (the page showing your vehicle categories).
• A passport-sized photo of yourself.

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Driving License.

Yes. You can collect it from the AA Ceylon head office in Colombo (open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays, closed weekends) — bring photo identification. Note that permits cannot be delivered inside airport premises, so provide a hotel or local address for delivery.

• AM, A1: Scooters and mopeds only.
• A: All motorcycles.
• B: Cars, small vans and three-wheelers (tuk tuks).

No. The digital copy we send is for reference only. You must keep the hard copy of the permit with you whenever you drive. Failing to present it to authorities can result in fines or penalties.

If your permit is lost or damaged, you will need to re-apply through Rento at the same cost as before.

You can apply at any time, but your permit is only sent for processing 5 to 7 days before your permit start date, so it lines up with your trip.

Yes. If you cancel, you receive a 90% refund; a 10% processing fee is retained. Refunds are returned to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days.

Driving without a valid AA Ceylon permit is illegal and can lead to fines and other penalties, and your insurance may be void in the event of an accident. Getting the permit first protects you on every count.

Scooters, motorbikes, tuk tuks, cars and vans — suited to solo travellers, couples, families and groups.

Both. Choose your driver type when you book. With a driver you need no Sri Lankan permit and gain local road knowledge; self-drive gives you full freedom and is usually cheaper.

Yes. To self-drive any rental — including a tuk tuk or scooter — you need a licence recognised under Sri Lankan law: your IDP plus an AA Ceylon recognition permit. Rento can arrange your permit together with your rental.

You must be at least 18 years old to hire and operate a vehicle through Rento.

Yes. A refundable USD 300 security deposit is collected when the vehicle is handed over. It is returned after the vehicle is inspected on return, minus any charges for damage, late return, excess mileage, cleaning or traffic fines.

Vehicles are comprehensively insured. Two things to note: insurance does not cover minor damage valued at USD 60 or below (this is taken from your deposit), and for an at-fault accident or bodywork damage above USD 60 you are liable for the insurance excess specified on your booking.

The full rental amount is paid at the time of booking to confirm it. The refundable USD 300 deposit is collected separately at handover.

The renter pays for fuel unless another arrangement is agreed in advance.

Each booking has a mileage limit (per day or in total), shown when you book. Extra distance is charged at USD 0.50 per kilometre unless you have purchased extra or unlimited mileage.

Rento arranges a meet-and-greet handover at an agreed location — airport area, hotel or a central point — coordinated with the vehicle owner. Doorstep delivery to other locations is available for a fee shown at booking and subject to owner approval.

You receive a full refund if you cancel within 48 hours of booking and at least 7 days before the rental start date. Cancellations made after that but at least 72 hours before the start receive a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 72 hours before the start are non-refundable. Medical emergencies, flight cancellations or extreme weather may be refunded with valid proof.

Only the named, authorised driver(s) on the rental agreement. Allowing an unauthorised person to drive breaches the agreement and can void insurance cover.

Late returns are charged at the full per-day rental rate, which may be deducted from your deposit. Return the keys and complete the inspection at the agreed location to release your deposit.

Yes, long-term rentals are available. Contact our team for monthly rates.

A valid passport (or NIC for residents), your driving licence, and your AA Ceylon recognition permit / IDP if you are self-driving. You are responsible for keeping your identity details accurate.

Inspect the vehicle at handover. If it materially differs from its listing or the agreed condition, report it to Rento Support before you start the rental.

A pre-booked, fixed-price ride with a professional driver between Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and your destination. You agree the fare upfront — no haggling and no surprises.

Transfers operate to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Katunayake, the country's main international gateway, and onward to any destination in Sri Lanka.

No. A transfer includes a driver, so no permit or licence is required on your part. A permit is only needed if you choose to self-drive a rental.

After booking you receive a confirmation. Your professional Rento driver meets you at the airport exit holding a name card.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations and travel date on the Transfers page, then confirm with secure payment.

Yes. You see and agree the fare before you book, so the price you confirm is the price you pay.

Anywhere in Sri Lanka — popular routes include the airport to Colombo, Negombo, Kandy and the beaches of the south coast such as Galle. Tell us your destination and we will quote a fixed fare.

Book as soon as your flight is confirmed, especially for late-night arrivals, so your driver is ready and waiting when you land.

Yes — note any requirements such as a child seat, extra luggage or a larger vehicle when you book, and our team will confirm availability.

Rento is a Sri Lankan travel platform that arranges AA Ceylon driving permits, vehicle rentals (car, van, tuk tuk, scooter and motorbike) and fixed-price airport transfers — all bookable online and delivered islandwide.

Rento is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor and is a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner for 2024, 2025 and 2026. Driving permits are issued through the official Automobile Association of Ceylon.

Yes. Every permit Rento arranges is an official recognition permit issued by AA Ceylon — we handle the application and delivery so you do not have to visit Colombo in person.

Rento is located at 31B Old Kottawa Road, Mirihana, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. You can call or WhatsApp +94 71 089 0700, or use our contact form. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

The fastest way is WhatsApp. You can also email our permit and rentals teams or request a call back from any page.

Use the register page to create a free account, which lets you apply for permits and manage rentals and transfers in one place.

Payments are made securely online through our website using accepted credit and debit cards. Your documents are stored on encrypted, access-controlled systems, and you can ask us to remove your data at any time.

Sri Lanka drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right of the vehicle. Overtaking is done on the right.

As a general guide, limits are around 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on open roads and 100 km/h on expressways. Posted signs always take precedence, and some vehicle types have lower limits. Enforcement is strictest on the expressways, where speed cameras and police are active.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Sri Lanka and is strictly enforced, with fines, licence suspension and possible criminal charges. The safest approach is simple: do not drink and drive at all.

Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and front-seat passenger (and for all passengers on expressways). Helmets are compulsory for motorcycle riders and pillion passengers.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.

No. Three-wheelers (tuk tuks), motorcycles, bicycles, tractors and pedestrians are prohibited from Sri Lanka's expressways. Only vehicles able to travel safely at 100 km/h are allowed.

Expressways (E-class roads such as the E01 Southern, E03 airport and E04 Central) are the fastest routes and charge a distance-based toll — carry some cash for the toll booths.

Always carry your home driving licence, your IDP, your AA Ceylon recognition permit (hard copy), your passport, the vehicle insurance certificate and — for rentals — your rental agreement. Police may ask for these at routine checkpoints.

Routine checkpoints are common. Stay calm, be polite, and present your documents when asked. Carrying the hard copy of your permit avoids fines and delays.

Honking is used far more than in Western countries — as a friendly warning that a vehicle is passing or approaching a bend, not as aggression. A flash of headlights from an oncoming vehicle usually means 'I am coming through', the opposite of the convention in some countries.

Driving is very doable with preparation. Roads are busy and shared with buses, tuk tuks, pedestrians and occasionally animals, so drive defensively, avoid night driving on rural roads where possible, and keep your speed moderate. If you would rather not drive, choose a rental with a driver or an airport transfer — many visitors do.