Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

In short

  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your home driver's license that is recognized in 175+ countries.
  • You usually need both your IDP and your home driver's license to legally rent a car or drive abroad.
  • Apply for an IDP in your home country before you travel - they cannot be obtained abroad, and they are typically valid for 1 to 3 years.

What an IDP actually is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license - it is an official translation of your home driver's license, formatted under the United Nations 1949 Geneva Convention (or 1968 Vienna Convention).

If you plan to drive a rental car to your trip1 hotel or anywhere else abroad, an IDP saves you trouble with rental companies and traffic police.

Countries where an IDP is required or recommended

  • Required: Japan, China, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, India, Thailand, and 60+ others.
  • Recommended: Most of Europe, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand.
  • Not required: USA, UK, Ireland, Canada (if your license is in English).

How to get an International Driving Permit

Apply through the authorized issuing body in your home country - in the US that is AAA or AATA, in the UK it is the AA or Post Office, in the EU it is your national motoring authority.

You will need a valid driver's license, two passport photos, and a fee (USD 20-30 in most countries). Most IDPs are issued in a single day.

How long is an IDP valid?

Most IDPs are valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on issuing country. Importantly, the IDP expires when your home driver's license expires, so check both dates.

Driving without an IDP

In countries that require an IDP, driving without one is illegal and can result in fines or denied insurance claims if you have an accident. Rental car companies in many countries refuse to rent to drivers without an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) - FAQ

Within the EU/EEA, your EU driver's license is recognized. Non-EU drivers (US, UK, Australia, etc.) usually need an IDP for driving in most European countries.

No. IDPs are only issued by your home country's authorized motoring organization. Apply before you travel.

In most countries, the IDP is issued on the day you apply, often within an hour. Some accept mail applications which take 1-2 weeks.

Yes. Major rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) ask for an IDP in any country where it is required. They may refuse rental without one.

Yes. The IDP is only a translation - you must always carry it together with your original home driver's license when driving abroad.

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