Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
If you plan to drive abroad, most countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home driver's license. The IDP translates your license.
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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, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, India, Thailand, and 60+ others. China does not recognize the IDP at all; visitors need a Chinese temporary driving permit.
- Recommended: most of Europe (Greece requires one from many non-EU license holders), 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
Apply through AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organisations authorised by the US State Department to issue them. You need your valid US driver's license, passport photos and a fee. AAA takes applications online, in person or by mail, and AATA online. Apply before you leave home.
No, but nearly. AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organisations the US State Department authorises to issue IDPs. Other websites selling "international driver's licenses" are not valid, and the US government warns that many are scams after your money or personal information.
Often, yes. Most IDPs are issued on the same day when you apply in person, so a visit to a branch with your license and photos is the fastest route. Mail and online applications take longer because the permit has to be posted to you, so allow extra time if your trip is soon.
Sometimes, but many European countries expect an IDP alongside it, and rental desks may ask for one too. The rule depends on the country you drive in, so check the US State Department's country page before you go. Wherever you drive, carry your US license with the permit, because the IDP alone is not valid.
If you will drive in a country that requires one, yes. Driving without it there is illegal and can lead to fines, a refused rental car or an insurance claim being denied after an accident. Even where it is only recommended, it is cheap and helps when police or rental staff cannot read your license.
An IDP issued in the US is valid for one year and cannot be renewed, so you apply for a new one when it runs out. It also stops being valid if your home driver's license expires first, so check both dates before you travel. Other countries' permits can last up to three years.