What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One for France

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. France recognizes IDPs issued by countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals.

If you hold a valid U.S., Canadian, Australian, or most other English-speaking country's driver's license, you do not legally need an IDP to rent a car or drive in France. French police and car rental companies will accept your domestic license. However, some car rental agencies — particularly smaller local companies — may request an IDP as additional proof of identity and driving history, especially if your license is worn, damaged, or in a language other than English.

An IDP becomes genuinely useful if you plan to drive in multiple countries during one trip, if your license is difficult to read, or if you want a second form of photo ID while traveling. It also provides a translation of your license information, which can help if you are stopped by police who do not speak English.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is optional for U.S. and Canadian drivers in France but may be requested by some car rental companies as a secondary form of identification.
  • You must obtain an IDP in your home country before you travel — France does not issue them, and you cannot get one at the border or airport.
  • In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel Services are the only authorized issuers; in Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it must be carried together with your valid domestic driver's license at all times while driving.
  • The cost ranges from $15 to $30 USD in the United States and $25 to $35 CAD in Canada, depending on the issuer and validity period you choose.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Before You Travel

You must obtain your IDP in your home country before you leave. France does not issue IDPs, and you cannot get one at a French airport, border crossing, or DMV equivalent. The process takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you explore by mail.

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel Services. You do not need to be a member of AAA to explore. Visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. AAA will issue the permit on the spot. You can also explore by mail by sending your license, photo, completed form, and a check or money order to your regional AAA office; processing takes two to four weeks. American Express Travel Services operates similarly but through their travel offices.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole authorized issuer. Visit a CAA office with your valid Canadian driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process. CAA will issue the permit when ready if you explore in person. By mail, the process takes two to four weeks. You do not need to be a CAA member.

In other countries (Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and others), contact your national automobile association or your country's equivalent of the DMV to find the authorized issuer. The process is similar: you provide your valid license, a photo, and an process form.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Gather these items before you visit an AAA office, CAA office, or authorized issuer in your country:

  • Your valid, unexpired domestic driver's license.
  • One passport-sized photograph, 2 by 2 inches (5 by 5 centimeters), taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background.
  • A completed process form. AAA, CAA, and other issuers provide these forms on their websites or at their offices.
  • Proof of citizenship or residency in your home country (usually your passport or national ID).
  • Payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or credit card, depending on the issuer's policy.

If you are explore by mail, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the issuer can return your IDP and original license to you.

Cost and Validity Period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $30 USD in the United States, depending on whether you explore through AAA or American Express and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. In Canada, the cost ranges from $25 to $35 CAD for the same options.

You can request either a one-year IDP or a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs slightly more but is useful if you plan multiple trips to Europe or other countries that recognize IDPs. The one-year version is sufficient if you are making a single trip to France.

Your IDP is valid only while your domestic driver's license is also valid. If your home country license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one if you need another after yours expires.

What to Bring When You Drive in France

If you have obtained an IDP, you must carry it together with your valid domestic driver's license whenever you drive in France. French police may ask to see both documents. The IDP alone is not sufficient — it is a translation and supplement, not a replacement for your home license.

You should also carry your passport or national ID, proof of vehicle insurance (an International Motor Insurance Card, or "Green Card," is recommended but not required for U.S. and Canadian drivers), your vehicle registration, and a copy of your rental agreement if you are driving a rental car. Keep these documents in an easily accessible location, such as the glove compartment.

If you are stopped by police and do not speak French, having an IDP can help because it provides a translation of your license information. However, police may still require you to communicate through a translator or may issue a citation that you can contest later.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is waiting until the last minute to explore. If you explore by mail fewer than two weeks before your trip, there is a significant risk your IDP will not arrive in time. explore at least four weeks before you travel, or visit an office in person if your trip is sooner.

Another mistake is obtaining an IDP but forgetting to bring it with you. An IDP sitting at home is useless. Pack it in your carry-on luggage or travel documents folder, not in checked baggage.

Some travelers assume an IDP is required in France and panic if they do not have one. Remember: it is optional for most English-speaking drivers. If you arrive without an IDP, you can still rent a car and drive legally using your valid domestic license. An IDP is a convenience, not a legal requirement.

Finally, do not confuse an IDP with an International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card). These are separate documents. An IDP translates your license; a Green Card proves you have liability insurance that is valid across borders. You may want both, but they serve different purposes.

Alternatives if You Cannot Get an IDP in Time

If you are traveling to France soon and cannot obtain an IDP before you leave, you have options. Your valid domestic driver's license is legally sufficient to rent a car and drive in France. Most major car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget) will accept it without question.

If a rental company asks for an IDP and you do not have one, ask whether they will accept a notarized English translation of your license instead. Some companies will; others will not. You can obtain a notarized translation through a notary public in your home country before you travel, though this takes additional time and costs $10 to $25.

Alternatively, you can use a ride-sharing service such as Uber or a taxi in France rather than renting a car. This eliminates the need for an IDP or any driving permit translation altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit in France if I forgot to get one before I left?

No. France does not issue IDPs. You must obtain one in your home country before you travel. If you arrive without an IDP, your valid domestic license is still legal for driving in France, so you can proceed with renting a car if the rental company accepts your home license.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting France for a week?

No. An IDP is optional for U.S., Canadian, and most other English-speaking drivers in France. Your valid domestic license is sufficient. An IDP is most useful if you are visiting multiple countries, if your license is difficult to read, or if you want a second form of photo ID.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Motor Insurance Card?

No. An IDP translates your driver's license into ten languages. An International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card) proves your vehicle insurance is valid across borders. They are separate documents. You may want both, but they serve different purposes.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at an AAA office in the U.S. or a CAA office in Canada, you receive the permit when ready. If you explore by mail, processing takes two to four weeks. explore at least four weeks before your trip to allow time for mail delivery.

Can I use an International Driving Permit from another country, or do I need one issued in my home country?

An IDP must be issued in your country of residence. You cannot use an IDP issued in another country. If you are a U.S. citizen living in Canada, for example, you should obtain your IDP from CAA, not from AAA.