An International Driving Permit is required by some countries but not others, and it depends on where you're driving and what your home country is

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) comes down to two things: which country you're visiting and which country issued your regular driver's license. Some countries will not let you rent a car or drive legally without one. Others don't require it at all. A few require it only if your license is not in the Latin alphabet — so a license from Japan or Russia would need an IDP, but one from Canada would not.

The IDP is not a replacement for your regular license. It's a translation document that sits alongside your home country license. You must carry both together. The IDP itself has no legal weight without your actual driver's license in your pocket.

The safest approach: check the specific rules for the country you're visiting before you book a rental car. Rental companies often require an IDP even when the country technically doesn't, because it protects them if there's an accident or a traffic stop.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your driver's license into multiple languages and is required by some countries but not others.
  • You must carry your IDP and your original home-country driver's license together; the IDP alone is not valid.
  • Rental car companies often require an IDP regardless of local law, so check your rental agreement before you travel.
  • An IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and typically costs between $15 and $30 and takes one to two weeks to arrive.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you order, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

Countries that require an IDP include most of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile), parts of Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea), and several others. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada do not require one if your license is in English and uses the Latin alphabet.

The rule is not consistent across regions, so a license valid for driving in one European country may not be valid in another without an IDP. Some countries accept an IDP but don't legally require it — they straightforward prefer it because it removes language barriers at a traffic stop.

If you're renting a car, the rental company's rules often matter more than the country's rules. Many rental agencies worldwide require an IDP as a condition of the rental, even in countries where local law doesn't mandate it. Check your rental agreement or call the rental company before you book.

How to get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

To order through AAA, you need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). You can explore in person at any AAA office or by mail. In-person processing typically takes a few minutes; by mail, allow one to two weeks. The cost is usually $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though AAA membership may offer a small discount.

AATA offers the same service by mail only. You'll mail in your process, driver's license, passport, and photo. Processing takes about two weeks. The cost is similar: around $20 for one year or $30 for three years.

How to get an International Driving Permit outside the United States

If you hold a license from another country, your home country's motor vehicle authority issues the IDP. In Canada, you explore through the provincial motor vehicle office or through the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the UK, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues them. In Australia, your state's roads authority handles it.

The process is similar everywhere: you provide your valid driver's license, proof of identity, a passport photo, and a completed process form. Most countries charge between $15 and $30 USD equivalent. Processing time ranges from one to three weeks depending on the country and whether you explore in person or by mail.

Contact your home country's motor vehicle authority or national automobile association to find the exact process process, required documents, and current fees. Many now offer online ordering with mail delivery.

What an International Driving Permit actually says and why it matters

An IDP is a booklet, usually about the size of a passport, that contains your driving information translated into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Japanese. It includes your name, date of birth, license number, and the categories of vehicles you're licensed to drive (cars, motorcycles, trucks, and so on).

The IDP does not replace your home-country license. A police officer or rental agent will want to see both documents together. The IDP proves you hold a valid license in your home country and removes the language barrier if you're stopped by police who don't speak English.

At a rental car counter, the IDP serves as proof that your license is legitimate and current. Without it in a country that requires it, you may be refused a rental or face legal trouble if you're stopped while driving.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you order. You choose the length when you explore. A one-year IDP costs less but expires sooner; a three-year IDP costs more but covers multiple trips.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. The IDP expires on that date regardless of whether you've used it. If you plan to travel internationally more than once in the next three years, a three-year permit is usually the better value.

Your IDP is also invalid if your home-country driver's license expires before the IDP does. If your license expires in two years but you hold a three-year IDP, the IDP becomes worthless when your license expires. Renew your home-country license before it expires to keep your IDP valid.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit when one is required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you don't have one, you're driving without a valid license in that country's eyes. The consequences vary by country but typically include a fine, confiscation of your vehicle, or both. In some countries, driving without required documents can result in arrest or a court appearance.

Rental car insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving illegally — meaning without the required IDP. This leaves you personally liable for all damage, medical bills, and third-party claims. A single accident could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Police in countries that require an IDP are trained to check for it. Even a minor traffic stop can escalate if you cannot produce the required document. The safest approach is to carry both your home-country license and your IDP whenever you drive internationally.

International Driving Permit vs. other documents for driving abroad

An IDP is different from a temporary driving permit issued by some countries to foreign visitors. Some countries (like France or Germany) allow you to drive on your home-country license for a limited time — usually 6 to 12 months — without an IDP. After that period, you must either get an IDP or convert your license to a local one.

An IDP is also different from a reciprocal driving agreement. Some countries have agreements with each other that allow citizens to drive on their home license without an IDP. The U.S. has such agreements with Canada and Mexico, for example. But these agreements are limited and don't cover all countries.

If you're moving to a country long-term, you'll eventually need to convert your license to a local one rather than rely on an IDP. An IDP is designed for temporary visits, not permanent residence. Check the country's immigration and motor vehicle rules if you're planning to stay longer than a few months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just an International Driving Permit and no home-country license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original home-country driver's license. If you're stopped by police or involved in an accident and cannot produce both documents, you're considered to be driving without a valid license. Always carry both.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or the UK?

No. Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP if your home-country license is in English and uses the Latin alphabet. A U.S., Canadian, or Australian license is valid on its own in these countries. However, some rental car companies may still request an IDP, so check your rental agreement.

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

If you explore in person at a AAA office in the U.S., you can receive your IDP the same day or within a few minutes. By mail, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery. Outside the U.S., processing times vary by country but typically range from one to three weeks.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I'm traveling?

You should not be traveling with an expired IDP. Before you leave, check the expiration date on your IDP and your home-country license. If either will expire during your trip, renew it before you go. Driving with an expired IDP is treated the same as driving without one in countries that require it.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home-country license is suspended or revoked?

No. An IDP is only issued if you hold a valid, current driver's license in your home country. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your home country's motor vehicle authority first.