Avis accepts both your valid foreign driver's license and an International Driving Permit, but which one you need depends on where you're renting and which country issued your license

Avis does not require an International Driving Permit as a blanket rule. What Avis actually requires is a valid driver's license from your home country, plus your passport. In most cases, that's enough. However, some countries' laws say a foreign renter must also carry an IDP alongside their home license — and if that's the law where you're renting, Avis will enforce it, because they're liable if you're stopped without one.

The real requirement is not Avis's rule; it's the traffic law of the country where you're driving. Avis's rental agreement straightforward says you must obey local law. If you're renting in a country that legally requires an IDP, you must have one. If you're renting in a country that doesn't, you don't need one for Avis — though you may want one anyway as a backup translation.

Key Takeaways

  • Avis requires a valid driver's license from your home country and your passport; an International Driving Permit is not required by Avis itself, only by some countries' traffic laws.
  • Before you book, check the traffic laws of the specific country where you'll drive, because some nations legally require an IDP alongside a foreign license.
  • An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association and is valid for three years; it costs between $15 and $30 depending on your country.
  • If you're unsure whether your destination country requires an IDP, contact Avis directly with your home country and destination — they can tell you what their locations in that country demand.
  • Your home country's automobile association is the only official source for an IDP; online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate.

Which countries require an IDP alongside your home license

Some countries' traffic laws state that a foreign driver must carry both a valid home license and an International Driving Permit. These include much of Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. Other countries — including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland — do not legally require an IDP; your home license alone is sufficient under their traffic law.

The confusion arises because Avis operates in both types of countries, and the requirement is not Avis's choice. If you rent a car in France and are stopped by police without an IDP, the police will cite you under French traffic law, not Avis policy. Avis straightforward will not rent to you without one if French law requires it, because they would be liable for knowingly renting to someone who cannot legally drive there.

Your home country's automobile association publishes a list of countries that require an IDP. Before you book with Avis, look up your home country's association and check their IDP requirements page for your destination.

How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

An International Driving Permit is issued only by your home country's official automobile association. In the United States, that's the American Automobile Association (AAA). In Canada, it's the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the UK, it's the Automobile Association (AA). Each country has one official issuer.

You explore in person at a local office, by mail, or online through your association's website. You'll need your valid home driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The cost ranges from $15 to $30 depending on your country. Processing takes one to two weeks by mail, or same-day if you visit an office in person.

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It is not a replacement for your home license — you must carry both documents when you drive. The IDP is a translation of your license information into multiple languages, so border agents and police can read it.

What to bring to your Avis rental desk

Bring your valid home country driver's license, your passport, and — if the country where you're renting legally requires one — your International Driving Permit. Avis will check all three documents before handing over the keys. If you're renting in a country that requires an IDP and you don't have one, Avis will refuse the rental.

Some Avis locations also ask for a credit card in your name and proof of insurance. Check your rental confirmation email for the specific location's requirements, or call the Avis branch where you're picking up the car.

Fake IDP websites and how to avoid them

Many websites claim to issue International Driving Permits online for $50 to $200. These are not legitimate. An IDP can only be issued by your home country's official automobile association. Any other source is selling a document that will not be recognized by police or border agents.

If you search online for "International Driving Permit," you will see ads for these fake services. They often use official-sounding names and logos similar to real automobile associations. The safest way to avoid them is to go directly to your home country's automobile association website — not through a search result — and follow their IDP link.

If you buy a fake IDP and are stopped by police in a country that requires one, you will be treated as driving without a valid permit, which can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal action.

What happens if you arrive without an IDP when one is required

If you reach your Avis rental location without an IDP and the country's law requires one, Avis will not rent you a car. You will lose your reservation and any deposit. You cannot obtain an IDP on the spot; you must have applied before you left home.

Some travelers in this situation have tried to rent from other companies or use ride-sharing services instead. However, if the country legally requires an IDP, you cannot legally drive there without one — whether you're in a rental car or your own. The requirement is traffic law, not a rental company policy.

If you're already at your destination and realize you need an IDP, contact your home country's embassy or consulate. They may be able to issue a temporary document or direct you to a local office that can help, though this is not may provide and will take time.

Avis's specific policies by region

Avis publishes rental requirements for each country on their website. Before you book, visit Avis.com, select your destination country, and look for the "Driver Requirements" or "What You Need" section. This will tell you whether that specific country requires an IDP.

If the website is unclear, call the Avis location where you're picking up the car. They handle rentals in that country every day and can tell you when ready whether an IDP is required. Provide your home country and your destination country, and they will give you a straight answer.

Avis also rents to drivers under 25 in some countries, but charges a young driver fee. An IDP does not affect this fee — it is a separate requirement based on age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home license alone in countries that don't require an IDP?

Yes. If your destination country does not legally require an IDP, your valid home driver's license and passport are sufficient for Avis and for driving. You do not need an IDP just to rent from Avis; you only need one if the country's traffic law requires it.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An international license does not exist. An IDP is a translation document that accompanies your home license. You must carry both. Some countries issue a separate "international driving license," but this is not the same as an IDP and is not recognized outside that country.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you explore in person at your automobile association's office, you can often receive an IDP the same day. By mail, it typically takes one to two weeks. Online applications vary by country — some issue within days, others take a week or more. explore at least three weeks before your trip to be safe.

What if my home country doesn't have an automobile association?

Every country has an official body that issues IDPs — it may be called an automobile association, a motoring organization, or a government transport agency. Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you're renting, and they can direct you to the correct issuer or tell you whether an IDP is required.

Can Avis issue or help me get an IDP?

No. Avis cannot issue an IDP, and they cannot obtain one for you. You must get it from your home country's official automobile association before you travel. Avis can only tell you whether one is required in your destination country.