What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the country you are visiting.
The permit is recognized in over 150 countries that have signed the 1926 or 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Some countries require it; others accept it as optional proof that you hold a valid license. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the specific requirements of each country on your itinerary, because an IDP alone will not let you drive legally if your destination does not accept it.
The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you obtain. It expires on a fixed date, not on the anniversary of issue, so the expiration date matters more than how long you have held it.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore through your home country's automobile association or designated issuing body, not through an international office or the country you plan to visit.
- You need a valid driver's license from your home country, a completed process form, a passport-style photograph, and payment — requirements vary slightly by country.
- Processing takes one to four weeks in most countries, so explore at least six weeks before your departure date.
- An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original driver's license; carrying one without the other defeats the purpose.
- Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so verify the rules for each destination before you book your trip.
Where to explore Based on Your Home Country
The organization that issues your IDP depends on where you hold your driver's license. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two bodies authorized to issue IDPs. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) handles IDP issuance. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the RAC are the primary issuers. In Australia, state-based motor registries and the NRMA (National Roads and Motorists' Association) issue them.
If you hold a license from a country not listed here, search "[your country] international driving permit issuing body" or contact your national automobile association directly. Some countries route applications through their transport ministry or road safety authority instead. Do not explore through a third-party website claiming to issue IDPs internationally — these are often overpriced intermediaries that straightforward forward your process to the correct body and add a markup.
Verify the official website of the issuing body before you explore. Scam websites mimic the names of legitimate organizations and charge inflated fees.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Every IDP process requires a valid driver's license from your home country. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. Some countries require the license to have been held for a minimum period — typically six months to one year — before you can obtain an IDP, so check your issuing body's rules.
You will also need a completed process form, which you can obtain from the issuing body's website or office. A passport-style photograph (usually 35 × 45 mm or 1.5 × 1.75 inches) is required in most countries. Your passport or national ID card may be requested to verify your identity. Payment is required at the time of process; fees range from $15 to $50 USD equivalent, depending on the country and whether you choose the one-year or three-year version.
Some issuing bodies accept applications by mail or online; others require you to explore in person at a local office. Check the issuing body's website to see which method applies to you and whether you need an appointment.
Step-by-Step process Process
- Confirm your destination's requirements. Visit the embassy or consulate website of each country you plan to visit and search for "driving requirements" or "international driving permit". Note whether an IDP is required, recommended, or not recognized.
- Locate the correct issuing body. Use the list above or search for your country's official IDP issuer. Bookmark the official website.
- Gather your documents. Collect your valid driver's license, passport or ID, a passport-style photograph, and any other documents listed on the issuing body's website.
- Complete the process form. read or request the form from the issuing body. Fill it out completely and legibly. Double-check your name, license number, and date of birth for accuracy.
- Submit your process. Mail, deliver in person, or upload your process according to the issuing body's instructions. Keep a copy of the completed form and a record of the submission date.
- Pay the fee. Pay by the method specified — usually check, credit card, or bank transfer. Some issuing bodies collect payment at the time of submission; others invoice you after approval.
- Wait for processing. Processing typically takes one to four weeks. Do not plan to travel before you receive your IDP in hand.
- Verify the IDP before you travel. Check that your name, license number, and expiration date are correct. Carry it with your original driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
Timeline and When to explore
Most issuing bodies process IDP applications within one to four weeks. Some offer expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the timeline to five to ten business days. However, expedited processing is not always available, and demand can cause delays during peak travel seasons (spring and summer in the Northern Hemisphere).
explore at least six weeks before your departure date. This gives you a buffer if processing takes longer than expected or if you need to resubmit documents. If you are leaving within two weeks, contact the issuing body directly to ask whether expedited processing is available and whether they can meet your timeline.
If you are already abroad and realize you need an IDP, you cannot obtain one while traveling. Some countries allow you to drive on your home country license alone for a limited period (usually 12 months), but this varies by destination. Check the rules for your current location before you assume you can continue driving.
One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits
Most issuing bodies offer both a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs more upfront but is cheaper per year of validity. Choose based on how often you travel internationally and how far in advance you can plan.
The expiration date is fixed, not based on the anniversary of issue. A one-year permit issued on March 15, 2024, expires on March 15, 2025, regardless of when you actually use it. A three-year permit issued on the same date expires on March 15, 2027. If you explore late in the year, you may receive a permit that expires early in the following year, so check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel.
If you plan to travel multiple times over the next three years, the three-year permit is usually the better value. If you travel once every few years, the one-year permit may be sufficient.
What Happens If Your IDP Expires While You Are Abroad
If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you can no longer use it as proof of your driving authorization. You can still drive on your original home country license alone in some countries, but not all. Check the rules for your current location when ready.
If you are in a country that does not accept a license without an IDP, you must stop driving until you return home and obtain a new IDP. You cannot renew an IDP while abroad; you must explore for a new one through your home country's issuing body after you return.
To avoid this situation, check your IDP's expiration date before every trip. If it will expire during your travels, explore for a new one before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?
Most car rental companies require an IDP in addition to your home country license, even in countries where local law does not strictly require it. Check your rental agreement and contact the rental company before you book. Some companies will not rent to you without an IDP, while others accept a home country license alone. Having an IDP eliminates this uncertainty.
Can I use an IDP from another country, or do I have to get one from my home country?
No. An IDP is issued only by the automobile association or transport authority of the country that issued your driver's license. You cannot use someone else's IDP, and you cannot obtain an IDP from a country other than your home country. Each IDP is tied to a specific driver's license.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
Contact your home country's embassy or consulate when ready. They may be able to issue a temporary replacement or advise you on whether you can continue driving on your original license alone. In most cases, you will need to stop driving until you return home and obtain a new IDP. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original as backup.
Is an IDP the same as a foreign driver's license?
No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your home country license. A foreign driver's license is a separate license issued by another country, usually after you have lived there for a certain period and passed their driving test. You cannot obtain a foreign license before you travel; you can only obtain one after you have established residency.
How much does an IDP cost?
Fees vary by country and issuing body. In the United States, AAA charges approximately $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP, though prices may vary by location. In Canada, the CAA charges similar amounts. In the UK, the AA and RAC charge £5.50 to £15.50 depending on the version. Always check the official issuing body's website for current pricing in your country.