What an International Driving Permit is and what it does

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your original license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that you hold a valid license at home, and it shows your driving history in a format they can read.

The IDP is issued by your home country's transportation authority and is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $30 in most countries. You cannot drive on an IDP alone; it is only useful when paired with your original, unexpired license from your home country.

Many countries do not require an IDP if you are visiting for a short trip — your home license may be enough. However, some countries legally require one, and rental car companies often demand one even when the law does not. An IDP removes doubt and can prevent problems at a border crossing or when renting a vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your home license into ten languages and must be carried together with your original license at all times.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's transportation authority, not from the country you plan to visit.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years and costs $15 to $30, depending on your country and which version you choose.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, but rental car companies often require one regardless.
  • An expired or missing original license makes an IDP useless — both documents must be valid and present together.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

You obtain an IDP from your home country's transportation or motor vehicle authority, not from the country where you plan to drive. 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. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) handles them directly.

The process is straightforward: you visit an office in person, bring your valid passport and home driver's license, complete a form, and pay the fee. Most offices can issue an IDP the same day or within a few days. Some organizations now offer mail-in applications, though you may still need to visit an office to verify your identity in person first.

You do not need to pass a test or prove anything about your driving record. The IDP is straightforward a translation of what your home license already says. If your home license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP, and any IDP you already hold becomes invalid.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

Requirements vary widely. Some countries legally require an IDP; others accept a home license alone; still others have no clear rule but rental companies enforce one anyway. The safest approach is to check the specific country's embassy website or contact the rental car company before you travel.

Countries that commonly require or strongly recommend an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. Many European countries accept a home license but will accept an IDP without question. Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland generally do not require one.

Rental car companies are often stricter than the law. Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local rental firms may refuse to rent to you without one. Check the rental company's policy when you book, not when you arrive at the counter.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year version costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version is better if you travel internationally more than once in that period.

An IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your home license expires before or after. If your home license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes useless — you cannot renew just the IDP. You must renew your home license first, then explore for a new IDP.

If your home license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled at any point, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the expiration date has not passed. You cannot use an IDP if the underlying license it translates is no longer in effect.

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

If a country legally requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be denied entry at a border crossing. Police may treat it as driving without a license, which can result in arrest or a court appearance. The fine varies by country — some charge $50 to $200, others much more.

Rental car companies may refuse to rent to you, or they may rent to you but void your insurance if you are stopped by police. This means if you cause an accident, you personally pay for all damage, even though you rented the car. Some companies will not even let you pick up a reserved vehicle if you cannot show an IDP when required.

Border officials may turn you back and deny entry to the country. This is especially common in countries with strict enforcement, such as China, Russia, and some Middle Eastern nations. Arriving at a border without the required documents can result in a wasted trip and nonrefundable travel costs.

International Driving Permit versus a foreign license

An IDP is not the same as a foreign driver's license. A foreign license is a license issued by another country — for example, a German license or a Japanese license. You can drive on a foreign license in many countries for a limited time (usually three to twelve months), but you cannot use it to rent a car in most places, and some countries do not recognize it at all.

An IDP is specifically designed to translate your home license so that officials in other countries can read and verify it. If you hold a German license and travel to France, you can drive on the German license alone in most cases, but a French rental company may still demand an IDP. If you hold a U.S. license and travel to Germany, you must have an IDP if Germany requires one — your U.S. license alone is not enough.

If you are moving to another country permanently or working there long-term, you will eventually need to obtain a license issued by that country. An IDP is only for temporary visits and short-term travel.

What to bring when you drive internationally with an IDP

Always carry your original home driver's license and your IDP together. Police and rental companies will ask for both. Do not carry only the IDP — it is worthless without the license it translates.

You should also carry your passport, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and an International Certificate of Motor Insurance (sometimes called a "green card"), which proves your vehicle is insured in the country you are visiting. Some countries require this; others do not, but it is useful to have.

Keep copies of all documents in a separate bag or email them to yourself. If your documents are lost or stolen, copies help you prove who you are and what you are authorized to do. Some countries also require a headlight adjustment kit or beam deflectors if you are driving a vehicle registered in a country that drives on the opposite side of the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on an International Driving Permit without my home license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your home license and has no legal authority on its own. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police and cannot show your original home license, the IDP alone will not satisfy them.

What if my home license is suspended or revoked?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot obtain an IDP if your home license is not valid, and any IDP you already hold is no longer usable. You must resolve the suspension or revocation in your home country first.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many European countries do not legally require one, but most major rental companies demand one anyway. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Cost varies by country. In the United States, AAA and AATA charge $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP and $20 to $30 for a three-year IDP. In Canada, the CAA charges similar amounts. Prices may be higher if you use a mail-in service or pay a processing fee.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes, you can explore for a new IDP before the old one expires. However, you must explore in person at an authorized office in your home country. You cannot renew an IDP while you are traveling abroad.