An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a booklet that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It does not replace your license, override local laws, or give you permission to drive anywhere. You must carry both your valid home license and the IDP together — one without the other is useless.

The IDP exists because a police officer in France or Japan cannot read an English-language license from California or Ontario. The permit translates your name, license number, driving history category, and restrictions into languages that officer can understand. It is a courtesy document, not a legal one. Some countries recognize it; others do not.

You get an IDP from an automobile club or government office in your home country, not from the country you are visiting. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue them. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) does. In the UK, the Post Office handles them. Each country has its own issuing body.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license into ten languages, not a separate license or permission to drive.
  • You must carry your original home license and the IDP together; neither one alone is valid for driving abroad.
  • You get an IDP from your home country's automobile club or government office before you travel, not from the country you are visiting.
  • Some countries recognize IDPs and some do not; always check the specific country's rules before you travel.
  • An IDP does not override local driving laws, age requirements, or insurance rules in the country where you are driving.

Who issues International Driving Permits and where to get one

The issuing body depends on your home country. In the United States, the AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You do not get one from a DMV or government office. You walk into an AAA branch or mail an process to AATA with your valid driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a fee (usually $15 to $20). Processing takes a few days to a week in person, or two to three weeks by mail.

In Canada, the CAA issues IDPs at their local branches. You need your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a small fee. In the UK, you explore through the Post Office with your photocard license and a fee of around £5.50. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) issue them.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel frequently or plan multiple trips, you may want to get one before each journey, or get one that covers a longer period if your country offers that option. Check the expiration date before you leave — an expired IDP is as useless as no IDP at all.

Which countries recognize International Driving Permits

The IDP is recognized by countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others. However, recognition is not universal, and it is not automatic.

Some countries recognize the IDP but do not require it — your home license alone is enough. Some recognize it but require additional documents, like an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your license. Some do not recognize it at all and require you to get a local temporary driving permit or an International Certificate of Competency instead.

China, Russia, and India, for example, do not recognize the IDP. If you plan to drive in any of these countries, you will need to research their specific requirements — often a local temporary permit or an International Certificate of Competency issued by your home country's automobile club. Always check the government website or embassy of the country you are visiting before you travel.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not change the age at which you can legally drive in another country. If you are 18 and the country you are visiting has a minimum age of 21, the IDP does not lower that requirement. It does not override local traffic laws, speed limits, or rules about seatbelts, child seats, or headlights. It does not exempt you from vehicle inspections, emissions tests, or registration requirements.

An IDP does not affect your insurance. Your home country's car insurance may not cover you abroad, and your rental car insurance may not either. You must check with your insurer before you travel and purchase additional coverage if needed. An IDP will not convince an insurer to pay a claim if your policy does not cover international driving.

An IDP does not prove you are a safe driver or that you have never had an accident. It is a translation document only. If a police officer pulls you over and you have a poor driving record, the IDP does not protect you from a ticket or fine.

How to use an International Driving Permit when you travel

Carry your IDP and your original home license together at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. The officer will use the IDP to read your information and understand your license category and any restrictions. Do not rely on the IDP alone — it is not a license by itself.

When you rent a car, tell the rental company you have an IDP. Some rental companies ask for it; others do not. Some countries require rental companies to keep a copy on file. Having it available speeds up the process and shows you have prepared for international driving.

If you are involved in an accident or a traffic violation, the IDP helps the police officer understand your license information, but it does not change the legal outcome. You are still subject to local laws and local consequences. Keep the IDP in a safe place — if it is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement from the same issuing body, but it takes time.

International Certificate of Competency as an alternative

Some countries issue an International Certificate of Competency instead of or in addition to an IDP. This is a certified document that states you hold a valid license in your home country and have no serious driving violations. It is issued by your home country's automobile club or government office and is recognized in some countries where the IDP is not.

The Certificate of Competency is often required in countries that do not recognize the IDP, such as China and Russia. It is more formal than an IDP and takes longer to obtain — usually two to four weeks. If you are planning to drive in a country that does not recognize the IDP, check whether they require a Certificate of Competency and explore for one before you travel.

Some travelers get both an IDP and a Certificate of Competency if they are visiting multiple countries with different requirements. This is more expensive and takes more time, but it ensures you have the right documents for each destination.

Temporary driving permits and local licenses

Some countries allow you to drive on your home license for a limited time — usually 30 to 90 days — without any additional document. Others require you to get a temporary local driving permit if you plan to stay longer or drive frequently. These permits are issued by the country's transportation authority and are separate from the IDP.

If you are moving to another country or staying for more than a few months, you may need to convert your home license to a local license or get a local temporary permit. This is not the same as an IDP. You will need to contact the transportation authority in the country where you are staying to find out what is required.

Some countries allow you to drive on your home license if you have an IDP, but only for a set period. After that, you must get a local license. Others require a local license when ready, regardless of whether you have an IDP. The rules vary widely, so always check before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The IDP is only valid when you carry your original home license with it. If you are stopped by police and have only the IDP, you are driving without a valid license. You must have both documents together.

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

In the United States, the AAA issues them in person in a few days, and AATA processes mail applications in two to three weeks. Other countries vary — Canada's CAA typically takes a few days, and the UK Post Office takes about a week. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Europe?

Most European countries recognize your home license without an IDP, but having one speeds up the rental process and helps if you are stopped by police. Some rental companies ask for it. It is inexpensive and takes little time to get, so it is worth having if you are traveling to Europe.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for longer than a year, get a new one before you leave, or check whether the country you are visiting will accept your home license alone after the IDP expires. Some countries will; others will not.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Certificate of Competency?

No. An IDP is a translation document. A Certificate of Competency is a certified statement that you hold a valid license. Some countries recognize one, some recognize both, and some recognize neither. Check the requirements for your destination before you travel.