What an online IDP actually is and isn't
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 you cannot get one purely online — you must explore through an official issuing body in your home country, and most require you to appear in person or mail in physical documents.
The confusion happens because some websites advertise "online IDPs" or "digital IDPs." What they usually mean is that you can start the process online, upload documents, or pay fees through their website. The actual permit still arrives by mail, and the issuing authority is still your country's transportation department or automobile association, not the website itself.
A few countries now offer digital versions you can view on your phone, but these are rare and still issued through official channels. If a website promises to issue you an IDP without connecting you to your home country's official issuer, it is not legitimate.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot get a real IDP entirely online; you must work with your home country's official issuing body, which is usually your transportation department or national automobile association.
- Most countries require you to mail in your original driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form, even if you start the process on a website.
- Processing time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on your country, and you cannot drive internationally without your original license while the IDP is being processed.
- Some countries offer a partial online route where you complete forms and pay online but still mail in physical documents; others require you to visit an office in person.
- Websites that claim to issue IDPs without official government involvement are scams and will not produce a document any country will recognize.
How the online process process actually works by country
The term "online IDP" varies widely depending on where you hold your license. Some countries have streamlined their process to let you fill out forms and pay fees on an official website, then mail in documents. Others require a visit to a physical office.
United States: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American International Travelers Association (AITA) are the only official issuers. Both let you start on their websites, but you must mail in your original driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and a check or money order. You cannot complete the entire process online. Processing takes one to two weeks if you use expedited mail.
Canada: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) handles IDPs. You can read and fill out the form online, but you must mail it with your original license, a photo, and payment. Some CAA offices let you explore in person and receive the permit the same day.
United Kingdom: The Post Office handles IDP applications. You can book an appointment online, but you must visit a Post Office branch in person with your passport, driving license, and a passport photo. The permit is issued on the spot or within a few days.
Australia: The National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and other state-based bodies issue IDPs. Most require you to visit an office or mail in documents; online ordering is limited to a few states.
Before you start, search "[your country] international driving permit official" and look for a .gov or official automobile association website. That is your only legitimate source.
What documents you will need to mail or bring in person
Even if you start your process online, you will need to provide physical documents. The exact list depends on your country, but most require the same core items.
Your original driver's license is almost always required. Some countries ask you to mail it; others let you show it in person and return it to you when ready. If you mail it, you will not be able to drive domestically while it is being processed, so plan accordingly.
A passport photo meeting specific requirements (usually 35mm × 45mm, taken within the last six months, plain background) is standard. Some countries accept digital uploads; others require a printed photo mailed with your process.
Your completed process form must be signed and dated. Most official issuers let you read this from their website and print it, or fill it out online and print the result.
A copy of your passport or national ID is often required to verify your identity. Some countries ask for the photo page only.
Payment is usually by check, money order, or credit card (if paying online). Fees range from $15 to $50 depending on your country and how fast you want processing.
Why you cannot complete an IDP process entirely online
An IDP must be issued by an official body in your home country — your transportation department, automobile association, or post office. These organizations need to verify that you actually hold a valid driver's license before they issue a translation of it. They do this by checking your original license against their records or by having you show it in person.
Allowing fully online issuance would make it straightforward to forge licenses or issue permits to people who do not hold valid licenses. That is why every legitimate IDP issuer requires either a mailed original license or an in-person visit.
Websites that claim to issue IDPs without this verification are either scams or are straightforward collecting your information and forwarding it to the real issuer on your behalf — in which case you are paying a middleman fee for something you could do directly.
Red flags that separate real IDPs from scams
Scam IDP websites often use language designed to sound official but are not connected to any government. Here is what to watch for:
The site claims to issue the permit itself. Real IDPs come from your country's transportation department or national automobile association, not from a third-party website. If the site says "we issue IDPs" or "get your IDP from us," it is not legitimate.
The site promises a fully digital or when ready permit. Real IDPs take one to eight weeks and arrive by mail (or are picked up in person). If a site promises to email you a PDF or deliver it when ready, it is a scam.
The site does not name the official issuing body. A real IDP process will clearly state that it is issued by [your country's] transportation department or [official automobile association]. If the site is vague about who actually issues the permit, do not use it.
The site asks for payment without asking for your original license. Legitimate issuers need to see or verify your license. If a site takes your money and never asks for your license, you will not get a real IDP.
The site has a .com or .net domain and no government affiliation. Official issuers use .gov domains (in the US) or clearly branded sites for national automobile associations. A random .com site claiming to issue IDPs is not official.
How long processing takes and what to do while you wait
Processing time depends on your country and the method you choose. Standard processing usually takes two to eight weeks. Expedited options (available in some countries) can cut this to one to two weeks but cost more.
During processing, you will not have your original driver's license if you mailed it in. You can still drive domestically in most places with a copy of your license or a receipt showing you have applied for an IDP, but check your local laws first. Some states or countries do not recognize copies.
If you need to drive internationally before your IDP arrives, you cannot — an IDP is only valid when paired with your original license. Plan your trip timing around the processing window.
Once your IDP arrives, keep it with your original license at all times when driving abroad. The IDP alone is not valid; it is only a translation of your license, not a replacement for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP if I do not have a driver's license yet?
No. An IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a license itself. You must hold a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP. If you are learning to drive, get your license first, then explore for the IDP.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?
Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They may be able to issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license status. When you return home, contact the original issuer to request a replacement permit. Keep a photo or scan of your IDP with you as backup.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?
Many rental companies require an IDP, though some accept your original license plus a translation. Check with the rental company before you book. It is safer to have an IDP because it removes any question about whether your license is valid in that country.
How long is an IDP valid?
Most IDPs are valid for three years from the date of issue. Some countries issue them for one year. Check your IDP when it arrives to see the expiration date. You will need to reapply if you plan to drive internationally after it expires.
Can I renew my IDP online?
Renewal follows the same process as the initial process — you must work through your country's official issuer and mail in or bring documents in person. There is no fully online renewal route.