Key Takeaways
- The 1968 International Convention on Road Signs and Signals covers the largest number of countries and includes most of North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia.
- The 1926 convention covers fewer countries but includes much of Western and Central Europe, the Middle East, and some Asian nations; some countries recognize both conventions.
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and several other countries do not recognize the IDP and require either a local license or a certified translation of your home license.
- An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original home license; the permit alone has no legal standing.
- Rules change and vary by region within some countries, so you must contact the specific country's embassy or transportation authority before traveling.
Countries That Recognize the 1968 Convention IDP
The 1968 International Convention on Road Signs and Signals is the larger and more widely adopted treaty. It covers most of the world's major travel destinations and includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, most of Central and South America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, most of Africa, India, Israel, and many others. If you are traveling to a country in Europe, the Americas, or Africa, the 1968 IDP is almost certainly recognized.
Within this group, however, some countries have specific rules about how long an IDP is valid, whether it must be accompanied by a translation of your home license, or whether certain vehicle types require additional permits. For example, the United States recognizes the 1968 IDP but does not require it; your home license alone is sufficient in most states. France and Germany recognize it but may require you to carry both the IDP and your original license at all times. Some countries in Africa and the Middle East recognize the IDP but have additional insurance or documentation requirements that vary by region.
Countries That Recognize the 1926 Convention IDP
The 1926 convention is older and covers fewer countries, but it remains valid in parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Countries that recognize only the 1926 IDP include some Eastern European nations, Turkey, Iran, and a few others. If you hold a 1926 IDP, you should verify with the country's embassy whether it is still accepted, because some nations have shifted to recognizing only the 1968 convention or have dropped IDP recognition altogether.
The 1926 IDP is less commonly issued by AAA and other U.S. providers today, so most American travelers carry the 1968 version. If you obtained a 1926 permit and are traveling to a country outside Western Europe or the Middle East, check the destination country's rules before departure.
Countries That Recognize Both Conventions
Some countries, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, recognize both the 1926 and 1968 IDPs. This means you can use either permit if you hold one. Examples include Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and several others. Recognizing both conventions gives travelers flexibility, though in practice most people carry the 1968 IDP because it is more widely issued and covers more destinations.
If you hold both permits, carry both when traveling to a country that recognizes only one; you will not know which one applies until you check the specific country's rules. In most cases, the 1968 IDP will be sufficient, but having the 1926 permit as backup costs nothing and may prevent confusion at a border or during a traffic stop.
Countries That Do Not Recognize the IDP
Several major travel destinations do not recognize the International Driving Permit at all. These include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. In these countries, an IDP has no legal standing, and carrying one will not help you if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident.
Instead, these countries require one of two things: either you must obtain a local driver's license (which usually requires passing a test and may take weeks or months), or you must carry an official certified translation of your home license issued by a notary, your home country's embassy, or an authorized translation service. The rules vary by country. For example, Australia accepts a certified English translation of your home license for up to 12 months; Japan requires an International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 convention or a certified translation, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without a Japanese license; Thailand accepts a certified translation but also requires you to carry your original license at all times.
If you are planning to drive in any of these countries, obtain the certified translation before you leave home. Trying to arrange one after arrival is difficult and may be impossible if your home country has no embassy or consulate in the destination.
How to Verify Recognition Before You Travel
The safest approach is to contact the destination country's embassy or consulate in your home country and ask directly whether the IDP is recognized. Provide the specific country name and the year of the convention (1926 or 1968) on your permit. Many embassies have websites with driving information, though the information is not always current.
You can also contact the national automobile association or transportation ministry of the destination country. In the United States, the AAA website lists which countries recognize the IDP, though the list is general and may not reflect recent changes. If you are renting a car, call the rental company and ask what documents they require; rental companies often have stricter rules than the law does and may refuse to rent to you without a local license or certified translation, even if the country technically recognizes the IDP.
Do not assume that because a country is developed or English-speaking, it recognizes the IDP. Australia and New Zealand are wealthy English-speaking countries but do not recognize it. Conversely, some less-developed countries do recognize it. Always verify.
What to Do If Your Destination Does Not Recognize the IDP
If you discover that your destination does not recognize the IDP, you have three options: obtain a certified translation of your home license before you leave, explore for a local license in the destination country, or do not drive and use public transportation or hired drivers instead.
A certified translation is the fastest option if you are staying for a short time. Contact a notary public, your home country's embassy, or an authorized translation service and request a certified translation of your driver's license into the language of the destination country. This usually takes a few days to a week and costs between $50 and $200 depending on the service. Keep the original license and the translation together at all times while driving.
If you are staying longer or plan to drive frequently, some countries allow you to exchange your home license for a local one without taking a test, though this process varies widely. Contact the destination country's transportation authority or licensing office to learn the requirements.
IDP Validity and Expiration Rules by Region
An IDP is typically valid for three years from the date of issue, but some countries have shorter recognition periods. For example, some countries in Africa and the Middle East recognize the IDP for only one year, while others recognize it for the full three years. A few countries require you to renew your IDP annually even if it has not expired.
The IDP is valid only when carried together with your original home license. If you are stopped by police and have only the IDP without your home license, you may be treated as unlicensed, even in countries that recognize the IDP. Always carry both documents together.
If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it in the destination country; you must return home or contact your home country's embassy to arrange a replacement. Plan ahead and check the expiration date before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Europe with just an International Driving Permit?
Most European countries recognize the 1968 IDP, so yes, you can drive with it. However, you must carry your original home license at the same time. Some countries also require you to carry additional documents such as proof of insurance, a vehicle registration, or a GB sticker (if driving a British car). Check the specific country's rules before you travel.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or the United States?
No. Both countries recognize the IDP, but your home license alone is sufficient for renting and driving. An IDP is optional and provides no additional legal benefit in North America. However, some car rental companies may ask for it as a secondary form of identification.
What if I get pulled over in a country that does not recognize the IDP?
If you have only the IDP and no certified translation or local license, you may be cited for driving without a valid license, even though you hold a valid license at home. Carry your original home license and a certified translation together at all times. If you are cited, contact your embassy when ready.
Can I use an IDP to drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle?
An IDP covers the same vehicle categories as your home license. If your home license permits you to drive a motorcycle or commercial vehicle, your IDP does too. However, some countries have additional restrictions on foreign drivers operating motorcycles or commercial vehicles, so verify the destination country's rules.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license?
No. An IDP is a translation and certification of your home license, not a license itself. It has no legal standing without your original home license. If your home license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is also invalid.