An international driving permit works in most countries, but not all of them, and some places don't require one even though you might think they do
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home country's license — you must carry both together. Whether you need one depends on the country you're visiting, how long you're staying, and whether you plan to rent a car or drive your own vehicle.
The short answer: an IDP is useful in most countries outside North America and Western Europe, but it is legally required in only some of them. Many countries accept your home license alone if it's in English or has English text. Others require an IDP by law. A few don't recognize either one without additional paperwork. The safest approach is to get an IDP before you leave home — they cost between $15 and $30 and take a few days to arrive — because carrying one costs you nothing and solves the problem in almost every country where it might come up.
Key Takeaways
- An IDP is legally required in many countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central America, but optional or unnecessary in most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Your home country's license alone is often accepted in English-speaking countries and Western Europe, but police in other regions may not recognize it without an IDP.
- An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association (AAA in the United States, CAA in Canada) and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- You must carry your home license and your IDP together — the IDP is a translation document, not a replacement license.
- Rental car companies sometimes require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so check your rental agreement before you travel.
Countries where an IDP is legally required
An IDP is mandatory by law in most of Asia, much of Africa, the Middle East, Central America, and South America. This includes popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, and Brazil. In these countries, driving without an IDP when one is required can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both — even if you have a valid home license.
The requirement exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their region without an official translation. An IDP serves as that translation and proves to local police that your home license is genuine and current. Carrying one protects you if you are stopped for any reason.
If you are renting a car in any of these countries, the rental company will almost certainly require an IDP before they hand over the keys. Some rental agencies will not even let you reserve a vehicle without one.
Countries where an IDP is optional but recommended
Many countries do not legally require an IDP but still recognize and respect it. These include most of Western Europe — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and others — as well as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In these places, your home license alone is usually accepted, especially if it is in English or has English text printed on it.
However, carrying an IDP in these countries is still a good idea. Local police may be unfamiliar with your home country's license format and may question whether it is valid. An IDP removes that doubt when ready. It also helps if you need to rent a car, since many rental companies ask for one even when the country does not require it.
The cost and effort of obtaining an IDP is small compared to the risk of a misunderstanding with police or a rental company refusing to give you a car.
Countries where an IDP is not recognized
A small number of countries do not recognize an IDP at all. These include some nations in the Middle East and a few others that have their own separate licensing systems. In these places, you will need to obtain a local driving permit or an official translation of your home license from a government office or certified translator in that country.
Before you travel to any country, check the specific requirements with its embassy or consulate. If an IDP is not recognized, the embassy website will usually state what documents you do need and where to get them.
How an IDP differs from a local license
An IDP is not a license. It is a certified translation of your existing license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese. It proves that you hold a valid license in your home country and that your home country recognizes you as a may have access to driver.
A local license, by contrast, is issued by the country where you are driving and means you have passed that country's driving test and met its requirements. You cannot drive legally on an IDP alone — you must have your home license with you at all times. If you plan to stay in a country for more than a few months or to work as a driver there, you will need to obtain a local license instead.
How to get an IDP before you travel
In the United States, an IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA). You do not need to be a AAA member to get one. You will need to visit a local AAA office in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card, and pay the fee. The process takes a few minutes, and you can often walk out with your IDP the same day, though some offices may mail it to you.
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs through its provincial branches. The process is similar: visit in person with your license and passport, pay the fee, and receive your IDP on the spot or by mail.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It expires even if you do not use it, so do not get one too far in advance of your trip. If you are planning multiple trips over several years, you may need to get a new IDP for each trip if the previous one has expired.
What to do if you arrive without an IDP
If you arrive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you have limited options. Some countries allow you to obtain a temporary permit or translation at the airport or at a local government office, but this is not may provide and may be expensive or time-consuming. Some rental car companies may refuse to rent to you, or may charge a higher fee and require additional insurance.
The safest approach is to get your IDP before you leave home. If you realize you need one after you have already booked your trip, contact your automobile association when ready — many can issue an IDP within a few business days if you pay for expedited processing.
If you are already in a country and need an IDP, contact your country's embassy or consulate. They can sometimes direct you to a local office that can issue a temporary document or certified translation of your home license.
Rental car companies and IDP requirements
Many rental car companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. This is because rental companies set their own policies and often require an IDP as a standard condition of the rental agreement. Some companies will not rent to you without one; others will rent but may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance.
When you book a rental car, check the terms and conditions carefully. If an IDP is required and you do not have one, you may be able to cancel the reservation without penalty if you do so before the rental date. If you cannot cancel, contact the rental company before your trip to ask whether they will make an exception or whether you can obtain an IDP at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico if I'm from the United States?
No. Canada and the United States recognize each other's driver's licenses without an IDP. Mexico also accepts a valid U.S. driver's license for short-term visits, though an IDP is recommended and some rental car companies may require one. Check with your rental company before you book.
Is an IDP valid if my home license has expired?
No. An IDP is a translation of your current, valid license. If your home license is expired, your IDP is not valid either. You must renew your home license before you travel.
Can I drive in a country on an IDP if I don't have my home license with me?
No. An IDP must be carried together with your home license at all times. Driving on an IDP alone is illegal in every country that recognizes the IDP. If you are stopped by police and cannot produce your home license, you may face fines or other penalties.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
In the United States and Canada, you can usually get an IDP the same day if you visit an AAA or CAA office in person. If you mail in your process, it typically takes five to ten business days. Some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
What if the country I'm visiting is not on any list I can find?
Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. They can tell you whether an IDP is required and what other documents you may need. It is better to ask before you travel than to arrive and discover you cannot rent a car or drive legally.