An International Driving Permit is a translation of your domestic license, not a separate license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself—it does not give you permission to drive. Your actual license from your home country is what allows you to drive legally. The IDP straightforward explains what your license says to police, rental companies, and insurance agents in countries where they do not read your language.

You carry both documents together. A police officer in France or Japan will look at your IDP to understand your license status, but your home license is the document that proves you have the right to drive. If your home license is suspended or expired, the IDP is worthless. If your home license is valid, the IDP extends its usefulness abroad.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get. It expires on the date printed on it, regardless of when your home license expires. You need to renew the IDP separately from your home license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document only—your home country's driver's license is what actually permits you to drive.
  • You must carry both your home license and your IDP together; neither one works alone in a foreign country.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, not by the country you are visiting.
  • Most countries recognize the IDP for tourism and short-term visits, but some require a local license or an International Driving Permit plus a local permit for residents or long-term stays.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $30 in most countries and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail.

Who issues an International Driving Permit and where to get one

Your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department issues the IDP. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from a government office or online from a third-party vendor—only from AAA or AATA.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. In the United Kingdom, the Automobile Association (AA) and the RAC issue them. In Australia, the RACV, NRMA, and other state-based motor clubs issue them. Each country has its own issuing body, and you must explore through the organization in your home country, not the country you plan to visit.

To get an IDP, you will need your valid home driver's license, a passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph. Most organizations accept applications by mail or in person at their offices. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. Some organizations offer expedited service for an additional fee, but this varies by location.

What countries recognize the International Driving Permit

Most countries recognize the IDP for tourists and visitors on short-term stays. This includes countries across Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and Oceania. However, recognition is not universal, and the rules vary widely.

Some countries require the IDP but do not require a local license for tourists. Others require both the IDP and a local permit, or they accept the IDP only if your home license meets specific standards. A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to obtain a local license or an International Driving Permit issued under a different treaty.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or motor vehicle authority of the country you plan to visit. They can tell you whether the IDP is recognized, whether you need anything else, and whether there are restrictions on driving (such as age limits, vehicle type restrictions, or regional rules). Do not assume that because the IDP is widely recognized, it will work everywhere you go.

Rental companies and insurance: what they actually check

Car rental companies in most countries will accept an IDP along with your home license. However, some rental companies have their own rules. A few require a local license in addition to the IDP, or they charge a higher deposit if you do not have a local license. Some rental companies refuse to rent to drivers under 25 or over 75, regardless of the IDP.

Your home country's auto insurance does not automatically cover you abroad. You will need to contact your insurance company before you travel and ask whether your policy covers driving in the countries you plan to visit. If it does not, you can buy a temporary international driving policy or purchase coverage through the rental company. The rental company will ask to see your home license and IDP, but they will also ask about insurance coverage.

Some countries require you to carry an International Motor Insurance Card (also called a Green Card), which proves you have liability insurance that meets the country's minimum requirements. This is different from the IDP. Your insurance company can issue a Green Card if you are traveling to a country that requires one.

How long the International Driving Permit lasts and when to renew

The IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request. The one-year version costs less but requires more frequent renewal. The three-year version costs more but lasts longer. Check with your issuing organization to see which versions they offer and what the cost difference is.

The IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document. It does not renew automatically. If you plan to travel after the expiration date, you must explore for a new IDP before your current one expires. Processing takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead if you have a trip scheduled near the expiration date.

Your home driver's license and your IDP are separate documents with separate expiration dates. If your home license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes useless because it is a translation of an expired license. Conversely, if your IDP expires while your home license is still valid, you can renew just the IDP without renewing your home license.

Situations where the International Driving Permit is not enough

If you are moving to another country to live, work, or study for more than a few months, the IDP is usually not enough. Most countries require residents to obtain a local driver's license within a set time frame—often 30 to 90 days. The IDP is designed for tourism and short-term visits, not for permanent or long-term residence.

Some countries allow you to drive on your home license and IDP for a limited time (such as three to six months) before you must convert to a local license. Others require a local license when ready. A few countries allow you to drive on a home license indefinitely if you remain a non-resident, but this varies and can change. Check the rules for the specific country and your immigration status before you assume the IDP will cover your driving needs.

If you plan to work as a professional driver (taxi, delivery, truck driving, or bus driving), the IDP will not cover you. Professional driving requires a local license in almost every country, regardless of your home license or IDP status.

What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit while traveling

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, contact your home country's embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that you hold a valid home license. Some police officers and rental companies will accept this letter in place of the IDP, though it is not may provide.

The safest approach is to make a photocopy of your IDP and your home license before you travel and keep the copies separate from the originals. If you lose the originals, the copies can help you prove your identity and license status to authorities and rental companies. Some travelers also photograph their documents and store the images in cloud storage or email them to themselves.

If you need to drive urgently and cannot replace the IDP, contact your rental company or local police to ask what documentation they will accept. In some cases, your home license alone may be enough, especially if you can show a copy of your IDP or a letter from your embassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country and how long you are staying. Some countries recognize home licenses from certain countries for short visits. Others require the IDP. Many countries require both. Contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to find out their specific rules before you travel.

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

Most rental companies require both your home license and an IDP. Some will rent to you with just your home license if it is in English or if they can read it, but this is not may provide. Bringing the IDP removes any doubt and makes the rental process faster.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost varies by country and by issuing organization. In the United States, AAA charges around $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP, though prices may vary by location. In other countries, the cost ranges from roughly $15 to $40. Contact your home country's issuing organization for exact pricing.

Can I use an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended or expired?

No. The IDP is a translation of your home license, so it is only valid if your home license is valid. If your home license is suspended, expired, or revoked, the IDP is not valid either.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for every country I visit?

No. One IDP covers all countries that recognize it. You do not need a separate IDP for each country. However, check the rules for each country you plan to visit, because some countries have specific requirements or do not recognize the IDP.