What an International Driving Permit is and whether you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it does not replace your home country's license, and you cannot drive on an IDP alone. You must carry both documents together. The IDP exists because some countries' police officers and car rental companies cannot read English or other languages on foreign licenses, and an IDP removes that barrier.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving. The United States, Canada, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand do not require an IDP—your home license is sufficient. Many other countries accept a home license plus an English translation, which you can get from a notary or translator. However, some countries—including parts of South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—either require an IDP or make renting a car much easier if you have one. Before you travel, contact the car rental company you plan to use and the embassy or tourism board of the country you are visiting. They will tell you what documents that specific country accepts.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your valid home country license; it is not a license on its own.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not from the country you are visiting.
  • The process takes one to two weeks in most countries and costs between $15 and $30 USD equivalent, depending on where you explore.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on the issuing country, and you cannot renew it—you must obtain a new one when it expires.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you must verify the requirements of your destination before you travel.

Where to obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country

You do not obtain an IDP from the country you are visiting. You obtain it from your home country's automobile association or the government body that issues driver's licenses. The process and cost vary significantly by country.

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 must visit a physical AAA or AATA office in person; you cannot order by mail or online. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued ID, and a passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The IDP costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue. Processing is when ready if you visit in person.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. You visit a CAA office in person with your valid Canadian driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport photo. The cost is approximately $20 CAD and the permit is valid for one year. In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office or DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) by mail, and the process takes one to two weeks. In Australia, you explore through your state's roads authority (such as Service NSW or VicRoads). Processing times and costs vary by state.

Documents you need to bring and how to prepare them

The core documents are the same across most countries: a valid driver's license from your home country, a government-issued ID (usually a passport), and a passport-sized photograph. Some countries add requirements. Check with the specific issuing body before you go, because arriving without the right photo size or ID type means a wasted trip.

Your driver's license must be valid—not expired and not suspended. If your license is expired, renew it in your home country first. Your government ID must be current and must match the name on your driver's license. If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change, along with your current ID in your new name.

The passport photo must meet the specifications of the issuing country. In the United States, AAA requires a 2 by 2 inch color photo taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. Most passport photo services know these requirements and can produce the correct size. Do not use a photo from your phone or a digital file—bring a printed photo.

Processing time and validity period

In the United States, if you visit a AAA or AATA office in person, you receive your IDP when ready. No waiting. In Canada, the CAA also issues on the spot at most locations. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office takes five to ten working days by standard mail. Australia's processing time depends on the state and the method you choose—in-person service is usually same-day or next-day, while mail service takes one to two weeks.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on your home country. The United States and Canada issue one-year permits. The United Kingdom and Australia issue three-year permits. When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it—you must obtain a new one by going through the process process again. If you travel frequently or for extended periods, plan ahead so your permit does not expire while you are abroad.

What to do if your home country does not issue an IDP

A small number of countries do not participate in the International Driving Permit system. If your home country does not issue an IDP, you have two alternatives: an official translation of your license, or a certified copy of your license with a translation attached.

An official translation is a document produced by a certified translator or notary in your home country that translates your driver's license into the language of the country you are visiting. You carry both your original license and the translation together. The cost is typically $20 to $50 USD equivalent, and the process takes a few days to a week. Some countries' automobile associations or tourism boards maintain lists of approved translators.

A certified copy with translation is similar but is produced by a government body or authorized service in your home country. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask which form of translation they accept. Do not assume that a translation from any translator will work—some countries require the translation to be certified by a specific authority.

Driving with an International Driving Permit in a foreign country

When you drive in a country where you have presented an IDP, you must carry both your home country's driver's license and the IDP together at all times. Police officers and car rental companies will ask to see both. If you are stopped and have only the IDP without your home license, you may be treated as an unlicensed driver, even though the IDP is worthless without the license.

An IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you are visiting. You must still obey all local traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs. An IDP does not give you permission to drive if you are too young, too old, or medically unfit to drive in that country. Some countries have minimum age requirements for foreign drivers that are higher than their requirements for residents. Check the country's specific rules before you rent a car.

If you are involved in an accident or traffic violation, the IDP is a translation aid only. It does not protect you from local penalties, fines, or legal action. Your home country's embassy or consulate can provide information about your rights and may be able to refer you to a local lawyer, but they cannot override local law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on just an International Driving Permit without my home country license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your home license and is invalid without it. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped and have only the IDP, you will be treated as an unlicensed driver.

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

In the United States and Canada, you receive it when ready if you explore in person at an AAA, AATA, or CAA office. In the United Kingdom and Australia, processing takes five to fourteen days depending on the method and location. Plan to explore at least two weeks before you travel.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in every country?

No. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, and others accept them only in combination with a home license and an additional translation. Before you travel, contact the car rental company and the destination country's embassy or tourism board to confirm what documents are required.

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

An expired IDP is not valid. You cannot renew it—you must obtain a new one. If your permit expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive in most countries. Plan your travel dates so your IDP does not expire while you are abroad, or obtain a new one before you leave.

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental companies require an IDP; others accept a home license with an English translation. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements for your destination.