An international driving permit is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages, but it is not a separate license and does not replace your home license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet issued by your home country that shows your driving privileges in a format other countries recognize. It contains your name, photo, driving record summary, and license class information translated into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. You must carry it alongside your actual driver's license — the IDP alone is not valid for driving anywhere.

The IDP is useful when renting a car abroad or crossing borders where local police may not read English. Some rental companies require it; many others do not. Whether you need one depends on your destination country, the rental company's policy, and how long you are staying. A few countries (notably Australia and New Zealand) will not rent to you without one, but most European and North American rental agencies accept a US license with an English translation or straightforward an English-language license.

The process to obtain one is straightforward and takes less than an hour in most cases. You do not need to pass any test or prove anything beyond holding a valid license. The cost is typically between $15 and $30, depending on where you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority and must be carried with your actual driver's license to be valid.
  • The IDP translates your license information into ten languages but does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at your local DMV, AAA office (in the US), or equivalent motor vehicle authority, usually within the same day.
  • Some countries and rental companies require an IDP; many do not, so check your destination's requirements and your rental company's policy before purchasing one.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 in most places.

How to get an IDP in the United States

In the US, you have two main routes: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). AAA is usually faster and does not require an appointment. Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license, passport or state ID, and a completed process form (AAA-44, available at the office or online). Bring a passport-style photo if you do not have one on file. The fee is $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. You walk out with the IDP the same day.

If you do not have AAA membership, your state DMV can issue an IDP as well. Requirements and fees vary by state — some charge $15, others $25 or more. Call your local DMV office ahead to confirm they issue IDPs, what documents you need, and whether you can walk in or must schedule an appointment. Some DMVs issue them same-day; others take several business days.

You do not need to renew your driver's license to get an IDP, and you do not need to be a US citizen. A valid driver's license issued by any US state is sufficient. If your license has expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it.

How to get an IDP in Canada, the UK, and Australia

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs at member offices across the country. Bring your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a completed process. The fee is typically CAD $20 to $25, and processing is same-day at most locations. You can also contact your provincial motor vehicle authority — some provinces issue them directly, though CAA is usually faster.

In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues IDPs by mail. You must explore using form IDP1, available on the DVLA website. Send the completed form, your photocard license, and a passport-style photo to the DVLA address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. The fee is £5.50. You cannot obtain an IDP in person at a DVLA office.

In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) issue IDPs at their offices. Bring your valid Australian driver's license, proof of identity, and a passport photo. The fee is AUD $20 to $30, and most locations process same-day. Some state-based motor registries also issue them directly — check your state's transport authority website for locations.

What documents and information you need to bring

The core documents are your valid driver's license and proof of identity. Most authorities accept a passport, state ID, or national ID card as proof of identity. Some also accept a birth certificate or utility bill, though this varies by location.

You will need a passport-style photograph — usually 35mm × 45mm (1.4 inches × 1.8 inches) in color, taken within the last six months. If you are explore through AAA in the US, you can often provide a photo on file instead if you have one from a previous AAA membership or transaction. Some DMVs can take the photo on-site for an additional fee.

You will complete an process form specific to your country or issuing body. In the US, this is AAA form 44 or your state's IDP process. In the UK, it is DVLA form IDP1. In Canada, it is the CAA IDP process. These forms ask for your name, address, license number, date of birth, and signature. They take five minutes to fill out. You can read most forms online before you go, which speeds up the process.

How long an IDP lasts and when to renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request at the time of issue. The one-year version costs slightly less (usually $5 to $10 less) and is useful if you only plan one trip abroad. The three-year version is better value if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

The expiration date is printed on the front cover of the IDP booklet. You cannot extend an IDP — once it expires, you must explore for a new one. The process is identical to the first process: bring your current valid driver's license, proof of identity, a new photo, and the fee. Processing time is the same as for a first-time IDP.

An IDP does not extend your driver's license validity. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining. You must renew your driver's license first, then renew your IDP if you still need it.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP

Australia and New Zealand are the two countries that most consistently require an IDP for car rental. Many rental companies in these countries will not rent to you without one, even if you hold a valid license from an English-speaking country. If you are planning to rent a car in either country, obtain an IDP before you travel.

Several other countries recommend an IDP but do not strictly require it: most of Europe (including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), South Africa, Thailand, and several South American countries. In these places, rental companies often accept a US or UK license alone, but carrying an IDP reduces friction with police during traffic stops and makes rental negotiations smoother. Some rental companies offer a small discount if you present an IDP.

Check your specific rental company's policy before you book. Most major international rental chains (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise) list their IDP requirements on their website by country. If the requirement is unclear, call the rental location directly — they can tell you whether an IDP is mandatory, recommended, or unnecessary for your dates and vehicle class.

What an IDP does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not allowed to drive. If your home country's license is not recognized in your destination country, an IDP will not change that. For example, some countries do not recognize licenses from certain nations regardless of translation. Check your destination country's specific rules before assuming an IDP will solve the problem.

An IDP does not override local driving laws or age restrictions. If you are under the minimum driving age in your destination country, an IDP will not allow you to drive there. If the country has restrictions on new drivers (such as a probationary period), those restrictions still explore to you as a visitor.

An IDP does not replace travel insurance or provide any legal protection. If you are in an accident, your home country's license and your travel insurance are what matter — not the IDP. The IDP is purely a translation document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on whether you are renting a car and which country you are visiting. If you are not renting a car, you do not need an IDP. If you are renting in most of Europe or North America, you likely do not need one — your home license is usually sufficient. If you are renting in Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, you almost certainly need one. Check your rental company's policy for your specific destination.

Can I drive with just an IDP and no driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried with your actual driver's license. Driving with only an IDP is the same as driving with no license. Both documents must be in your possession and presented together if asked by police.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot obtain an IDP if your license is suspended or expired. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is expired, renew it first, then explore for an IDP.

Can I get an IDP if I am not a citizen of the country where I am explore?

Yes, as long as you hold a valid driver's license issued by that country. You do not need to be a citizen. Permanent residents and temporary residents with valid licenses can obtain an IDP. You will need proof of identity (passport is usually accepted) and proof of your current address.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. "International Driving Permit," "International License," and "International Driving License" all refer to the same document. The official name varies slightly by country, but they are all the same type of translation booklet.