What an international driver's license is and what it does
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your Philippine driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid Philippine license, and it expires after one or three years depending on which type you get.
The IDP does not replace your Philippine license when you travel. You must carry both documents together. Some countries recognize it; others do not. Before you travel, check whether your destination country accepts the IDP — many do, but some require an official translation of your Philippine license instead, or they recognize only licenses issued by certain organizations.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issues IDPs in the Philippines. You can get one through the LTO directly, or through certain travel agencies and motor clubs that partner with the LTO to process applications.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid Philippine driver's license (not expired) to get an IDP; the IDP cannot be issued on its own.
- The LTO issues two types: a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP, and you choose which one when you explore.
- You can explore at any LTO office, or through accredited travel agencies and motor clubs that handle IDP processing.
- The process takes one to three business days if you explore in person at the LTO, or longer if you use a travel agency.
- You will need your Philippine license, a valid passport, and one or two passport-sized photos, depending on the type of IDP.
Documents you need before you start
Gather these documents before you go to the LTO or a travel agency. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents you from making a second trip.
You need a valid Philippine driver's license — it cannot be expired. If your license has expired, you must renew it at the LTO before you can get an IDP. You also need a valid passport (your national ID or UMID does not work for this). Bring the original and one photocopy of the passport's biographical page (the page with your photo and personal details).
Bring one or two passport-sized photos (4 by 6 centimeters), depending on which type of IDP you are getting. The one-year IDP requires one photo; the three-year IDP requires two. The photos must have a white background and show your face clearly. Bring the originals, not photocopies.
If you are explore through a travel agency or motor club instead of the LTO directly, ask them which documents they need — some agencies may ask for additional items like a photocopy of your driver's license.
how the process works at an LTO office
Walk into any LTO office with your documents. You do not need an appointment. Go to the counter that handles IDPs or international licenses — ask staff when you arrive if you are unsure which one.
Tell the staff member whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP. The one-year IDP costs less but expires sooner; the three-year IDP costs more but lasts longer. The staff will give you a form to fill out. The form asks for your personal details, your Philippine license number, your passport number, and your travel destination. Fill it out in black or blue ink and print clearly.
Hand the completed form, your documents, and the fee to the staff member. They will take your photo at the counter if the one you brought is not acceptable. Processing usually takes one to three business days. Some LTO offices offer same-day service, but this varies by location — ask the staff when you submit your process.
You will receive a receipt with a reference number. Keep it. Return to the same office on the date they give you to pick up your IDP. Bring the receipt and your Philippine license.
how the process works through a travel agency or motor club
Many travel agencies and motor clubs in the Philippines are accredited by the LTO to process IDP applications. This route takes longer than going to the LTO directly — usually five to ten business days — but it may be more convenient if the LTO office is far from you.
Call or visit a travel agency near you and ask whether they handle IDP applications. If they do, bring your documents to them. They will fill out the form on your behalf, take your photo if needed, and send your process to the LTO. You will pay the IDP fee plus a service fee to the agency.
Ask the agency for a receipt and a timeline for when your IDP will be ready. Some agencies will mail it to you; others require you to pick it up in person. Confirm this before you leave.
Fees and processing time
The LTO charges different fees for the one-year and three-year IDP. The one-year IDP costs less than the three-year IDP, but the exact amount varies slightly by LTO office. When you arrive, ask the staff for the current fee — it is usually between 500 and 1,000 Philippine pesos for the one-year permit and between 1,000 and 1,500 pesos for the three-year permit.
If you explore through a travel agency, you will pay the LTO fee plus an additional service charge from the agency. This service charge varies — ask before you hand over your documents.
At the LTO office, processing takes one to three business days in most locations. Some offices offer same-day service if you arrive early in the morning, but this is not may provide. If you explore through a travel agency, add five to ten business days for the agency to send your process to the LTO and receive the finished IDP back.
What to do when you receive your IDP
When you pick up your IDP, check it for errors before you leave. Verify that your name, date of birth, passport number, and license number are all correct. If anything is wrong, tell the staff when ready — they can usually correct it on the spot or issue a replacement.
Your IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you got. Write the expiration date somewhere you will remember it, or set a phone reminder. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one.
When you travel, carry your IDP and your Philippine driver's license together at all times. The IDP alone is not valid. Some countries may also ask to see your passport. If you are renting a car, give the rental company both your Philippine license and your IDP.
What to do if your IDP is lost, damaged, or stolen
If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the Philippine embassy or consulate in that country. They can issue a temporary travel document or advise you on how to proceed. When you return to the Philippines, you can explore for a replacement IDP at the LTO by bringing your Philippine license, passport, and a police report of the loss or theft.
If your IDP is damaged but still readable, you can explore for a replacement at the LTO. Bring the damaged IDP, your Philippine license, passport, and one or two new photos (depending on the type). The LTO will issue a new one with the same expiration date as the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IDP if my Philippine driver's license is expired?
No. Your Philippine license must be valid and not expired. If it has expired, you must renew it at the LTO first. Once your license is renewed, you can then explore for an IDP.
Do I need to have a travel plan or plane ticket to get an IDP?
No. You do not need to show proof of travel plans or a ticket. The form asks for your intended destination, but this is for record-keeping only. You can get an IDP even if you have not booked your trip yet.
Is an IDP recognized in every country?
No. Most countries recognize it, but some do not. Before you travel, check the rules for your destination country — contact their embassy or a car rental company there to confirm. Some countries require an official translation of your Philippine license instead.
Can I use an IDP to drive in the Philippines?
No. An IDP is only for driving outside the Philippines. In the Philippines, you must use your Philippine driver's license. The IDP is a translation document meant for use abroad.
What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP is no longer valid once it expires, even if you are still abroad. If you need to drive after it expires, you cannot use it. Plan ahead and renew your IDP before you travel if it is close to expiring, or explore for a new one before your trip.