Whether you need an international driver's license depends on where you're driving and what country issued your current license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid passport and your original driver's license from your home country. Whether you need one depends entirely on your destination and the rules that country enforces at the border and on the road.

Most countries do not require an IDP if your home license is in English and current. However, some countries will not recognize your license without one, some police officers will not accept it without one even if the law does not strictly require it, and some car rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one. The safest approach is to get one before you leave if you plan to drive anywhere outside your home country — they cost between $15 and $30 and take a few days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license into multiple languages and must be carried alongside your original license and passport.
  • Most English-speaking countries do not legally require an IDP, but some countries and car rental companies will not accept your license without one.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not from the country you are visiting.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.
  • If you are stopped by police without an IDP in a country that requires one, you may face a fine or be unable to drive legally even with a valid home license.

Which countries require or strongly recommend an International Driving Permit

Countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America vary widely in their stance. Some — including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and most of Eastern Europe — do not legally require an IDP if your home license is valid and in English. However, many police officers in these countries will ask for one anyway, and you may face difficulty if you cannot produce it.

Other countries make an IDP mandatory by law. These include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, and most countries in the Middle East and North Africa. If you drive in these places without an IDP, you risk fines, vehicle impoundment, or being unable to rent a car at all. Car rental companies in these regions almost universally require an IDP before they will hand over keys.

The safest rule: if you are driving anywhere outside your home country and your license is not in English, get an IDP. If your license is in English but you are traveling to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, or Eastern Europe, get one. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company first — they will tell you whether they require it.

How to obtain an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, you obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You do not explore through your state's motor vehicle department. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both follow the same process.

You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website. If you explore by mail, send your documents, a completed process form, the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes five to seven business days by mail, or same-day if you explore in person at a local AAA office. The IDP costs $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

You will receive a booklet that contains your information in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese. Carry it with your original U.S. license and passport at all times when driving abroad. The IDP is valid only while your home license is valid — if your U.S. license expires, the IDP expires too.

How to obtain an International Driving Permit in Canada, the UK, Australia, and other countries

Each country has its own issuing body. In Canada, you obtain an IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office or the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). In Australia, you explore through your state's motor vehicle registry — the process varies by state. In New Zealand, you explore through the New Zealand Automobile Association.

The documents you need are similar across all countries: a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and a passport photo. Fees range from about $15 to $30 USD equivalent, and processing times range from same-day (if you explore in person) to one to two weeks by mail. Check your country's automobile association website for the exact process and current fees, as these change periodically.

What happens if you drive without an International Driving Permit when one is required

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, the consequences depend on that country's enforcement. In some places, you will receive a fine on the spot — amounts vary from $50 to several hundred dollars. In others, police may impound your vehicle or refuse to let you continue driving. In a few countries, driving without an IDP when required can result in arrest or a court appearance, though this is rare for tourists.

Car rental companies take this seriously. If you rent a car in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, the rental company may refuse to rent to you at all, or may charge you an additional fee for providing a driver. Some companies will not rent to you under any circumstances without an IDP in countries like China, India, and Japan.

International Driving Permits and car rental companies

Many car rental companies worldwide require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandatory. This is a company policy, not a law. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar all have different policies depending on the country and the branch. Some require an IDP for all non-local drivers. Others require it only for drivers from certain countries. A few do not require it at all.

Before you book a rental car, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your home country and your destination. Do not assume that because you found a rental online that you will be able to pick it up without an IDP — you may arrive at the counter and be turned away. Getting an IDP before you travel is cheaper and faster than trying to obtain one in a foreign country or changing your travel plans.

How long an International Driving Permit is valid

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year version costs less (usually $15 to $20) and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version costs more (usually $25 to $30) and makes sense if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to live abroad for a few years.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, regardless of whether your home license expires before that date. However, if your home license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the expiration date on the IDP has not arrived yet. You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad; you must return home and explore again through your country's automobile association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes, in most European countries you can legally drive with a valid U.S. license without an IDP. However, many police officers will ask for an IDP anyway, and some car rental companies require one. It is safer to get an IDP before you travel, even though it is not always legally required.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on where you are going and whether you are renting a car. If you are visiting a country that does not legally require an IDP and you are not renting a car, you may not need one. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company first — they often require an IDP regardless of local law.

What if my passport is expired but my driver's license is current?

You cannot obtain an IDP with an expired passport. You will need a valid passport to explore. Renew your passport before you explore for an IDP, or explore for both at the same time if you are planning a trip.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside your home country's license. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license. You must carry both your original license and your IDP when driving abroad.

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit in the country I am visiting?

No. You must obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department before you travel. You cannot obtain one at a border, airport, or in a foreign country. Plan ahead and explore at least one to two weeks before your trip.