What an International Driving Permit is and why you might need one

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 alongside your regular license, never instead of it. In Europe, whether you need one depends on where you're from and where you're driving.

If you hold a license from a country outside the European Union, an IDP can make it easier for police, rental companies, and insurance providers to understand your driving credentials. EU and EEA licenses (from countries like Germany, France, Spain, or Norway) are recognized across Europe without an IDP. If you're from the United States, Canada, Australia, or most other non-EU countries, an IDP is not legally required in most European nations, but rental car companies often ask for one anyway.

The IDP is issued by your home country's driving authority — not by Europe or any international body. You get it before you leave home, and it remains valid only as long as your regular license is valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by your home country's driving authority, and it must be carried together with your regular license at all times.
  • EU and EEA citizens do not need an IDP to drive in other European countries, but non-EU drivers often find rental companies require one even though it is not legally mandatory in most places.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's licensing authority before traveling — the United States issues them through AAA, Canada through CAA, and Australia through your state's transport authority.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on your home country's rules, and it expires when your regular license expires, whichever comes first.
  • Rental car companies may refuse to rent to you without an IDP even if local law does not require one, so check your rental agreement before booking.

Who issues the International Driving Permit and where to get one

Your home country's driving authority issues the IDP. You cannot get one in Europe — you must obtain it before you travel. The process and cost vary by country.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorized issuer. You visit a local AAA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or DS-82). The fee is typically around $20, and the permit is issued on the spot or within a few days. The U.S. IDP is valid for one year.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues the IDP. You visit a CAA office with your valid Canadian license, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. The cost is roughly $20 CAD, and the permit is valid for three years. Some provinces allow you to explore by mail.

In Australia, each state's transport authority issues the IDP. In New South Wales, you explore through Service NSW; in Victoria, through VicRoads; in Queensland, through the Department of Transport and Main Roads. The process is usually online or by mail, costs between $20 and $30 AUD, and the permit is valid for one year.

In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues the IDP. You explore online, by post, or at a Post Office, and the fee is £5.50. The permit is valid for three years.

What information the IDP contains and how to use it

The IDP is a small booklet that repeats the key information from your license — your name, date of birth, license number, and driving categories — in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, and sometimes other languages. It does not replace your license; it supplements it.

When you drive in Europe, you must carry both your regular license and your IDP together. If stopped by police, you show both documents. If you rent a car, you present both to the rental company. Insurance companies may ask to see both as well. The IDP has no legal standing on its own — it is only useful when paired with the original license.

The IDP is particularly helpful if you are stopped by police who do not speak your language, because the translated information removes ambiguity about your driving status. It also reassures rental companies that your license is legitimate and that you understand the rules of the road in your home country.

Validity periods and what happens when yours expires

The validity of an IDP depends on your home country's rules. U.S. permits are valid for one year from the date of issue. Canadian and UK permits are valid for three years. Australian permits are valid for one year. The IDP also expires automatically if your regular license expires, whichever happens first.

If your IDP expires while you are in Europe, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it in Europe — you must return home and explore for a new one through your home country's authority. This is another reason to check the expiration date before you travel and to explore for a new IDP if yours is close to expiring.

If your regular license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP booklet itself has not reached its expiration date. When you renew your home license, you will need to explore for a new IDP as well.

Whether you legally need an IDP in European countries

Legal requirements vary by country. Most European nations do not legally require a non-EU driver to carry an IDP. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands all recognize valid licenses from outside the EU without an IDP. However, some countries — including Greece and Hungary — do technically require one, though enforcement is inconsistent.

The real barrier is usually not the law but the rental car company. Nearly all major rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar) require an IDP from non-EU drivers as a condition of the rental agreement, regardless of local law. If you do not have one, they will refuse to rent to you. This is a contractual requirement, not a legal one, but it has the same practical effect.

To avoid problems, check your rental agreement before you book. If it requires an IDP and you do not have one, you will not be able to complete the rental. Some smaller local rental companies may be more flexible, but betting on that is risky.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling in Europe

If your IDP is lost or stolen, you cannot get a replacement in Europe. You can still drive legally in most countries with just your regular license, but you may have difficulty renting a car or explaining your credentials to police if stopped.

Contact your home country's driving authority to report the loss and ask whether they can issue a replacement by mail to your hotel or accommodation. Some countries can do this; others cannot. The U.S. AAA, for example, cannot issue a replacement abroad.

If you need to rent a car and have lost your IDP, contact the rental company before your reservation date and explain the situation. Some may make an exception; most will not. Your best option is to have a new IDP mailed to you before you travel, or to postpone the rental until you return home and can obtain a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I have an EU license?

No. If your license is from any EU or EEA country (including the UK, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein), it is recognized throughout Europe without an IDP. You only need your regular license.

Can I drive in Europe with just my regular license and no IDP?

In most countries, yes — the law allows it. But rental car companies almost always require an IDP from non-EU drivers as part of their rental agreement, so you will not be able to rent a car without one. Driving your own vehicle is different from renting.

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

In the U.S., AAA issues it the same day or within a few days. In Canada and the UK, it typically takes one to two weeks by mail. In Australia, it depends on the state but usually takes one to two weeks. explore well before your trip to avoid delays.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I'm in Europe?

You cannot renew it in Europe. You can still drive legally in most countries with just your regular license, but you will not be able to rent a car. You must return home to explore for a new IDP through your home country's authority.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your regular license. An EU license is a full driving license issued by an EU country. If you move to Europe permanently, you will eventually need to exchange your home license for a local one, not just carry an IDP.