An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages, but it is not a separate license and does not replace your original one

An International Driving Permit (IDP), also called an International Driving License, is a booklet issued by your home country that translates your driver's license information — name, date of birth, license number, vehicle categories you can drive — into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It exists because a police officer in France or Japan cannot read an English-language license from Ohio or Ontario.

The IDP is not a license itself. You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together. The permit has no legal standing without the license it translates. If you lose the IDP but still have your license, you can drive legally in most countries; if you lose the license but have the IDP, you cannot drive at all.

Most countries that recognize IDPs do so under one of two United Nations conventions — the 1926 convention or the 1968 convention. The United States, Canada, Australia, and most European nations recognize both. Some countries recognize neither and require you to obtain a local license or an official translation of your home license instead. Before traveling, check the specific rules for your destination country, not just whether an IDP exists.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your home license into ten languages but must be carried alongside your original license to be valid.
  • Your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body issues the IDP; you cannot get one in a foreign country.
  • The permit is typically valid for one to three years depending on your home country's rules, and you must renew it before it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all and instead require a certified translation of your home license or a local license obtained through their own process.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $50 USD equivalent in most countries and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail.

Who Issues International Driving Permits and Where to Request One

Your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body issues the IDP. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs; you do not go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue them. In Australia, state-based motoring clubs like the NRMA or RACV issue them.

You must request the IDP in your home country before you travel. You cannot obtain one while abroad. If you are traveling and realize you need one, you must either return home to get it, have someone mail it to you, or check whether your destination country accepts certified translations of your home license instead.

The process is straightforward: you provide your current, valid driver's license, a passport-sized photograph (usually one or two), proof of identity, and payment. Most organizations accept applications by mail or in person at their offices. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, though expedited options may be available for an additional fee.

How Long an International Driving Permit Remains Valid

Validity periods vary by country. In the United States, an IDP issued by AAA or AATA is valid for one year from the date of issue. In Canada, the CAA issues permits valid for three years. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC issue permits valid for three years. In Australia, state motoring clubs typically issue one-year permits.

Your IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of when you use it. If you obtain one in January and do not travel until December, it may have already expired. Check the expiration date on the booklet before you travel. If it has expired, you must obtain a new one before crossing a border; an expired IDP has no legal standing.

Your IDP is also only valid if your underlying driver's license is valid. If your home license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes invalid even if the booklet itself has not reached its expiration date. Renew your home license before it lapses if you plan to drive internationally.

What Information the IDP Contains and Why It Matters

The IDP booklet contains a cover page with your photograph, name, date of birth, and license number. Inside are pages in ten languages — English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Japanese — that repeat your license information, the categories of vehicles you are permitted to drive, and any restrictions or conditions on your license.

The document does not contain your address, medical information, or driving history. It is a translation tool, not a comprehensive record. A police officer in another country uses it to confirm that you hold a valid license in your home country and to understand what types of vehicles you are allowed to operate.

The IDP also does not override your home country's license restrictions. If your license is restricted to automatic transmission vehicles, that restriction applies in every country where you drive. If your license requires you to wear corrective lenses, that requirement travels with you. The IDP straightforward makes those restrictions readable to foreign authorities.

Countries That Recognize International Driving Permits and Those That Do Not

Most developed nations recognize IDPs issued under the 1926 or 1968 United Nations conventions. This includes all European Union countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America. If you are driving in any of these places, an IDP is useful and widely accepted.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. China, India, Russia, and several Middle Eastern nations do not accept them. If you plan to drive in these countries, you must obtain a local license, which typically requires passing a written test and sometimes a driving test in that country's language. Some countries will accept a certified English translation of your home license instead, but this varies widely and you should confirm with the country's embassy or automobile association before traveling.

A few countries recognize IDPs but also require additional documents. Some require both the IDP and a certified translation of your home license. Others require the IDP plus proof of vehicle insurance valid in that country. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit, not just whether an IDP exists.

The Cost and Timeline for Obtaining an International Driving Permit

In the United States, AAA and AATA charge between $15 and $20 for an IDP, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. In Canada, the CAA charges approximately $25 CAD. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC charge between £5 and £15. In Australia, state motoring clubs typically charge between $20 and $30 AUD. These prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Processing time is usually one to two weeks for standard mail applications. If you need the permit faster, some organizations offer expedited processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15 more. If you explore in person at an office, you may receive the permit the same day or within a few days, depending on the organization's procedures.

You will need to provide your current driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, proof of identity (usually your passport), and payment. Some organizations accept credit cards, debit cards, or checks; others require cash. Confirm the payment methods and required documents with the specific organization before you explore.

What to Do If Your International Driving Permit Is Lost or Stolen While Traveling

If you lose your IDP while abroad, you can still drive legally if you have your original home country driver's license. The IDP is a translation tool, not the license itself. A police officer may not be able to read your home license, but it is still valid proof that you hold a license in your home country.

However, if you are stopped and cannot produce the IDP, some police officers may be unfamiliar with your home country's license format and may be more skeptical. To reduce friction, carry a certified English translation of your license if possible, or contact your home country's embassy or consulate for guidance on what to do if you are questioned.

When you return home, you can obtain a replacement IDP by contacting the same organization that issued the original. Most will issue a replacement for a reduced fee (typically $5 to $10) if you can show proof that the original was lost or stolen. Keep your IDP in a safe place while traveling, separate from your wallet, to reduce the risk of losing both your license and the translation at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in another country?

Most car rental companies in countries that recognize IDPs will accept either your home license or your home license plus the IDP. Some companies recommend or require the IDP, particularly in Europe and Asia. Check the rental company's website or call ahead to confirm their requirements before you book. Having the IDP eliminates any ambiguity and is inexpensive insurance against a rental being denied.

Can I drive in the United States with an International Driving Permit from another country?

Yes. If you are visiting the United States from another country and hold a valid driver's license from your home country, you can drive with that license. An IDP is not required. However, you must carry your original home country license at all times. Some states recommend carrying an IDP as well to avoid confusion with police, but it is not legally required.

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

You can still drive legally with your original home country license. The IDP is a translation; it does not grant you the right to drive. However, if you are stopped by police and cannot produce a valid IDP, you may face questions about your license's authenticity. If you will be traveling for an extended period, obtain a new IDP before the old one expires.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as a license to drive in other countries?

No. The IDP is a translation of your home license, not a separate license. You must hold a valid driver's license in your home country to obtain an IDP. The permit does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have; it straightforward makes your existing rights readable to foreign authorities.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home country license is suspended or expired?

No. Your home country license must be valid and in good standing to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. If your license expires while you hold an IDP, the permit becomes invalid even if the booklet has not reached its expiration date.