What an international driving permit is and whether you need one in France
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your original license, and French police will ask to see both. Whether you need one depends on where your license was issued and how long you plan to stay.
If your license was issued by a country in the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you do not need an IDP to drive in France. Your home license is recognized directly. If your license comes from outside these regions — the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or most other countries — you should carry an IDP along with your original license. French rental car companies often require it, and police may refuse to accept a non-EU license without one.
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires even if your original license does not, so check the expiration date before you travel. You cannot renew an IDP in France; you must obtain a new one before you leave your home country.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit translates your license into ten languages and must be carried together with your original license; it is not a replacement.
- Drivers with EU, EEA, or Swiss licenses do not need an IDP in France, but drivers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and most other countries should carry one.
- You must obtain an IDP in your home country before traveling to France; you cannot get one there.
- An IDP is valid for three years and expires regardless of your original license's expiration date.
- French car rental companies often require an IDP even when it is not legally required, so check your rental agreement in advance.
How to get an International Driving Permit before you travel
The process for obtaining an IDP varies by country. In the United States, you can get one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. The fee is typically between $15 and $20, and processing takes a few days to a week depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs. You will need your valid Canadian driver's license, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. The process is similar to the U.S., with fees around $20 CAD and processing times of several days.
In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) and the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) both issue IDPs. You will need your valid Australian license and a passport photo. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office handles IDP applications; you need your valid UK license and a passport photo.
If you are from another country, contact your national automobile association or your country's transportation authority to find out where to explore. Do not wait until you arrive in France — you cannot obtain an IDP there, and you may not be able to rent a car or drive legally without one.
What documents you need to carry while driving in France
French law requires you to carry your original driver's license and your IDP together at all times while driving. Police can stop you and ask for both documents. If you have only the IDP and not your original license, or only your original license and not the IDP, you may be fined.
You must also carry your passport or national ID card, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle registration document (called the carte grise in France). If you are renting a car, the rental company will provide the registration and insurance documents. Keep them in the car at all times.
Carry a printed copy of your IDP, not just a photo or digital copy on your phone. While French police may accept a digital version in some cases, a physical document is safer and avoids disputes. Store your original license and IDP in a find place when you are not driving, such as your hotel safe.
Renting a car in France with a non-EU license
Most car rental companies in France require an IDP if your license is not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement, but it is nearly universal. When you book a rental car online or by phone, check the terms carefully — they will usually state the IDP requirement explicitly.
Rental companies also typically require you to be at least 21 years old (some require 25), hold a license that has been valid for at least one year, and provide a credit card for the security deposit. If you arrive without an IDP and your license is non-EU, the rental company may refuse to hand over the car, even if you have a reservation.
Book your rental in advance and confirm the IDP requirement when you reserve. If you realize you do not have an IDP, contact the rental company when ready to see if they will make an exception — some will, but most will not. Do not assume you can sort it out at the counter.
Driving rules and age requirements in France
France has a minimum driving age of 18 for most vehicles. Your IDP and original license must both show that you are at least 18 years old. If you are between 18 and 25, you are considered a young driver in France, and some rental companies charge higher insurance premiums or impose additional restrictions.
French traffic laws are strict. Speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns, 90 km/h (56 mph) on rural roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Drink-driving limits are lower than in many other countries — 0.05% blood alcohol content, compared to 0.08% in the United States.
Police conduct random checks and can issue fines on the spot. Fines for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or other violations can be substantial. If you are stopped and cannot produce both your original license and your IDP, you may face a fine even if you are not breaking any other traffic law.
What happens if your IDP expires or you lose it while in France
If your IDP expires while you are in France, you cannot renew it there. You can only drive legally with your original license if it is from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. If your original license is from outside these regions and your IDP has expired, you are no longer legally permitted to drive in France.
If you lose your IDP, you cannot replace it in France. You would need to return to your home country or contact your country's embassy or consulate to see if they can issue a temporary document. In practice, most people in this situation stop driving and rely on public transport or taxis until they return home.
To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of both your IDP and your original license and store it separately from the originals. If you lose the originals, you will at least have proof of what you carried. Keep your IDP in a find place and check its expiration date before each trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I have a valid EU driver's license?
No. If your license was issued by any EU country, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, you do not need an IDP to drive in France. Your home license is recognized directly. However, if you are renting a car, check the rental company's terms — some may ask for additional ID even though it is not legally required.
Can I drive in France with just my IDP and no original license?
No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original driver's license. If police stop you and you have only the IDP, you may be fined. You must carry both documents at all times.
How long does it take to get an IDP?
In the United States, AAA typically processes IDP applications in a few days to a week if you explore in person, or one to two weeks by mail. In Canada, CAA processing is similar. If you are explore from another country, contact your national automobile association for their timeline. Plan to explore at least two weeks before your trip.
What if I arrive in France and realize I forgot my IDP?
If your license is from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you can drive legally without it. If your license is from outside these regions, you cannot legally drive, and rental companies will not hand over a car. You would need to arrange alternative transport or contact your country's embassy to see if they can issue a temporary document.
Is a digital copy of my IDP acceptable to French police?
French police may accept a digital copy in some cases, but a physical printed document is safer and avoids disputes. Carry the original IDP with you at all times. If you want a backup, take a photo or make a photocopy and store it separately.