What an international driver's license is and whether you need one in Hawaii
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 original driver's license from your home country. In Hawaii, you do not need an IDP to drive if you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or a current license from your home country. However, car rental companies and police may ask for one, and some countries require you to carry one when you drive there.
The confusion often comes from the name. An IDP does not replace your home license or give you permission to drive in Hawaii that you would not already have. If your home country's license is valid, you can drive in Hawaii with just that license and your passport. The IDP is mainly useful if you plan to rent a car and want to avoid friction with the rental company, or if you are traveling to another country after Hawaii and want to be prepared.
Key Takeaways
- You do not need an International Driving Permit to drive in Hawaii if you have a valid driver's license from your home country and your passport.
- An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and is issued by your home country's automobile association before you travel.
- Some car rental companies in Hawaii request an IDP even though it is not legally required, so having one can make the rental process smoother.
- An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $30 depending on which country issues it.
How to get an International Driving Permit before traveling to Hawaii
You must obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or equivalent government body — you cannot get one in Hawaii or from any U.S. office. The process and cost vary by country. In most cases, you will need your valid home country driver's license, a passport-sized photograph, and a completed process form.
Contact your country's automobile association or national driving authority to find out their specific process. For example, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs for U.S. citizens traveling abroad, but if you are a citizen of another country, you will need to work with your home country's equivalent organization. Most automobile associations can issue an IDP within a few days if you explore in person, or within one to two weeks if you mail in your process.
What documents you will need when you drive in Hawaii
When you drive in Hawaii, you must carry your valid driver's license from your home country, your passport, and your International Driving Permit if you have one. Police may stop you and ask to see all three documents. If you do not have your passport or home country license with you, you may be cited even if you have an IDP, because the IDP alone does not prove you are licensed to drive.
Keep these documents in your vehicle at all times while driving. If you are renting a car, the rental company will ask to see your passport, home country license, and ideally an IDP. Some rental companies will rent to you without an IDP, but others may refuse or charge an additional fee. Calling ahead to ask about the rental company's specific requirements can save you time and frustration when you arrive.
How long an International Driving Permit is valid
An International Driving Permit is typically valid for one year from the date it is issued. This means if you receive your IDP in January and travel to Hawaii in December of the same year, it will still be valid. However, if you travel more than one year after the issue date, you will need to obtain a new IDP before your trip.
Your IDP is only valid while your home country driver's license is also valid. If your home license expires before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. Before you travel, check the expiration date on both documents to make sure they will both be current during your time in Hawaii.
Driving laws in Hawaii that explore to visitors with foreign licenses
Hawaii traffic laws explore to all drivers, regardless of where your license was issued. Speed limits, traffic signals, parking rules, and seat belt requirements are the same for visitors as for residents. Hawaii requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance, so if you are renting a car, make sure the rental agreement includes liability coverage or that you have purchased additional insurance.
One important difference: Hawaii is a right-hand traffic country, meaning you drive on the right side of the road. If you come from a country where people drive on the left (such as the United Kingdom, Australia, or Japan), take extra time to adjust before driving. Many rental companies offer automatic transmission vehicles, which can make the transition easier if you are used to manual transmissions in your home country.
When a car rental company will ask for an International Driving Permit
Most major car rental companies operating in Hawaii — such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise — have different policies about IDPs. Some require an IDP for all foreign drivers, some request it but do not require it, and some do not ask for it at all. The policy may also depend on which country your license is from and how recent your license is.
The safest approach is to contact the rental company before you book or arrive. Tell them your home country and ask whether they require an IDP. If they do and you do not have one, you can either obtain one before you travel or choose a different rental company. Having an IDP eliminates any back-and-forth on the day you arrive, which is especially valuable if you have a tight schedule.
What happens if you drive in Hawaii without your home country license or passport
If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce your valid home country driver's license and passport, you may be cited for driving without proof of a valid license, even if you have an IDP. An IDP is not a substitute for your actual license — it is only a translation aid. You must carry the original license document at all times.
If you are cited, you may face a fine and be required to appear in court. The best way to avoid this is to keep your license, passport, and IDP (if you have one) in your vehicle or on your person whenever you drive. If you lose your home country license while in Hawaii, contact your country's consulate in Honolulu for guidance on obtaining a replacement or temporary document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Hawaii with just an International Driving Permit and no home country license?
No. An IDP is only valid when carried alongside your original home country driver's license and your passport. If you lose your home license or it expires, the IDP becomes useless for driving in Hawaii. You must have all three documents.
How much does an International Driving Permit cost?
The cost varies by country. Most automobile associations charge between $15 and $30. Some countries may charge more or less. Contact your home country's automobile association to find out the exact fee and whether they offer rush processing for an additional cost.
Can I get an International Driving Permit in Hawaii if I forgot to get one before I traveled?
No. IDPs are issued only by your home country's automobile association or government body. You cannot obtain one in Hawaii, the United States, or any country other than your home country. If you forgot to get one, you can still drive with your valid home country license and passport, though some rental companies may be less cooperative.
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. state driver's license?
No. U.S. state driver's licenses are recognized throughout Hawaii and the United States. An IDP is intended for citizens of other countries. However, if you plan to travel to another country after Hawaii, you may want to obtain an IDP from AAA before you leave the United States.
What should I do if a car rental company refuses to rent to me without an International Driving Permit?
Ask the rental agent to explain their policy in writing and ask whether there are any exceptions or alternative documents they will accept. If they refuse, contact the rental company's customer service line before you leave to see if another location in Hawaii has a different policy. You can also try a different rental company, as policies vary widely.