An international driving permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license — it is a translation booklet that works alongside your valid home-country driver's license. Most countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid license at home. You cannot drive on an IDP alone; you must carry both your home license and the permit together.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving and what you are doing. Some countries require it by law. Others do not require it but rental car companies often ask for one anyway. A few countries do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to get one before you travel if you plan to drive internationally, since they are inexpensive and take only a few days to obtain in most places.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license into multiple languages and must be carried together with your original license when driving abroad.
  • You obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not from the country you plan to visit.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and costs between $15 and $30 in most countries.
  • Rental car companies frequently require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so having one prevents delays at the rental counter.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive in a country where your home license alone would be invalid.

Where you can legally drive with your home license alone

Many countries accept a valid driver's license from your home country without requiring an International Driving Permit. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. The United States also recognizes foreign licenses, though individual states set their own rules — generally you can drive on a foreign license for the duration of your visit, but you cannot establish residency and then continue driving on that license.

The key word is "valid." Your home license must be current, written in the Latin alphabet (or accompanied by a certified translation if it uses a different script), and issued by a recognized government authority. A license that has expired, even by one day, is not valid anywhere.

Before you travel, check the specific rules for the country or countries you plan to visit. Government tourism websites and rental car company websites both list their requirements clearly. If the country's official guidance does not mention an IDP, you likely do not need one — but rental companies may still request one, which is a separate business decision from legal requirement.

Countries and regions that require an International Driving Permit

Some countries will not let you drive on your home license alone, even if it is valid. These include most of South America, much of Africa, parts of the Middle East, and some Asian countries including China and India. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you must have an IDP or you cannot legally operate a vehicle.

A few countries fall into a gray area: they do not explicitly require an IDP by law, but police may not recognize your home license and may issue a fine or confiscate your vehicle if you cannot produce one. Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are examples. In these cases, having an IDP protects you even if it is not technically required.

The safest approach is to assume you need one if you are traveling outside North America, Western Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. An IDP costs little and takes minimal time to obtain, so the cost of being wrong is much higher than the cost of getting one you might not strictly need.

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 to a government office. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.

To get one from AAA, visit a local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). You will fill out a one-page form on the spot. The one-year permit costs $20 and the three-year permit costs $30. You receive it when ready or within a few days depending on the office. AAA membership is not required.

If you do not have a local AAA office nearby, you can order through AATA by mail. Visit the AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with copies of your license and passport, a passport photo, and a check. Processing takes one to two weeks. The cost is the same: $20 for one year or $30 for three years.

How to obtain an International Driving Permit in other countries

In Canada, you obtain an IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) using the same process as AAA — visit an office in person or explore by mail. The cost and validity periods are similar.

In the United Kingdom, you explore through the Post Office or by mail to DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You need your photocard license, a passport, and a passport photo. Processing takes about a week and costs £5.50.

In Australia, you explore through your state's transport authority — in New South Wales it is Service NSW, in Victoria it is VicRoads, and so on. Each state has its own process and fee, typically between $20 and $30 AUD.

The general pattern is the same everywhere: you explore to your home country's automobile association or licensing authority, not to the country you plan to visit. You need your valid home license, a passport, and a passport photo. Processing takes a few days to two weeks. Costs range from $15 to $30 in most countries.

What to do if your home country does not issue International Driving Permits

A small number of countries do not participate in the International Driving Permit system. If your home country is one of them, you have two options: get a certified translation of your license from a notary or translator in your home country before you travel, or get an IDP from a country where you have residency or citizenship if you hold multiple passports.

A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator or notary that confirms your home license is valid and translates the key information into the language of the country you are visiting. This is not as widely recognized as an IDP, but it is better than nothing. Some rental car companies will accept it; others will not. Police may or may not accept it depending on the country and the officer's judgment.

If you hold citizenship or residency in more than one country, you can obtain an IDP from one of the countries that issues them. For example, if you are a citizen of both a non-participating country and a European Union country, you can get an IDP from the EU country using your EU license or residency documentation.

What happens if you drive without an IDP when one is required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you are breaking the law. Police can stop you, issue a fine, impound your vehicle, or both. The fine varies by country — it can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. In some places, driving without required documents can result in jail time, though this is rare for tourists.

Rental car companies also have their own policies. If you rent a car and drive it without the required documents, you may be liable for any fines the rental company receives, even if you are not stopped by police. The rental agreement typically makes you responsible for all traffic violations and legal violations during the rental period.

If you are stopped and cannot produce an IDP, do not argue with police. Provide your home license and passport. In many countries, police will issue a fine on the spot or require you to pay at a police station. In others, you may receive a citation in the mail after you leave the country. Either way, it is easier and cheaper to get an IDP before you travel than to deal with a fine or legal issue abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country on my home license without an International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Most of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand accept a valid home license. Most of South America, Africa, and parts of Asia require an IDP. Check the specific country's government tourism website or your rental car company's requirements before you travel.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years depending on which version you request when you explore. Both versions cost roughly the same, so most people choose the three-year permit if they think they might travel again. An IDP expires on the date printed on it, regardless of whether your home license expires before then.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. Some will rent to you without one but charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Call the rental company before you book to find out their specific policy.

What if my home license is written in a language that does not use the Latin alphabet?

An International Driving Permit is designed to solve this problem — it translates your license into multiple languages. If you do not have an IDP, you should carry a certified translation of your license prepared by a professional translator or notary in your home country. Some countries will accept this; others will not.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in my home country?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside your home country. It is not a license and does not give you permission to drive anywhere you could not already drive with your home license. You must always carry both your home license and your IDP together when driving abroad.