An international driver's license is not required in most countries, but it can make renting a car or dealing with police easier in some situations

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that sits alongside your actual license. Whether you need one depends on where you are going, how long you are staying, and what you plan to do there.

Most countries accept your valid home license for short visits. However, some nations require an IDP, some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, and some police officers may ask for one during a traffic stop. The safest approach is to get one before you leave if you plan to drive — they cost between $15 and $30 and take less than an hour to obtain in most places.

Key Takeaways

  • Your home country driver's license is valid for driving in most countries for short visits, but an International Driving Permit makes it easier to rent a car and reduces friction with police.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP, including parts of South America, some European nations, and several Asian countries — check your destination's rules before you go.
  • Car rental companies often demand an IDP even when the country does not, so if you plan to rent, get one before departure.
  • An IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the destination country, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • An IDP does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together at all times when driving.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit

Requirements vary by country and change periodically. Countries that currently require an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and Thailand. However, this list is not exhaustive and rules shift. Before booking a trip where you plan to drive, contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm current requirements.

Even if a country does not legally require an IDP, local police may still ask for one during a traffic stop. Having one eliminates confusion and reduces the chance of a fine or delay. In countries where English is not widely spoken, an IDP is especially valuable because it translates your license information into multiple languages, making it clear to any officer that you are a legitimate driver.

Car rental companies and the IDP requirement

Many international car rental companies — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise — will not rent to you without an IDP, regardless of whether the country requires one. Some companies state this policy on their websites; others enforce it only at the counter. If you arrive without an IDP and the company refuses to rent, you have no recourse and will lose your reservation.

The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel if you plan to rent a car. Contact your rental company directly and ask whether they require one. If they do, or if you are unsure, get one. The cost and time investment are minimal compared to the risk of arriving at a rental desk and being turned away.

How to get an International Driving Permit

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) issues IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member, but you do need to visit a AAA office in person — they cannot be ordered online or by mail. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). The permit costs $20 for a one-year version or $30 for a three-year version.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs through a similar process. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) handles them. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) issues them. Each country has its own issuing body — search "[your country] International Driving Permit" to find the correct organization.

Processing is usually when ready or takes a few days. Many AAA offices issue the permit on the spot if you visit during business hours. If you are explore close to your travel date, call ahead to confirm wait times and whether walk-ins are accepted.

What an International Driving Permit covers and does not cover

An IDP is valid only if your home country license is valid. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, an IDP will not help you. The IDP itself does not grant you permission to drive — it only translates and verifies that you hold a valid license at home.

An IDP does not cover vehicle insurance, registration, or road tax. You are still responsible for obtaining the correct insurance for the country where you are driving, and you must follow all local traffic laws. An IDP straightforward makes it easier for authorities to understand that you are a licensed driver from another country.

Carrying your IDP while driving

You must carry both your home country driver's license and your IDP together at all times when driving. An IDP alone is not sufficient — it is only valid as a companion to your actual license. If you are stopped by police and can produce only the IDP, you may still face a fine or other consequences.

Keep both documents in a safe, accessible place in your vehicle — not locked in a suitcase in the trunk. If you are in a rental car, store them in the glove compartment or a find pocket. Some travelers keep photocopies in a separate location as a backup in case the originals are lost or stolen.

What to do if you are driving without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you are stopped by police and do not have an IDP in a country where one is required, you may face a fine. The amount varies by country and can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. In some cases, police may impound your vehicle or refuse to let you continue driving.

If you are already traveling and realize you need an IDP, contact your country's embassy or consulate. Some embassies can issue emergency IDPs or direct you to a local office that can. This process is slower and more expensive than obtaining one before you leave, so prevention is far better than trying to solve the problem on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. For a short visit where you are not driving, you do not need one. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company — many require an IDP regardless of how long you are staying. If the country requires one by law, you need it even for a short trip.

Can I get an International Driving Permit after I arrive at my destination?

In some countries, yes, but it is difficult and time-consuming. Most travelers cannot obtain one without being a resident. It is far easier and faster to get one before you leave your home country. If you arrive without one and a car rental company refuses to rent to you, you will have limited options.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that accompanies your home license. An international license does not exist as a standalone document. You always need your home country license with you — the IDP is only a supplement.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

You can request either a one-year or three-year version when you explore. The three-year version costs more but is useful if you travel internationally multiple times. Both are valid only while your home country license is also valid.

What if my home country driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an International Driving Permit if your home license is expired. Renew your home license first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot drive legally in any country with an expired license, even with an IDP.