Where you need an international driver's license
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. Most countries do not require it — they accept your valid home license alone. However, some countries will not recognize your home license without an IDP, and a few will not issue you a rental car without one, even if local law does not technically demand it.
The countries that actually require an IDP fall into two groups: those that do not recognize foreign licenses at all, and those that recognize them only if accompanied by an IDP. The second group is larger and more common for travelers. Rental car companies in some countries (notably Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe) often demand an IDP even when the country itself does not legally require one.
Your home country's automobile association issues the IDP — in the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You explore in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport photo, and receive the permit on the spot. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
Key Takeaways
- Most countries accept your home driver's license without an IDP, but some require an IDP as proof of translation and validity.
- Rental car companies in Australia, New Zealand, and some European countries often demand an IDP even when the country does not legally require one.
- Your home country's automobile association (AAA in the United States) issues the IDP in person for a small fee, valid for one or three years.
- Countries that do require an IDP include South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, and several others; check with your destination's embassy or rental company before traveling.
- An IDP is not a replacement for your home license — you must carry both documents together to be legal.
Countries that legally require an international driving permit
A smaller set of countries will not recognize your home license at all without an IDP. These include South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, and several others in Southeast Asia and Africa. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you cannot rent a car or drive legally without one.
The requirement varies by region. In some African countries, an IDP is mandatory but enforcement depends on whether you are stopped by police. In Thailand and Taiwan, rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one, which makes it a practical requirement even if the law itself is unclear. Before booking a rental car or planning to drive, contact the embassy of your destination country or call the rental company directly — they will tell you whether an IDP is required.
Countries where rental companies demand an IDP
Even when a country does not legally require an IDP, rental car companies often do. Australia, New Zealand, and several European countries (including France, Germany, and Spain) have rental agencies that will not hand over keys without one. This is a company policy, not a law, but it has the same effect: you cannot rent a car without it.
The reason is practical. An IDP provides a standardized translation of your license information, which protects the rental company if there is an accident or traffic violation. A rental agent in Paris cannot easily verify what your California license says, but an IDP in French removes that uncertainty. If you plan to rent a car in any developed country outside North America, assume you will need an IDP unless the rental company tells you otherwise.
How to get an international driving permit before you travel
In the United States, the AAA and AATA both issue IDPs. You visit an office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport photo, and a completed process form. The fee is usually between $15 and $20. You receive the permit when ready — there is no waiting period.
Other countries have their own issuing bodies. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office issues IDPs. In Canada, provincial automobile associations handle them. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) issues them. Search "[your country] international driving permit" plus the name of your automobile association to find the right office and process process.
The IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request. The three-year version costs more but is worth it if you travel internationally more than once. The permit is not a replacement for your home license — you must carry both together. If you lose your home license, the IDP becomes useless.
What an international driving permit does and does not do
An IDP is a translation document, not a license. It does not give you permission to drive in another country — your home license does that. What it does is translate your license information into ten languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish) so that police officers and rental agents in other countries can read it.
An IDP does not change the rules of the road or your insurance coverage. If you are stopped by police in another country, you must show both your home license and your IDP. If you have a traffic violation or accident, your home country's insurance applies — the IDP does not create new coverage. Some travel insurance policies require an IDP as a condition of coverage in certain countries, so check your policy before you travel.
Countries where an IDP is not needed
Most countries accept your home driver's license without an IDP. This includes Canada, Mexico, most of Europe (though rental companies may still demand one), Japan, South Korea, and many others. Your home license is a legal document in these places, and police will accept it as proof that you are licensed to drive.
However, "not required by law" does not always mean "not required by the rental company." Even in countries where an IDP is not legally necessary, the rental agency may demand one. Before you book a car, contact the rental company and ask whether they require an IDP. If they do, you will need one even if the country does not.
What to do if you cannot get an IDP before your trip
If you are traveling soon and cannot visit an AAA office or your country's automobile association in time, you have limited options. Some countries will accept a certified translation of your license from a professional translator, though this is less common and more expensive than an IDP. Contact the rental company or the embassy of your destination to ask whether a certified translation will work.
If you are already in another country and realize you need an IDP, you cannot get one there — you can only get one from your home country's automobile association. Some embassies can issue temporary driving permits, but these are rare and usually only for residents. Your best option is to use public transportation, hire a driver, or book a tour instead of renting a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
No. Both countries accept your valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, if you are renting a car, the rental company may ask for one anyway — call ahead to confirm. Your home insurance should cover you in both countries, but check your policy before you travel.
Can I use an international driving permit instead of my home license?
No. An IDP is only a translation. You must carry your home license and your IDP together. If you are stopped by police, you need both documents. If you lose your home license, the IDP is worthless on its own.
How long does it take to get an international driving permit?
In the United States, the AAA and AATA issue them on the spot — you walk in, explore, and leave with the permit the same day. You need your valid license, a passport photo, and the process form. Other countries vary; check with your local automobile association.
What if my home country does not have an automobile association?
Some countries do not issue IDPs through a traditional automobile association. In that case, contact your country's embassy in the destination country and ask what documents they recognize as proof of a valid license. A certified translation of your license may work, though it is less standard than an IDP.
Will my car insurance cover me if I do not have an international driving permit?
That depends on your insurance policy and the country you are visiting. Some policies require an IDP as a condition of coverage in certain countries. Check your policy before you travel, and ask your insurance company whether you need an IDP for the countries on your itinerary.