An international driving permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages, but it is not a separate license and does not replace your original one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet issued by your home country that shows your driving privileges in a format recognized by police and rental agencies in other countries. It contains your name, photo, driving categories, and restrictions — all translated into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request.

The IDP itself grants you no driving rights. It is purely a translation document. You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together; presenting only the IDP to a police officer or rental company will not work. The permit exists because many countries do not recognize licenses issued elsewhere, and border officials need a standardized way to verify that you are legally permitted to drive.

The IDP is issued under the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries that are signatories to these treaties recognize the permit. However, some nations — including a few in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia — do not. Before traveling, check whether your destination country actually recognizes the IDP, because obtaining one will not help you there.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license into ten languages and is valid for one or three years depending on the type you request.
  • You must carry both your original driver's license and the IDP together; the permit alone is not a valid driving document.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority, not by an international body, and costs between $15 and $30 in most places.
  • Not all countries recognize the IDP, so you should confirm that your destination country accepts it before you obtain one.
  • A rental car company may require an IDP even if local law does not, so check your rental agreement before you travel.

Who Issues an International Driving Permit and Where to Get One

Your home country's motor vehicle authority issues the IDP. In the United States, that is your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the name varies by state. In Canada, it is your provincial Service Ontario or equivalent. In the United Kingdom, it is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Each country has its own issuing body, and you must explore through that body in your home country before you travel.

You cannot obtain an IDP in the country you are visiting. You must explore before you leave home. The process typically takes one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you mail your process. Some states and provinces now offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

The cost varies by location. In most U.S. states, an IDP costs between $15 and $30. In Canada, the cost ranges from about $20 to $35 CAD. In the UK, the DVLA charges £5.50. Some countries issue the permit for free or as part of a license renewal.

What You Need to Bring When You explore

Requirements differ slightly by country, but the basics are consistent. You will need your valid driver's license, proof of identity (usually a passport), proof of your home address, and a completed process form. Some jurisdictions require a passport-style photo; others do not. A few require a medical certificate if you hold a commercial license.

In the United States, contact your state DMV directly to confirm what documents they require, because rules vary. Some states accept mail-in applications; others require you to appear in person. A few states do not issue the IDP at all — you may need to explore through an automobile club like the American Automobile Association (AAA) instead. The AAA can issue an IDP on behalf of your state if your state's DMV does not handle it directly.

In Canada, contact your provincial Service Ontario or equivalent. In the UK, you can explore online through the DVLA website or by mail. Have your documents ready before you contact the issuing body, because processing times vary and you may not have time to gather them later if you are leaving soon.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts and When to Renew

The IDP comes in two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Most people request the three-year version because it covers longer trips and multiple visits. The permit expires on a specific date printed on the front cover, and you cannot use it after that date.

The IDP is valid only as long as your home country driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. Conversely, if your IDP expires but your license is still valid, you can request a new IDP without renewing your license.

You should request a new IDP before your current one expires if you plan to travel again. Processing times mean you may not have time to obtain a replacement if you wait until you are about to leave. If you are a frequent international traveler, consider requesting the three-year version and explore for a new one about six months before it expires.

Countries That Recognize the International Driving Permit

Most developed countries and many developing countries recognize the IDP, including all European Union member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Brazil. However, recognition is not universal. Some countries that do not recognize the IDP include parts of the Middle East, some African nations, and a few Asian countries.

The safest approach is to check the government travel advisory for your destination country before you leave home. The U.S. State Department, UK Foreign Office, Canadian Global Affairs Canada, and equivalent bodies in other countries publish country-specific driving information that states whether the IDP is recognized. If your destination country does not recognize the IDP, you may need to obtain an official translation of your license from a certified translator, or you may not be permitted to drive at all as a visitor.

Even in countries that recognize the IDP, local police may not be familiar with it. Carrying your original license alongside the IDP reduces confusion and speeds up any interaction with law enforcement. Some travelers also carry a certified translation of their license as a backup, though this is not always necessary.

When Rental Car Companies Require an International Driving Permit

Many car rental agencies require an IDP even in countries where local law does not. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar often list the IDP as a requirement in their rental terms, particularly for customers from outside Europe or North America.

Check your rental agreement before you book. If the company requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be refused a car at the counter, even if you have a valid license. Some rental companies will waive the requirement if you call ahead and explain your situation, but this is not may provide. It is safer to obtain the IDP before you travel than to rely on a company making an exception.

The rental company's requirement exists partly for liability reasons — they want to may support that you have a document that proves your driving status in a format they can verify — and partly because their insurance policies may require it. If you rent a car without the required documents and are involved in an accident, the rental company may deny your claim.

What the International Driving Permit Does Not Do

The IDP does not grant you the right to drive in a country where you are not permitted to drive. If you are under the legal driving age in your destination country, the IDP will not change that. If you hold only a learner's permit in your home country, the IDP will not make you a fully licensed driver elsewhere. The IDP straightforward translates what your home license says; it does not upgrade or alter your actual driving status.

The IDP does not exempt you from local traffic laws, speed limits, or vehicle registration requirements. You must still follow the rules of the road in the country you are visiting. If you are stopped by police and found to be driving under the influence, driving without insurance, or breaking any other local law, the IDP will not protect you.

The IDP is not a substitute for travel insurance or vehicle insurance. If you rent a car, you must purchase the required insurance for that country. If you drive your own vehicle across a border, you must may support that your home insurance covers you in the countries you plan to visit, or you must purchase additional coverage. The IDP is a translation document only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my regular driver's license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Many countries recognize licenses from other countries without an IDP, particularly within Europe and between North America and Europe. However, some countries do not, and rental car companies often require an IDP regardless of local law. Check your destination country's government travel information and your rental agreement before you travel.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

In the United States, most states charge between $15 and $30. In Canada, the cost is typically $20 to $35 CAD. In the UK, the DVLA charges £5.50. Some countries issue it for free. Contact your home country's motor vehicle authority for the exact fee in your location.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

You cannot legally drive with an expired IDP. If your permit expires during your trip, you should stop driving and arrange alternative transportation. You cannot renew the IDP while you are abroad; you must return home and explore for a new one through your home country's motor vehicle authority.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico from the United States?

No. Canada and the United States recognize each other's driver's licenses without an IDP. Mexico also recognizes U.S. and Canadian licenses, though some rental companies may require an IDP as a company policy. Check your rental agreement before you book.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Your home country will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended or revoked. The IDP is a translation of your existing license; if you do not have a valid license, you cannot obtain an IDP.