An international driving permit is not necessary for most trips, but whether you need one depends on where you are driving and what your home country requires

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive without carrying both documents together. Whether you need one depends on three things: the country you are visiting, whether that country recognizes your home license, and whether your home country's government issues IDPs at all.

Many countries accept a valid home driver's license without an IDP. The United States, Canada, most European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand all recognize licenses from each other. If you are driving in one of these places and hold a license from another, you may not need an IDP. However, some countries — including Russia, China, India, and several others — do not recognize foreign licenses at all and require an IDP or an official translation of your license. A few countries require an IDP even if they recognize your home license, as a secondary form of identification.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document, not a replacement for your home driver's license, and you must carry both together when driving abroad.
  • Many countries accept a valid home license without an IDP, but some countries require one or an official translation before they will recognize your right to drive.
  • Your home country's government issues IDPs through specific offices — in the United States, through AAA or the American Automobile Association; in Canada, through provincial motor vehicle offices.
  • An IDP is inexpensive (typically $15 to $30) and takes one to two weeks to obtain, so getting one before you travel costs little if your destination requires it.
  • Rental car companies sometimes require an IDP even when the country does not, so check your rental agreement before you book.

Which countries require an international driving permit

The safest approach is to check the specific country's government website or contact their embassy before you book your trip. However, some patterns exist. Countries that do not recognize foreign licenses — and therefore require an IDP or official translation — include Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Mexico, and several Middle Eastern nations. Some of these countries will accept an IDP; others require an official translation of your license from your home country's motor vehicle office.

European Union countries, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and most of North America accept a valid home license without an IDP. However, some of these countries recommend carrying an IDP as a secondary form of identification in case of a traffic stop or accident. Switzerland, for example, does not require an IDP but recommends one. If you are renting a car, the rental company's policy may be stricter than the country's law — some rental agencies require an IDP even when the country does not.

How to get an international driving permit in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain one. You will need to visit a AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The cost is typically $15 to $20, and the permit is issued on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office.

If you do not have a AAA office nearby, some AAA members can request an IDP by mail, though this takes longer. You can find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so time your process for close to your travel date if possible — an IDP issued months before your trip will expire sooner.

How to get an international driving permit in Canada

In Canada, each province and territory issues IDPs through its motor vehicle office. In Ontario, you explore through ServiceOntario; in British Columbia, through the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia); in Quebec, through the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The process and cost vary by province, but generally you will need your valid driver's license, proof of identity, and a completed process form. Most provinces issue the permit within one to two weeks and charge between $15 and $30.

Contact your provincial motor vehicle office directly to confirm the current process, as procedures change. Some provinces allow you to explore in person at a service center; others accept mail-in applications. Like the U.S. IDP, the Canadian permit is valid for one year.

International driving permits from other countries

If you hold a license from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or another country, your home country's equivalent of the motor vehicle office issues IDPs. In the UK, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues them. In Australia, each state's transport authority handles them — in New South Wales, it is Service NSW; in Victoria, it is VicRoads. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Transport Agency issues them. The cost and processing time vary by country, but most take one to two weeks and cost between $15 and $40.

If you are not sure whether your home country issues IDPs, search "[your country] international driving permit" and contact the government office listed in the results. Some smaller countries do not issue IDPs, in which case you will need to obtain an official translation of your license from your home country's motor vehicle office instead.

What to do if your country does not issue international driving permits

If your home country does not issue IDPs, you have two options. The first is to obtain an official translation of your driver's license from your home country's motor vehicle office or an authorized translator. This translation must be certified and accompany your original license when you drive. The second is to check whether the country you are visiting recognizes your home license without translation — some do, even if they do not recognize licenses from countries that do not issue translations.

Contact the destination country's embassy or consulate to confirm what documents they accept. If you are renting a car, also ask the rental company what they require, as they may have stricter rules than the country's law.

What happens if you drive without the required document

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce an IDP or official translation when the country requires one, you may face a fine, be ordered to stop driving, or have your rental car impounded. In some countries, driving without the required document is treated as driving without a valid license. The fine can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the country and the officer's judgment. In serious cases, you could be detained or have your vehicle seized until you produce the document.

Even if the country does not legally require an IDP, carrying one is inexpensive and can smooth a traffic stop or accident. It serves as a secondary form of identification and removes any ambiguity about whether your home license is valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes. Most European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some countries recommend carrying an IDP as a secondary form of identification. Check your rental car company's policy, as they may require one even if the country does not.

Is an international driving permit the same as a license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It does not replace your home license and is not valid on its own. You must carry both your home license and your IDP together when driving abroad.

How long is an international driving permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip is more than a year away, wait to obtain it closer to your travel date so it does not expire before you leave.

What if I lose my international driving permit while traveling?

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They may be able to issue a replacement or a letter confirming your license status. In the meantime, carry your home license and any other identification you have. Some countries will accept a home license alone if the IDP is lost, though this varies.

Do I need an international driving permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on the country. If the country requires an IDP or official translation, you need one regardless of how long you are staying. If the country accepts your home license, you do not need an IDP. Check the destination country's rules before you book your trip.