An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple 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 contains your driving information — name, photo, license class, restrictions — printed in ten languages. It exists solely to help police, rental companies, and border officials in other countries read and verify your license without translation services. You cannot drive on an IDP alone; you must carry both your original license and the IDP together, and your home country's license is what actually authorizes you to drive.

The IDP is governed by the 1926 International Convention on Motor Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. Most countries that are signatories to these treaties recognize IDPs, but not all do. Some nations — including Australia, New Zealand, and several others — do not recognize IDPs at all and instead require you to obtain a local license or an official translation of your home license from a certified translator or your country's consulate.

The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you obtain, and it expires whether or not you use it. If your home country's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because it is tied to the validity of the underlying license.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit must be obtained in your home country before you travel; you cannot get one abroad or online from a third party.
  • You need both your original driver's license and the IDP together at all times — the IDP is a translation tool, not a replacement license.
  • Not all countries recognize IDPs; Australia, New Zealand, and others require a certified translation or local license instead.
  • The IDP is issued for one or three years and expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you use it.
  • Rental car companies often require an IDP even in countries that technically recognize your home license, so check your rental agreement before traveling.

Who Issues International Driving Permits and Where to Get One

Your home country's motor vehicle department or equivalent agency is the only legitimate source for an IDP. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two authorized issuing organizations; you cannot obtain a U.S. IDP from any other source. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the Post Office and the AA (Automobile Association) are authorized. Each country has its own designated issuer or issuing body.

You must explore in person at the issuing office with your valid driver's license, a passport or national ID, and a passport-sized photograph. Some offices accept appointments; others operate on a walk-in basis. Processing typically takes a few minutes to a few hours if you explore in person, though some locations offer mail-in service with a longer turnaround. Fees vary by country and issuing organization — in the U.S., AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit and $30 for a three-year permit, but these amounts can change.

Websites offering to issue IDPs online or by mail from outside your home country are not legitimate. These are scams or fraudulent services. The only valid IDP is one issued by your home country's authorized motor vehicle authority or its designated partner organization.

Which Countries Recognize International Driving Permits

Most European countries, Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America recognize IDPs. However, recognition is not universal, and the rules vary. Some countries recognize an IDP but also require you to carry a certified translation of your home license. Others recognize the IDP but impose additional restrictions — for example, some countries limit how long a visitor can drive on a foreign license before needing to obtain a local license.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several others. In these places, you must obtain either a local driver's license or an official certified translation of your home license from your country's consulate or an authorized translator in that country. Some countries in this category will accept an IDP as a secondary document but will not honor it as your primary driving authorization.

Before traveling, check the specific requirements of each country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website, your country's foreign ministry, and the rental car company you plan to use all publish current information about what documents are required. Do not assume that because one country recognizes an IDP, neighboring countries do as well.

What Rental Car Companies Require

Rental car companies often have their own policies that are stricter than the legal requirements of the country where you are renting. Many major rental chains — including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise — require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally mandated. Some require both an IDP and a certified translation. A few require a certified translation instead of an IDP.

These policies are set by the rental company's insurance and liability requirements, not by the country's traffic laws. If you rent a car without the documents the company requires and are involved in an accident, your insurance may not cover the claim, and you could be held personally liable for damages. The rental agreement you sign specifies what documents are required; read it before you book.

Contact the rental company directly before your trip and ask what documents they require. Do not rely on the website alone, because policies can vary by location and change without notice. Get the answer in writing if possible — an email confirmation is sufficient — so you have proof of what was required if a dispute arises.

How to Use an International Driving Permit While Traveling

Carry your IDP and your original home country driver's license together at all times while driving. If you are stopped by police or asked to present your license at a rental counter or border crossing, present both documents. The IDP is not a substitute for your home license; it is a companion document that helps officials read the information on your home license without needing a translator.

If you are involved in an accident or traffic incident, provide both documents to police and insurance representatives. If you are renting a car, present both to the rental company at pickup. If you are crossing an international border by car, have both ready for border officials.

Keep your IDP in a safe place — ideally in a separate pocket or bag from your home license, so that if one is lost or stolen, you still have the other. If your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling, you can still drive on your home license alone in most countries, but you may have difficulty with rental companies or border officials. Contact your country's consulate or embassy for guidance on obtaining a replacement.

What Happens If Your License or Permit Expires During Travel

If your home country driver's license expires while you are abroad, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, and rental companies will not rent to you. If you are planning a trip longer than a few weeks, renew your home license before you leave.

If your IDP expires but your home license is still valid, you can continue to drive in most countries on your home license alone, but rental companies may refuse to rent to you because their policies typically require a valid IDP. If you are planning to rent a car, obtain a new IDP before your trip or confirm in writing with the rental company that they will accept a home license without an IDP.

If you are already abroad and your IDP expires, contact your country's consulate or embassy to ask whether a replacement can be issued locally. Most countries do not issue IDPs at embassies or consulates; you may need to have one mailed to you or wait until you return home to obtain a new one.

International Driving Permits vs. Other Documents You Might Need

An IDP is different from a certified translation of your driver's license. A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator or your country's consulate that translates your entire license into the language of the country you are visiting. Some countries accept certified translations instead of IDPs; others require both. A certified translation is typically more expensive and takes longer to obtain than an IDP, but it may be necessary in countries that do not recognize IDPs.

An IDP is also different from a local driver's license. If you plan to live in another country or stay for an extended period, you may need to obtain a local license from that country's motor vehicle authority. The process, requirements, and cost vary widely by country. Some countries allow you to exchange your home license for a local one; others require you to pass a written test and a driving test. An IDP does not substitute for a local license and does not give you the right to obtain one.

Finally, an IDP is not the same as a visa or travel document. A visa is a permit to enter a country; an IDP is a document that authorizes you to drive once you are there. You may need both to travel internationally by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or from a third-party website?

No. Only your home country's authorized motor vehicle authority or its designated partner can issue a valid IDP. Websites offering to issue IDPs online are fraudulent. You must explore in person at an authorized office in your home country with your driver's license, passport, and a photograph.

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

Legally, Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, rental car companies often require an IDP anyway because of their insurance policies. Check your rental agreement before booking. If you are driving your own car, an IDP is not required by law but is recommended as a precaution.

What should I do if my International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

You can continue to drive on your home license alone in most countries. However, rental companies may refuse to rent to you. Contact your country's consulate or embassy for guidance. Most will not issue a replacement IDP abroad, but they can advise you on your options.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. It expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you use it. If your home country driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.

Do I need both my home license and the International Driving Permit, or just one?

You must carry both together. The IDP is a translation tool, not a replacement for your home license. Your home license is what actually authorizes you to drive; the IDP straightforward helps officials in other countries read it.