The Physical Document: Size, Color, and Layout

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport — about 6 by 4 inches when closed. The cover is typically gray or tan, with "International Driving Permit" printed across the front in large letters, along with the issuing country's name and official seal. The booklet contains 16 pages, most of which are blank or reserved for official stamps and notes from traffic authorities in other countries.

The first page inside holds your photograph (usually a passport-style headshot), your name, date of birth, and signature. Below that are your driver's license number and the date the IDP was issued and when it expires — typically one or two years from the issue date, depending on your home country. The pages that follow are printed in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Each language section repeats the same basic information about traffic rules and vehicle regulations, so police or rental agents in any country can understand what your permit says.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a small gray or tan booklet about the size of a passport, with your photo and license information on the first page.
  • The document is printed in ten languages so that traffic authorities and rental companies in other countries can read and verify your driving status.
  • Your IDP shows your home country driver's license number, not a separate license number, and is valid only when carried together with your actual driver's license.
  • The permit contains mostly blank pages intended for stamps and notes from foreign traffic authorities if you are stopped or involved in an incident.
  • An IDP issued in the United States looks different from one issued in Canada or the UK, though all follow the same basic format and contain the same core information.

What Information Appears on the Permit

The front inside page displays your full name exactly as it appears on your home country driver's license, your date of birth, your license number, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks). Your photograph occupies the upper left corner, and your signature appears below it. The issue date and expiration date are printed clearly, usually in the lower right section.

Below the personal information, the document lists the address where your home license was issued and the authority that issued it — for example, "Department of Motor Vehicles, State of California" if you hold a US license. This information helps foreign authorities verify your license status if needed. The remaining pages contain the same traffic and vehicle information repeated in each of the ten languages, so a police officer in France or Japan can look up what your permit says without needing a translator.

How the IDP Differs by Country of Issue

Although all International Driving Permits follow the same basic structure set by the United Nations, the cover design and some internal details vary by the country that issued it. A permit issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States has a different cover design than one issued by the Canadian Automobile Association or by the DVLA in the United Kingdom. The color of the cover, the placement of the official seal, and the specific wording on the front may differ.

However, the core content — your photo, name, license number, and the multilingual traffic information — remains the same across all countries. A police officer in any country will recognize an IDP from any other country because they all follow the same international standard. The differences are cosmetic and do not affect how the permit is used or recognized abroad.

What the IDP Does Not Show

The International Driving Permit does not contain a separate license number or a new photograph taken specifically for the IDP. Instead, it references your home country driver's license number and uses the same photograph from your home license process. This is why the IDP is never valid on its own — you must carry both your home license and your IDP together when driving in another country.

The permit also does not show your driving history, any traffic violations, or restrictions placed on your home license. It does not indicate whether your license is suspended or revoked in your home country. If a foreign police officer wants to verify your full driving record, they must contact your home country's licensing authority directly, which the IDP facilitates by providing your license number and issuing authority.

The Blank Pages and Their Purpose

Most of the pages inside an IDP are blank. These pages are not wasted space — they are reserved for stamps, notes, and official marks from traffic authorities in countries you visit. If you are stopped by police in another country, they may stamp or write notes on these pages to document the stop, any violations, or any incidents. Some countries' authorities use these pages to record traffic fines or warnings.

Over time, an IDP that has been used for multiple trips may accumulate stamps and notes from different countries. This record can be useful if you need to dispute a fine or provide proof of your driving history in a particular country. However, most travelers' IDPs remain mostly blank because they are never stopped or involved in incidents while driving abroad.

Security Features and How to Spot a Real One

A legitimate International Driving Permit includes several security features to prevent forgery. The cover has an official government or automobile association seal embossed or printed on it. The photograph is laminated or sealed under a protective layer so it cannot be removed or replaced. The text is printed in a specific format and font that matches the UN standard for IDPs.

The document should feel substantial — the pages are thicker than regular paper — and the cover should be rigid enough to protect the booklet when carried in a wallet or bag. If you are unsure whether an IDP you have received is genuine, compare it to the official description provided by the organization that issued it, or contact that organization directly. Counterfeit IDPs do exist, and using one abroad can result in serious legal consequences.

How to Recognize an Expired or Invalid IDP

The expiration date is printed on the front inside page, usually near the bottom right. An IDP is invalid once this date has passed, even if the pages are blank and the document appears to be in good condition. Some countries will not recognize an expired IDP, and rental car companies will refuse to rent to you if your permit has expired.

Additionally, an IDP is invalid if your home country driver's license has expired or been suspended. The IDP is only a translation and verification of your home license, so if the home license is no longer valid, the IDP is no longer valid either. Before traveling, check both the expiration date on the IDP itself and the expiration date on your home license to make sure both are current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my regular driver's license?

No. The IDP is not a standalone license — it is a translation and verification document that works only when carried together with your actual home country driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental counter, you must present both documents.

Does an International Driving Permit look the same in every country?

The basic structure and content are the same worldwide because they follow a United Nations standard. However, the cover design, seal, and some formatting details vary by the country or organization that issued it. A police officer in any country will still recognize and accept an IDP from any other country.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the organization that issued it (such as AAA in the United States) or your home country's licensing authority to report the loss. You can usually continue driving with just your home license, though some rental companies may require the IDP. You can request a replacement when you return home, though the process and cost vary by issuing organization.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

Most IDPs are valid for one or two years from the date of issue, depending on your home country. The expiration date is printed on the front inside page. An IDP is also invalid if your home country driver's license expires before the IDP does, so check both dates before traveling.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended?

No. The IDP is based on your current home license status, so if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. You must have a valid, active home license to be issued an International Driving Permit.