Your Free Guide to International Driving Permits

What Is an International Driving Permit and How Does It Work

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into multiple languages. It's not a replacement for your actual driver's license—you must carry both documents together when driving internationally. The IDP was created through an international agreement called the Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which allows drivers to travel across borders with proof that they hold a valid license from their home country.

The IDP contains the same information as your regular driver's license, but it's formatted according to international standards. Your name, photo, license number, driving restrictions, and license class appear on the permit in a way that authorities in other countries can understand. Since different nations use different languages and formats for licenses, the IDP serves as a universal translator. A police officer in Germany, Japan, or Brazil can quickly understand your driving status without needing special training to read your home country's license format.

There are actually two types of IDPs that exist under different international conventions. The 1926 IDP follows an older format, while the 1968 IDP follows a more modern format that most countries recognize today. Some nations may recognize both types, while others only accept the 1968 version. The country you're visiting determines which type you might need, which is why researching your destination beforehand matters.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which type you receive and which organization issues it. However, your IDP is only valid as long as your regular driver's license remains valid. If your home country license expires, your IDP becomes invalid as well, even if the IDP itself hasn't expired yet.

Practical takeaway: Before traveling internationally, research which type of IDP your destination country recognizes and confirm that your home country driver's license is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

Which Countries Recognize International Driving Permits

Approximately 150 countries and territories recognize International Driving Permits as valid documents when accompanied by a valid domestic driver's license. These countries span every continent and include major travel destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Thailand, Australia, and Japan. However, recognition isn't universal—some countries don't recognize IDPs at all, and some have specific rules about which type of IDP they accept.

European Union countries generally recognize IDPs, though individual countries may have additional requirements. For example, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy all recognize IDPs from drivers with valid licenses from their home countries. Several EU nations require that your IDP be issued by an authorized body in your country of residence. In Asia, countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, and India recognize IDPs, though some have restrictions on which organizations can issue them.

In the Americas, Mexico, Canada, and most countries in Central and South America recognize IDPs. Australia and New Zealand both recognize IDPs for visitors. South Africa and several other African nations also recognize the document. However, some smaller nations, island territories, and certain countries don't recognize IDPs. For instance, some Caribbean islands and a few African nations have no formal IDP recognition.

The recognition situation can change, and local variations exist within countries. A province, state, or region might have different requirements than the national government. Additionally, rental car companies may have their own policies about which documents they accept, separate from what the country legally requires. Some rental agencies may require an IDP even when the country doesn't legally mandate one, while others might have additional requirements beyond what the country requires.

Practical takeaway: Check with your specific destination's government website, your car rental company, and your country's motor vehicle department to confirm current IDP requirements, rather than assuming recognition based on general information.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit From Your Home Country

The process for obtaining an IDP varies significantly depending on which country issues your driver's license. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Council of Touring Sport (AATS) are the two authorized organizations that issue IDPs. Most U.S. states don't issue IDPs directly through their motor vehicle departments. In Canada, the process differs by province—some provinces issue IDPs through their motor vehicle branches, while others direct residents to automobile associations.

In the United Kingdom, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issues IDPs directly. Australia issues IDPs through state-based licensing authorities. Japan's process involves obtaining an International Driving Permit through a police station or authorized organization with your Japanese license. Germany issues IDPs through local driving license authorities. Mexico's process involves obtaining one through the proper government motor vehicle department.

Generally, the process requires several common elements. You'll need to present your valid domestic driver's license. You'll need to provide proof of identity, which often means a passport or national ID card. Most issuing organizations require you to complete a form or application. There's typically a fee, which ranges from about $15 to $25 depending on the country and issuing organization. Processing times vary—some organizations issue IDPs on the same day, while others take several business days or weeks.

Location matters when obtaining an IDP. In the U.S., AAA has hundreds of offices nationwide, while AATS has fewer locations. If you live far from an issuing office, you may be able to mail your documents and fee to the organization, though this takes longer than visiting in person. Some countries allow you to obtain IDPs through post offices or authorized retailers in addition to official government offices.

Practical takeaway: Contact your country's motor vehicle department or the equivalent authority to learn which organizations are officially authorized to issue IDPs in your location, and confirm their current fees and processing times before you need to travel.

Documents and Information You'll Need to Provide

When obtaining an International Driving Permit, you'll need to gather specific documents and information. The primary requirement is a valid driver's license from your home country. Your license must be valid at the time you request the IDP, and some countries' issuing organizations require that your license remain valid for a minimum period after you receive the IDP—often at least 6 months. Organizations will verify your license information, so having it in hand when you apply is essential.

You'll also need proof of identity. A passport is the most widely accepted form of identity for IDP purposes, since it's recognized internationally. Some issuing organizations accept national ID cards, birth certificates, or state ID cards, but requirements vary. Check with your specific issuing organization about which forms of identity they accept before you go to submit your request.

A completed application form is necessary. Most countries provide this form either online or at the issuing location. The form typically asks for basic information: your full name, date of birth, address, license number, and sometimes your signature. You may need to provide information about the countries you plan to visit, though this is less common than it used to be. Some organizations require you to specify whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP.

Payment is required at the time of issue. The fee structure varies widely. In the U.S., AAA charges around $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit as of recent years, though fees change periodically. UK fees are typically around £5.50. Australian fees vary by state but generally range from $20 to $35 AUD. Issuing organizations accept payment in various forms—cash, credit cards, and checks are common, but online payments are increasingly available. If you're mailing your request, you may need to include a check or money order.

Some issuing organizations require a passport-style photo, though many don't. If a photo is required, you'll typically need one that meets passport photo standards: recent, clear, showing your face straight-on, with a neutral background. Check your specific issuing organization's requirements about photos before preparing your documents.

Practical takeaway: Gather your valid driver's license, passport, completed application form, and payment before visiting or contacting the issuing organization, and confirm their current photo requirements and accepted payment methods in advance.

Important Restrictions and Limitations of International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit has significant limitations that drivers need to understand before relying on it for international travel. The most important limitation is that the IDP is only valid when carried together with your original domestic driver's license. If you're stopped by police or in an accident and can only produce the IDP without your home license, it's generally considered invalid. This means