Planning to drive on your next trip abroad? Then you’re probably wondering, “Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?” The answer depends on factors like your destination, your home country, and the policies of the car rental companies you’ll be using. This guide covers everything you need to know: what an IDP is, where to get one, and whether it’s necessary for your travels. So buckle up, and let’s get started, cos we’re going for a drive!
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that allows you to drive in foreign countries without having to take another driving test. It is recognized in over 150 countries and serves as a translation of your domestic driver’s license, making it easier for local authorities to understand your driving credentials.
There are three types of IDPs: 1926, 1949, and 1968. These numbers correspond to the international conventions established in those years, which set the rules for each type of permit. The specific IDP you need depends on the countries you plan to drive in, as each may recognize a different version.
Why do I need an International Driving Permit?
While not all countries require an International Driving Permit, having one can help prevent legal issues and make interactions with foreign authorities smoother, especially if you’re stopped while driving. An IDP is particularly useful in countries where English is not widely spoken, as it translates your driver’s license into ten different languages. This makes it easier for local officials to verify your driving credentials, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or delays during your travels.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad depends on both the country you’re visiting and the specific policies of the rental car company. Some countries and rental agencies require an IDP, especially if your driver’s license is not in the local language. To be sure, check with the car rental company directly before your trip.
In general, having an IDP can help you avoid any unexpected issues at the rental counter, regardless of the country or agency. Since requirements can vary, carrying an IDP is a smart precaution that ensures smoother travel.
How to Get an International Driving Permit: Online and In-Person
You have two main options for obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP): applying online or in person.
- In-Person Application: In most countries, you can get your IDP through a national motoring organization (like the AAA in the U.S. or the AA in the UK). Applying in person is often the quickest way—many organizations issue the IDP on the same day. However, if you choose to apply by mail, processing times can vary from a few days to a few weeks, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
- Online Application: If you prefer the convenience of applying from home, many organizations, such as the International Driver’s Association, offer a fully online application process. This option is especially helpful for last-minute needs, as some providers can process and issue an IDP in just a few minutes.
Choose the method that best suits your timeline and preference.
Where can I get an IDP in-person?
Before March 2024 in the UK, you could apply for an IDP from the Post Office, but since then the IDP service has moved PayPoint stores. I’ve never heard of PayPoint myself, but it seems totally legit and applications only cost £5.50. You also only need your photocard license and one passport photo to get it.
From your local AAA office or their website: complete the application form, and submit it with two passport-sized photos, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and a fee (usually around $20).
Aternatively, get one from the AATA – American Automobile Touring Alliance by downloading the application form from the AATA website, and sending the form with two passport-sized photos, a photocopy of your driver’s license, and the fee to the address provided.
CAA (Canadian Automobile Association). Visit a local CAA office, complete the application form, provide two passport-sized photos, a valid Canadian driver’s license, and a fee (usually around CAD 25).
The Australian Automobile Association is the issuing authority in Oz for IDPs. You can apply online directly from them, or if you need one urgently you can visit one of the following motoring organisations: NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, or the AANT, and pick one up in person. Online applications with the AAA cost 51 AUD plus postage.
These are usually available from your respective national Automobile Associations (e.g., ADAC in Germany, ACI in Italy, ÖAMTC in Austria). Visit the relevant automobile association office or website, complete the application form, send with two passport-sized photos, a valid EU driver’s license, and a fee (varies by country).
If you have the patience and will, you can get an IDP in India from one of its regional Automobile Associations. Having looked at the varying requirements for this, it does seem a little complicated to get an IDP in India. Typically, 4 passport photos are required along with a host of other documents. If you have the energy for dealing with all that bureaucracy then be my guest: Western India Automobile Association, Automobile Association of Southern India, Automobile Association of Upper India.
Can I get an International Driving Permit Online?
Yes, you can obtain an International Driving Permit online, making it a convenient option if you need it quickly or prefer to skip an in-person visit. The International Driver’s Association offers a streamlined online application process and can issue an IDP in as little as 8 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute travelers. Just be sure to have a valid driver’s license and a passport-sized photo ready for your application.
What are the requirements for getting an International Driving Permit?
To apply for an International Driving Permit, you’ll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Driver’s License: You need a current, valid driver’s license from your home country.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Most applications require at least one recent passport-sized photo.
- Application Fee: There is typically a fee for obtaining an IDP, which varies depending on your country and the issuing authority.
These requirements may vary slightly based on your location, so be sure to check the specific guidelines from your country’s IDP issuing organization.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit?
Whether you need an International Driving Permit depends on two main factors: your destination country and your home country. Some countries require an IDP for certain foreign drivers, while others only recommend it. Below, you’ll find a detailed country-by-country guide to help determine if an IDP is required or recommended for your specific destination.
However, it’s always a good idea to double-check the driving regulations of the country you plan to visit ahead of your trip. Some rental agencies may also require an IDP even if the country’s government does not.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
If you’re a driver from an EU/EEA country, you won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in other EU/EEA countries. However, if your driver’s license is from outside the EU/EEA, you may need an IDP depending on your specific destination and the rental company’s policies.
For British drivers, despite Brexit, an IDP is not required to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein if you hold a UK-issued photocard driving license.
Travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries may need an IDP. To confirm IDP requirements for your destination, check the country-specific guidelines below—just click on the flag of the country you plan to visit.
European countries where an IDP is required
An IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country. Brits only need one if driving for periods of more than 6 months at a time.
An IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country.
An IDP is required if your license is not in English and you are from outside the EU/EEA.
An IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country.
A 1968 IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country.
An IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country.
A 1968 IDP is required if your license is not issued by an EU or EEA country.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in French.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in Portuguese or issued by an EU/EEA country.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in French, Dutch, or German.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in Dutch, English, or German.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in German.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in German or does not include a photograph.
European countries where an IDP is recommended
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in English.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in English, French, German, or Italian.
EU/EEA Citizens: No IDP needed, your EU/EEA driving license is sufficient.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens: An IDP is recommended and often required.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in Hungarian or issued by an EU/EEA country.
EU/EEA Citizens: No IDP needed, your EU/EEA driving license is sufficient.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens: An IDP is recommended and often required.
EU/EEA Citizens: No IDP needed, your EU/EEA driving license is sufficient.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens: An IDP is recommended and often required.
In Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland, and Norway) an international driving permit is also recommended if your license is not in English, nor one of those Scandinavian languages.
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Do I need an International Driving Permit in the USA & North America?
A 1949 IDP is usually recommended, especially if your license is not in English. Some states and provinces require it, and as a result, some rental companies may ask for it. You may also need to show an IDP to your insurance company if you have an accident.
Similar to the US, a 1949 IDP is recommended, especially if your license is not in English. Some states and provinces require it, and as a result, some rental companies may ask for it.
Most European and US driver’s licenses are accepted in Mexico, but having a 1926 IDP is recommended nonetheless in case you get stopped. Some rental companies in Mexico might require an IDP, even if the government does not.
Do you need an IDP in the Middle East?
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in English or a Scandinavian language.
A 1968 IDP is required to drive and/or rent a car in Qatar.
British drivers need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) to drive on a UK driving licence in Israel, while US drivers don’t need an IDP.
A 1968 IDP is required for car hire in Saudi Arabia.
To drive in Jordan, a 1949 IDP is required.
Do I need an IDP in Australia and Asia?
A 1949 IDP is recommended if your license is not in English, and some rental companies will require it.
An IDP is required, specifically one issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Japanese authorities do not accept IDPs issued under other conventions.
An 1949 IDP is recommended if your license is not in English, and some rental companies will require it.
An IDP is required, along with your home country’s driving license. The IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention.
Foreigners are generally not allowed to drive with an IDP or their home country’s license. You must obtain a temporary Chinese driving license.
A 1949 IDP is required for car hire and stays of longer than 30 days.
An 1968 IDP is necessary for car hire and for stays of loner than 90 days.
An IDP is required along with your home country’s driving license.
An IDP is recommended, especially if your license is not in English. Some rental companies may accept your home country’s license, but an IDP is safer.
A 1968 IDP is required.
An IDP 1949 is recommended. While you might be able to rent a car with your home country’s license, an IDP can help avoid legal issues.
An IDP is recommended, though you can drive with your home country’s license for up to 12 months.
A 1949 IDP is required for stays of more than 30 days, along with your home country’s driving license.
A 1949 IDP is required in addition to your home country’s driving license when driving in Cambodia. Always check with rental companies for specific requirements, but generally, they will also ask for an IDP in Cambodia.
An IDP is required. Vietnam accepts IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.
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Online IDPRequirements for an International Driving Permit: in summary
Determining whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for your destination can be tricky, but the process of obtaining one is straightforward. Having an IDP can save you from potential legal issues and hassles, both when driving abroad and renting a car. Whether you get your IDP from your national motoring association or the International Driver’s Association, the key is to plan ahead and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
Now that you’re better informed, you can drive safely and legally at your destination. If you’re planning to drive in the UK or Austria, be sure to check out our detailed driving guides for those countries. And if you need to rent a car, don’t miss out on Discover Cars for the best prices and a wide selection of rental options.
Have you had experience with getting an IDP or driving abroad? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below. Safe travels and do drive carefully, ladies & gentlemen!
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