If you’re visiting a new country and you plan to rent a car and drive there, you may be wondering ‘do I need an international driving permit?’. Well, put your seat belt on and brace yourselves, cos thanks to the plethora different rules and regulations, which are determined not only by your home country and where you’ll be visiting, but also sometimes the policies of your rental car company, the answer is rarely a straight forward one.
But don’t panic, because I’ve (painstakingly!) created this comprehensive guide which covers not only what an IDP is, and how and where to get one, but also what countries require an international driving permit in the first place (it may not even be necessary for your chosen destination).
One thing worth knowing before we dive in: an IDP is only ever valid for 12 months, and it never replaces your actual driving licence – you must carry both together, always.
So whether you plan to drive in Europe, North America, the Middle East or Asia-Pacific, I break down each country’s requirements for an international driving permit (also sometimes called an International Driving License) to give you the answers you need quickly. Buckle up cos we’re going on a road trip across the world!
International Driving Permit: The Basics
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’s recognised in over 150 countries and basically serves as a translation of your domestic driver’s license, making it easier for local authorities to understand your driving credentials if you ever get stopped.
There are three types of IDPs: 1926, 1949, and 1968. These dates correspond to the international driving conventions established in those years, which set the rules for each type of permit. The specific IDP you need depends on which country you plan to drive in, as each recognises a different version.
Why would I need one?
Having an International Driving Permit can help prevent legal issues and make interactions with foreign authorities smoother if you’re stopped while driving.
An IDP is particularly useful in countries where English isn’t widely spoken, as it translates your driver’s license into the local language. This makes it easier for local officials to verify your details, and reduces the risk of misunderstandings or delays during your travels.
How long is an IDP valid for?
An IDP is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, regardless of which country issued it or how long your underlying driving licence remains valid for. If your trip runs longer than a year, or you take multiple trips across different years, you’ll need to renew it before it expires, as it doesn’t renew automatically.
Do I need an IDP 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 you use.
Although pretty rare, the policies of each rental car company differ, and may not always align with the country you’re visiting. For example, while Greece may not require an IDP for Egyptian citizens, Hertz might do! Having an IDP can thus help you avoid any unexpected issues at the rental car counter, regardless of which country you’re visiting.
How to Get an International Driving Permit?
You may be under the impression that you can get a quick IDP in minutes from an online organisation that offers these – but that is NOT the case! Some private companies sell “international driving permit” translation documents online that are not the same thing, and won’t necessarily be accepted by police, rental companies, or your insurer.
There is only one way to get a legally valid official IDP, and that is in-person at your nationally registered issuing body – no online shortcuts exist.
In-Person Applications: 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 pretty quick, and many organisations issue the IDP on the same day. If you choose to apply by mail (rather than in-person) though, processing times can vary from a few days to a few weeks, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
Where can I get an IDP in-person?
How to get an IDP in UK
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’s totally legit and applications only cost £5.50. You also only need your photocard license and a passport photo to get it.
How to get an IDP in the United States
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).
Alternatively, 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.
How to get an IDP in Canada
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).
How to get an IDP in Australia
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.
European Union
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).
How to get an IDP in India
If you have the patience you can get an IDP in India from one of its regional Automobile Associations. Having looked at the varying requirements for this, it does unfortunately seem overly complicated.
Typically, 4 passport photos are required along with a host of other documents. If you’re ready to deal with all that bureaucracy then I wish you luck! Visit either the Western India Automobile Association, Automobile Association of Southern India, or the Automobile Association of Upper India.
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 which varies depending on your country and the issuing authority.
What Countries Require an International Driving Permit?
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Whether you need an International Driving Permit depends on two main factors: 1) your destination country; and 2) your home country. Furthermore, some countries require an IDP for certain foreign drivers, while others only recommend it, so if you don’t mind taking the risk you can probably get away with not having one in those countries.
Be careful though, because some car rental agencies may ask for an IDP, even if the country’s government doesn’t officially mandate one.
Here’s a detailed country-by-country guide to help you decide if you need an IDP for your next trip…
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Europe?
If you’re a driver from an EU/EEA country, you don’t need an International Driving Permit to drive in other EU/EEA countries.
Despite Brexit, British drivers that hold a UK-issued photo card driving license also don’t need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.
If your driver’s license is from outside the EU/EEA, you may need an IDP depending on which country you are visiting, and your rental company’s requirements. To confirm IDP requirements for your destination, check the country-specific guidelines below by simply clicking 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. Check my UK car rental and driving guide for more information.
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.
European countries where an IDP is recommended
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in French. Sacre bleu!
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.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in English, French, German, or Italian.
An IDP is recommended if your license is not in English.
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 all 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.
USA & North America
A 1949 IDP is usually recommended, especially if your license is not in English. Some states require it, and so rental companies may ask for it too. 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 provinces require it, and as a result, 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 too.
The Middle East
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.
Asia Pacific
A 1949 IDP is recommended if your license is not in English, and some rental companies will require it.
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, and car rental desks are known for being strict about this.
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.
A 1968 IDP is necessary for car hire and for stays of longer 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.
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.
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 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.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit: Final Thoughts
So yeah, determining whether you need an International Driving Permit for your destination can be tricky, but the process of actually getting one from your national issuing authority is actually pretty straightforward.
Having an IDP could save you from potential legal issues and hassles, both when driving abroad and renting a car, although a cursory look at travel forums will show you that many people do drive abroad without one and experience no issues whatsoever!
Anyway, now that you’re better informed to drive safely and legally at your destination, check out my guides to driving in the UK and Austria. And if you need to rent a car, be sure to check out Discover Cars for the best deals.
Have you had experience with getting an IDP or driving abroad? Is it worth it, or even necessary in your view? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below. Safe travels and wherever you end up – do drive carefully, ladies & gents!
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