So I guess you’re planning to drive on your next holiday abroad, and you’ve been wondering ‘do I need an International Driving Permit?’ Well, the answer probably isn’t as straight forward as you’d like, as it depends on a number of different factors, including where you’re from and where you’re travelling to. To further complicate things, it can also depend on the policies of car hire firms, as they may ask you to show an IDP even if the government of the country you’re visiting doesn’t officially require it! Anyway, this guide covers everything you need to know about the International Driving Permit, including what it is, what it’s for, where to get it, and most importantly, whether you even need one for your destination or not. So buckle up, cos we’re we’re going for a drive…
1. What is an International driving permit?
An International Driving Permit is a document that allows you to drive in foreign countries without needing to take another driving test. It’s recognized in over 150 countries and, basically, it serves as a translation of your domestic driver’s license. There are 3 types of IDP: 1926, 1949, 1968, with each relating to the years when various international conventions where the rules for each permit were agreed upon between countries.
Why do I need an International Driving Permit?
While not all countries require an IDP, having one can prevent legal issues and ease communication with foreign authorities in case you are ever stopped. An IDP is particularly useful in countries where English is not widely spoken or understood. It translates your driving credentials into ten different languages, making it easier for local officials to interpret your license.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car abroad?
This depends not only on the country you’re visiting, but also the policies of whichever hire car company you use. You can, of course, check directly with the car rental company you plan to use, or, if in doubt, just get one, as having an IDP can help avoid any issues, regardless of which rental company you use or what countries you plan to drive in. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have one just in case.
2. How to get an International Driving Permit
There are different ways to get your international driving permit. Firstly, you can get one in your home country, usually through one of the national motoring organisations. If you apply in person for your IDP, you may be able to receive it on the same day, while mail applications can take anything from a few days up to a few weeks, so plan accordingly.
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?
If you need an IDP urgently (i.e. within hours or minutes), or you just want to do it all online without the hassle of visiting an office in person, then you can also get one from the International Driver’s Association. They can process one for you in as little as 8 minutes.
Requirements for an International Driving Permit
To apply for an IDP you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: you must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid national driver’s license: you need a valid driver’s license from your home country.
- Passport-sized photos: at least one recent passport-sized photos is required with applications.
- Application fee: like most things in life, an IDP don’t come for free! Fees vary by country and issuing authority.
3. Do I need an International Driving Permit when driving abroad?
This is really the key question here. Ultimately, whether you need an IDP depends on both your destination country, and where you are from. Below I’ve compiled a country by country guide to give you a clearer idea of whether or not you need an IDP at your destination, but it is probably also worth you checking the driving requirements of the country you plan to visit well in advance.
3.1 Driving in Europe
Drivers from an EU/EEA country, do not need an IDP to drive in other EU/EEA countries, whereas, if your driving license is from outside the EU/EEA, an IDP might be required, depending on the specific country and rental company’s policies. Despite Brexit, British people do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, assuming you have a photo card driving licence issued in the UK. For Americans, Canadians, Aussies and others from outside the EU, you can check our country specific guidelines below by clicking on the flag of whichever 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.
3.2 Driving in 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.
3.3 Driving 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.
3.4 Driving in Asia and Australia
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.
Do you need an International Driving Permit: in summary
Considering how challenging it is to work out whether or not you need an IDP for you destination or not, the process of actually getting one is pretty straightforward, and can certainly save you from potential hassles and legal issues when both driving abroad and when hiring a car. Whether you get your IDP from your national motoring club or the International Driver’s Association, the key is to plan ahead and ensure you meet all the requirements.
So hopefully, you’re now a little better prepared to drive safely and legally wherever you’re headed. If you plan to drive in the UK or Austria, then do check out our guides to driving there, and if you need to hire a car, then definitely check out Discover Cars for the best prices and range of hire car companies at your destination.
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