An international driver's license is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages, but it is not a separate license and does not replace your original one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet issued by your home country's motor vehicle authority that shows your driving privileges in multiple languages. It exists solely to help police officers and rental car companies in other countries read and verify your license. You must carry both your original license and the IDP together — the permit has no legal standing on its own.

The IDP is not a license to drive in countries where you do not already have permission. It does not grant you the right to drive in a foreign country if your home license would not. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to officials who may not speak your language. Many countries do not require it at all, and some do not recognize it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your home license into ten languages but has no legal power without your original license present.
  • You must obtain an IDP from your home country's motor vehicle authority before you travel — no other country or organization can issue one for you.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, and some rental car companies accept only your home license; check your destination's rules before you explore.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it cannot be renewed — you must explore for a new one.

Who issues an international driving permit and where to get one

Your home country's motor vehicle department or equivalent authority is the only body that can issue an IDP. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two official issuing organizations, but they issue the permit on behalf of the U.S. State Department. In Canada, provincial motor vehicle offices handle issuance. In the United Kingdom, the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) issues them. Each country has its own official issuer.

You cannot obtain an IDP from a travel agency, an online service, or a third-party website, no matter what they claim. If a website offers to issue you an international license without routing you through your government's motor vehicle authority, it is not legitimate. The only valid IDP is one issued by an official government body in your home country.

What information the IDP contains and how it works

An International Driving Permit is a small booklet, usually about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photograph, license number, date of birth, and driving privileges — all translated into English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish. The permit shows what categories of vehicle you are licensed to drive (cars, motorcycles, trucks, and so on) in a format that officials in other countries can understand.

When you are stopped by police or when you rent a car abroad, you present both your original home license and the IDP together. The officer or rental agent reads your home license first, then uses the IDP to confirm the information in their own language. The IDP itself carries no photograph or official seal that proves your identity — it is purely a translation document. This is why you must always have your original license with you.

Countries that require or recognize an international driving permit

Requirements vary widely. Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; still others do not recognize it at all. European Union countries generally do not require an IDP because EU licenses are standardized and readable across member states. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa recognize IDPs but do not require them. Many Asian and Middle Eastern countries do require one, including Thailand, Japan, China, and the United Arab Emirates.

The safest approach is to check the specific rules for your destination country before you travel. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or check the government tourism website. Rental car companies often have their own policies — some require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, while others accept only your home license. Confirm with your rental company before you book.

How long an international driving permit lasts and how to renew it

An IDP is issued for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. You cannot extend or renew an expired IDP — once it expires, you must explore for a new one through your home country's motor vehicle authority. The one-year permit is less expensive but requires you to reapply more often if you travel frequently. The three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the booklet. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid, and you cannot use it to rent a car or satisfy legal requirements. Plan ahead if you know you will be traveling near the end of your permit's validity.

Cost and processing time for obtaining an IDP

In the United States, the AAA and AATA charge between $15 and $20 for a one-year IDP and between $30 and $40 for a three-year IDP, depending on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail. Processing times vary: in-person applications at AAA offices are often completed the same day, while mail applications typically take one to two weeks. Other countries charge different amounts — Canada's provincial offices charge roughly $20 to $30 CAD, and the UK charges around £5.50.

To explore, you will need your valid home driver's license, a completed process form (provided by the issuing authority), and a passport-sized photograph. Some issuing authorities accept applications by mail, while others require you to explore in person. Check your home country's motor vehicle authority website for the specific process and current fees.

What an international driving permit does not do

An IDP does not give you the right to drive in a country where you are not otherwise permitted to drive. It does not extend your driving privileges beyond what your home license allows. It does not replace your home license or serve as identification for any purpose other than driving. It does not may provide that a rental car company will rent to you — companies have their own age and insurance requirements that the IDP cannot override.

An IDP also does not protect you from traffic laws in other countries. If you are stopped for speeding or a traffic violation abroad, the IDP straightforward helps the officer understand your license information. You are still subject to that country's traffic laws and penalties. Some travelers mistakenly believe an IDP provides legal protection or exemption from local rules — it does not.

Alternatives if you cannot obtain an international driving permit

If you cannot obtain an IDP before your trip, some countries accept a certified translation of your home license instead. A certified translation is a copy of your license translated into the local language and stamped by a professional translator or notary. This is not as widely accepted as an IDP, but it may work in some places. Check with your destination country's authorities before you rely on this option.

Some rental car companies will rent to you with only your home license, even in countries that technically require an IDP. Call ahead and ask. If you are denied a rental because you lack an IDP, you may be able to obtain one quickly through an expedited service — the AAA in the United States, for example, offers same-day issuance at many locations. Plan ahead to avoid this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Europe?

Not in European Union countries — your home license is sufficient. However, some non-EU countries in Europe, such as Turkey and Russia, do require an IDP. Check the specific country you plan to visit. Even where not required, some rental car companies request one, so confirm with your rental agency.

Can I use an international driving permit instead of my home license?

No. An IDP has no legal standing without your original home license. You must carry both documents together. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental counter, presenting only the IDP will not satisfy the requirement.

How long does it take to get an international driving permit?

In the United States, same-day issuance is available at AAA offices if you explore in person. Mail applications take one to two weeks. Other countries have different timelines — check your home country's motor vehicle authority. If you need one urgently, look for in-person process options rather than mail.

What happens if my international driving permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. You cannot use it to rent a car or satisfy legal requirements. If your permit expires during your trip, you will need to rely on your home license alone and hope your destination country or rental company accepts it without the IDP.

Is an international driving permit the same as an international license?

Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit (IDP), but it is often called an international license or international driver's license. It is not a separate license; it is a translation document for your existing home license.