An International Driving Permit translates your home license into a document other countries recognize

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign police that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that works alongside your actual license. Most countries that recognize it require you to carry both your home license and the IDP together; one without the other is not valid.

The IDP is issued under two international conventions: the 1926 convention and the 1968 convention. The 1968 version is more widely recognized globally. Your home country's automobile association or licensing authority issues the permit, and it typically lasts for one or three years depending on which convention governs it and which country issues it.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Many nations, particularly in Europe and North America, recognize your home license directly. However, some countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America either require an IDP or make enforcement easier when you carry one. Even where it is not legally required, rental car companies sometimes ask for it, and having one removes friction at checkpoints.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that accompanies your home license; you must carry both together to be valid.
  • The permit is issued by your home country's automobile association or licensing body, not by an international organization.
  • Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental companies and border officials often request it anyway.
  • The 1968 convention version is more widely recognized than the 1926 version, so confirm which one your issuing authority provides.
  • An IDP typically costs between $15 and $30 and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail.

Who issues the International Driving Permit and where to request one

Your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle licensing department issues the IDP. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two authorized issuers. In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues them. In the United Kingdom, the AA and RAC handle issuance. Each country has its own designated issuer or issuers.

You cannot request an IDP from an international body or from the country you plan to visit. You must go through your home country's official issuer. If you do not belong to an automobile association, you can still request one — most issuers accept applications from non-members, though membership sometimes waives fees or speeds processing.

The process process is straightforward. You provide your valid home license, proof of identity, a passport-sized photograph (requirements vary by issuer), and payment. Most issuers accept applications by mail, in person, or online. Processing typically takes one to two weeks by standard mail, though some offer expedited options for an additional fee.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an International Driving Permit

Legal requirements vary widely. Some countries explicitly require an IDP by law; others do not require it but recognize it when presented. A few countries do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

Countries that often require or strongly recommend an IDP include many in Asia (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand), the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates), Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Morocco), and parts of South America (Brazil, Argentina). European Union countries and most of North America do not require it, though having one does not hurt. Australia and New Zealand recognize home licenses directly for most visitors.

Even where an IDP is not legally required, rental car companies frequently ask for one. If you do not have it, some will refuse to rent to you; others will rent but may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Checking your rental agreement before you book can save you from surprises at the counter.

The difference between the 1926 and 1968 conventions

The two international conventions that govern IDPs differ in design, recognition, and validity period. The 1968 convention version is more modern and more widely recognized globally. It includes more detailed information about the driver and the license, and it is accepted in more countries.

The 1926 convention version is older and recognized by fewer countries. Some nations that signed the 1926 convention but not the 1968 convention may only recognize the older format. A small number of countries recognize both. When you request an IDP from your home issuer, confirm which convention version they provide — most now issue the 1968 version by default, but it is worth checking if you are traveling to a less common destination.

The validity period also differs: 1926 permits typically last one year, while 1968 permits usually last three years. This affects cost and how often you need to renew. If you travel internationally only occasionally, the longer validity of the 1968 permit makes it more practical.

What information appears on an International Driving Permit

An IDP contains your name, date of birth, license number, the date of issue and expiration, and a photograph. It also lists the vehicle categories you are licensed to drive (cars, motorcycles, trucks, and so on) in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Russian, and Greek. This translation is the permit's primary purpose — it allows a police officer or rental agent in another country to understand what your home license authorizes without needing a translator.

The permit does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. It straightforward confirms and translates the rights your home license already gives you. If your home license does not permit you to drive a motorcycle, your IDP will not permit it either. The IDP is valid only when presented alongside your actual, valid home license.

Cost and processing time for an International Driving Permit

The cost of an IDP ranges from $15 to $30 in most countries, depending on the issuer and the validity period. In the United States, AAA charges around $20 for a three-year permit for members and non-members alike. Processing by standard mail typically takes one to two weeks. Many issuers offer expedited processing for an additional $10 to $15, which can reduce the timeline to three to five business days.

Some automobile associations include IDP issuance as a member benefit at no extra cost beyond membership fees. If you are a member of AAA, CAA, or a similar organization, check whether your membership covers it before paying the full fee. Online issuers sometimes offer faster turnaround than in-person offices, though this varies by location and demand.

How long an International Driving Permit remains valid

An IDP issued under the 1968 convention is typically valid for three years from the date of issue. An IDP issued under the 1926 convention is usually valid for one year. Your permit is valid only while your home license is also valid — if your home license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if its own expiration date has not passed.

Some countries impose additional restrictions. A few nations recognize an IDP for only one year of driving within their borders, even if the permit itself is valid for three years. Others recognize it for the full validity period. Check the rules for each country you plan to visit to understand how long you can legally drive there on an IDP.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can usually continue driving on your home license alone in most countries, though you lose the translation benefit. Some countries may be less cooperative without the IDP present. If you lose it, contact your home country's issuer to request a replacement; this typically takes longer than the original issuance because it must be mailed to you abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe?

No. European Union countries and most other European nations recognize your home license directly. An IDP is not required by law in the EU, UK, Switzerland, or Norway. However, some rental companies ask for one, and carrying it removes any doubt at a checkpoint. If you are renting a car, check your rental agreement to see whether the company requests it.

Can I drive with just an International Driving Permit and no home license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried alongside your actual, valid home license. Presenting an IDP alone to a police officer or rental agent is not sufficient. You must have both documents together.

What happens if I drive in a country that requires an IDP and I do not have one?

You may be stopped by police, fined, or refused rental of a vehicle. In some countries, driving without the required documentation can result in your vehicle being impounded. The penalty varies by country and the officer's discretion. It is safer to obtain one before you travel if the country you are visiting requires it.

How do I know which countries require an International Driving Permit?

Your home country's automobile association can tell you, or you can check the government travel advisory for each country you plan to visit. Many countries list their driving requirements on their official tourism or immigration websites. Rental car companies also know the requirements for their operating regions and will tell you during booking.

Can I renew an International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can request a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. There is no penalty for early renewal. If you are planning a long trip and your permit will expire during your travels, renewing early ensures you have valid documentation for the entire journey.