What Is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your domestic driving license into multiple languages, recognized in over 150 countries under international conventions. It is not a standalone license - it must be carried alongside your valid home license, not instead of it.
Do you need one to rent a car abroad?
The requirement varies by country and by rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP for foreign drivers, some don't, and some rental companies ask for one regardless of local law. Always check both the destination country's requirement and the specific rental company's policy before you travel.
How to get an IDP
- Issued in your home country before you travel - it cannot be obtained once you've left or at your destination
- Typically issued by the same body that issues driving licenses, or an authorized motoring association
- Requires a valid driving license and passport-style photos
- Low fee, processed in person or by mail, and valid for 1-3 years depending on the issuing country
What an IDP does not do
- It does not replace your home driving license
- It does not qualify you to drive if you aren't already licensed at home
- It does not override the destination country's traffic laws
Common mistakes
Buying an IDP from an unofficial third-party website - it's only valid if issued by an authorized body in your home country. Another common mistake is assuming it's required everywhere; many countries accept a home license directly, especially if it's in English or includes a translation.