Reviewed for safety and technical accuracy by an Auto Drive Tips subject-matter contributor. Road rules, licensing, and vehicle regulations vary by country and state — always verify the requirements that apply where you drive before relying on this guidance.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your home driver’s licence into multiple languages, accepted by foreign authorities and rental companies. It does not give you new driving privileges — you still need a valid home licence. It does smooth interactions with foreign police, satisfies rental company requirements, and is sometimes legally required for foreign driving. The guide below covers when you need one, how to get it, and what it does.
What an IDP is (and isn’t)
What it is
- A multi-language translation of your home licence
- Issued by an authorized body in your home country
- Recognized by countries that signed the 1949 or 1968 Geneva/Vienna conventions on road traffic
- Valid alongside your home licence — not a replacement
What it isn’t
- A driver’s licence — your home licence is still required
- Permission to drive vehicle types you’re not licensed for at home
- Valid forever — typically expires after 1-3 years
- Available to non-residents — must be issued in the country of your driver’s licence
Which countries require it
Countries that require an IDP for foreign drivers (non-exhaustive list):
- Europe: Italy, Spain, Greece, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia (officially required even if often not enforced)
- Asia: Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
- South America: Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay
- Africa: Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya
- Other: Australia (some states), New Zealand for stays over 12 months
Countries that do NOT require an IDP for tourists:
- USA, Canada (for English-language licences)
- Most EU countries for EU licence holders
- UK for short-term tourists with most foreign licences
Important: many rental companies require IDP even where the country doesn’t legally require it. Always check the operator’s requirements before assuming.
1949 vs 1968 Convention
Two different IDPs exist based on which convention the destination country signed:
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP: Required for older signatory countries; printed in pamphlet format
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP: Required for newer signatory countries; different format
Most countries accept the 1949 version. Some (notably the EU) accept either. Verify with the destination country which convention applies. Some travelers get both for multi-country trips.
How to get an IDP
Where to apply (must be your home country)
- South Africa: AA South Africa — R275
What you need
- Valid home driver’s licence
- Passport-size photo (typically 2)
- Passport (some countries)
- Application form
- Payment
Validity periods
- 1949 Convention IDP: 1 year typically
- 1968 Convention IDP: 3 years or until home licence expires
- Cannot exceed your home licence expiry date
Common scams and counterfeits
Counterfeit IDPs
The legitimate sources
- AAA or AATA in the USA
- Post Office in the UK
- NRMA, RACV, RACQ etc. in Australia
- CAA in Canada
- RTO in India
Practical use
1. Get it before leaving home
Most countries don’t issue IDPs to non-residents. You can’t fly to Japan and apply for an IDP there. Apply 2-4 weeks before international travel.
2. Carry both IDP and home licence
The IDP is invalid without the underlying home licence. Both required.
3. Some EU countries are flexible
In practice, English-speaking tourists from EU/USA/Canada/Australia often drive in many EU countries without IDP without issue. But if police stop you, lacking the legally required IDP can mean fines, vehicle seizure, or worse outcomes.
4. Rental companies — varies by company and country
Hertz, Avis, Europcar typically require IDP for non-EU licenses in many EU countries. Local operators may not check. Don’t rely on this; bring the IDP.
Common IDP mistakes
- Applying too late. Mail-order IDPs take 1-2 weeks; in-person same-day in many countries.
- Buying online “IDP” scams. Only your home country’s authorized body issues valid IDPs.
- Forgetting to bring home licence. IDP alone is invalid.
- IDP expired during trip. Check validity period before traveling.
- Wrong convention IDP. Some countries require specifically the 1968 version.
The permit is only one part of the paperwork
Apply through your home country’s authorized body (AAA, Post Office, NRMA, CAA, RTO depending on country) at least 2 weeks before travel. The IDP is a translation tool, not a separate licence — bring your home licence too. Required by law in many countries; required by rental companies in many more. Skip the online counterfeits.
Questions worth checking
- Can I buy an IDP after arriving abroad?
Usually it must be issued by an authorised organisation in the country that issued your driving licence, before travel. - Does an IDP guarantee that a rental company will give me a car?
No. Age, licence history, payment card, deposit and branch rules still apply. - Is an online international driving licence valid?
Many commercial documents are not official IDPs. Use the authorised issuer identified by the relevant government authority.
Use only the authorised issuer in your home country
Fees, documents, permit type and processing time change by country. Start with the transport authority, automobile association or other issuer named by the government where the licence was issued. Avoid websites that promise a worldwide “international licence” without checking the driver’s original licence and country of residence.
Apply early enough to correct a document problem before travel. Carry the permit together with the original licence and passport where required.
Related guides on Auto Drive Tips
- How to Rent a Car Internationally: A Practical Guide
- Airport Car Rental Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
- How to Plan a Multi-Day Road Trip
Sources and Further Reading
- USAGov international driving permit guidance
- USAGov driving in the U.S. for visitors
- USAGov: International Driving Permits
- USAGov: Driving in the United States for Visitors
An IDP is a supporting translation document, not a substitute for the valid licence and entry rules required by the destination.
