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 actually 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)
- USA: AAA (American Automobile Association) or AATA — $20-25, in-person or by mail
- UK: Post Office — £5.50, same-day issue
- Canada: CAA — $25, in-person at branch
- Australia: NRMA, RACV, RACQ depending on state — A$45-50
- New Zealand: AA New Zealand — NZ$30
- India: Regional Transport Office (RTO) — ₹1,000-1,500
- 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
Many websites offer “International Driver’s Licenses” or “International Driving Documents” for $50-200. Most are fraudulent. Only IDPs issued by your home country’s authorized body are valid.
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
If a website claims to issue IDPs valid worldwide for $100+ instantly, it’s a scam.
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.
Bottom line
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.
