Free Guide to International Driver's Licenses

What Is an International Driver's License and How It Works

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your domestic driver's license into multiple languages. It is not a separate license that replaces your current one. Instead, it works alongside your regular driver's license when you travel outside your home country. Think of it as a companion document that helps police officers, car rental companies, and border officials understand your driving credentials.

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The IDP exists because driver's licenses from different countries use different formats, languages, and information layouts. When you cross an international border, officials may not be able to read your home country's license if it is in a language they do not speak. The IDP solves this problem by presenting your driving information in a standardized format using multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.

The IDP contains basic information about you and your driving privileges. It typically includes your name, date of birth, photograph, license number, address, and the categories of vehicles you are permitted to drive. Your signature also appears on the document. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue in most countries, though some nations issue three-year permits.

It is important to understand that the IDP is governed by international treaties. The most widely used treaty is the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic, with the 1968 Convention on Road Signs and Signals being used in many countries as well. Different nations follow different treaties, which affects which countries will recognize an IDP and for how long. Most countries recognize IDPs, but a few do not, so you should research your specific destination before traveling.

Practically speaking, you should carry both your domestic license and your IDP together when driving internationally. Without your original license, the IDP is not valid. Many car rental companies require an IDP as a condition of renting a vehicle, and some travel insurance policies specify that you must have one to be covered while driving abroad. Having this document prevents delays at borders and disputes with local authorities.

Which Countries Issue International Driving Permits and Where They Are Recognized

International Driving Permits are issued by authorized government agencies in over 150 countries worldwide. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Travel Association (ATA) are authorized to issue IDPs on behalf of the federal government. Canada's CAA (Canadian Automobile Association), Australia's AAA (Automobile Association of Australia), and similar national organizations in other countries serve the same function.

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The recognition of an IDP varies by country and is tied to which international convention that country has ratified. Countries that follow the 1926 Convention recognize IDPs from other 1926 Convention members. Countries that follow the 1968 Convention recognize permits from other 1968 Convention members. Some countries recognize both. A few nations, including some in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, do not recognize IDPs at all and may require a national driving permit translated by an official translator or a certified copy obtained through a consulate.

In Europe, IDPs are widely recognized and accepted across the European Union and in countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland. The United Kingdom, following Brexit, still recognizes valid IDPs from other countries. In Asia, major destinations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore accept IDPs from many countries, though China and India have more restrictive policies and may require additional documentation or a domestic permit obtained within their borders.

Central and South America generally recognize IDPs issued in accordance with international conventions. Countries including Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina accept IDPs from convention-member nations. Australia and New Zealand both recognize IDPs and often require them for car rental. The recognition situation in Africa is more fragmented, with some countries accepting IDPs while others do not, making individual country research necessary before travel.

A practical takeaway is to check your specific destination's requirements before departure. Contact the country's embassy or consulate, visit the official government tourism website, or contact international car rental companies operating in that country to confirm whether an IDP will be recognized. Some countries may accept an IDP but prefer additional documentation, such as a certified translation of your domestic license or an International Certificate of Competency. Knowing these requirements ahead of time prevents problems when you arrive.

The Process for Obtaining an International Driving Permit

Obtaining an International Driving Permit requires you to work with an authorized issuing organization in your country of residence. In the United States, the main providers are AAA and ATA. Similar authorized organizations exist in nearly every country worldwide. The process is straightforward and typically takes between one and seven business days, depending on whether you use standard or expedited processing.

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To obtain an IDP in most countries, you need to provide several documents. These include a valid domestic driver's license, a completed application form (which the issuing organization provides), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of your residence such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement. Some organizations require you to provide this information in person at their office, while others accept mail-in or online submissions. A few countries now offer some services through authorized third-party vendors at post offices or travel agencies.

The cost of an IDP is generally modest. In the United States, AAA charges between $20 and $30 for a one-year permit and between $30 and $50 for a three-year permit, depending on whether you visit in person or use mail service. Other countries have comparable pricing. Some organizations charge additional fees for expedited processing, which may reduce the processing time to 24 to 48 hours. These fees are typically between $5 and $15.

You will need to bring or provide your valid driver's license at the time of submission. The IDP cannot be issued if your domestic license is expired or suspended. You must also provide a photo that meets passport standards—usually meaning a clear, recent photo showing your face against a plain background, taken within the last six months. If your domestic license is not written in the Latin alphabet, you may also need to provide a certified translation or birth certificate to confirm your name.

A useful practical step is to contact your local issuing organization several weeks before your planned travel date to understand their specific requirements and processing times. If you are traveling internationally within two weeks, ask about expedited options. Keep in mind that you need a valid domestic license to obtain an IDP, so if your license is expiring soon, renew it first. Once you receive your IDP, store it securely and carry it with your passport and domestic license when traveling.

What Information an International Driving Permit Contains and How to Read It

An International Driving Permit is a booklet, typically wallet-sized, containing multiple pages with your driving information presented in different languages. The front cover states "International Driving Permit" or "Permis de Conduire International" in multiple languages. The booklet is standardized in format across countries that follow the same international convention, making it recognizable to officials worldwide.

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The primary information page contains your photograph, full name, date of birth, nationality, signature, and the date and place of issue and expiration. This page also includes your domestic license number. Below this, the document lists the categories of vehicles you are authorized to drive, based on the categories shown on your domestic license. These categories vary by country but typically include classifications such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, and vehicles with trailers. The permitted categories on your IDP will exactly match those on your domestic license.

Subsequent pages in the booklet translate your driving information into multiple languages. A typical IDP includes translations in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. Each language section restates your personal information and vehicle categories in that language. This repetition is intentional—it ensures that officials in any country can locate information in a language they understand without relying on a translator.

The document also includes explanatory information about what an IDP is, how long it remains valid, and which countries recognize it. Some IDPs include small maps or lists showing countries that recognize the permit. This information helps you understand the scope and limits of the document. The back cover typically contains contact information for the organization that issued the permit and instructions for replacement if the document is lost or damaged.

A practical consideration is learning to present your IDP correctly. When stopped by police or when renting a car, present both your domestic license and your IDP together. Most officials will examine your IDP first, as it is in the local language or English, and then may check your domestic license to verify that the information matches. Never present only the IDP—it is a translation tool, not a standalone document. If a page becomes damaged or your photograph becomes unclear,