Planning to rent a car abroad? In many countries, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to be allowed to drive and rent a car. Here we explain what it is, where it's required, and how to easily get one.
📖 Contents
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your national driving license. It translates the information into multiple languages (up to 12 languages) and makes it easier for foreign authorities, police, and car rental companies to understand your license.
Important to know
- The IDP is not a separate license – it's a supplement
- You must always carry your regular license along with the IDP
- The IDP is not valid on its own
- It doesn't give you new driving rights – just translation of existing ones
📋 What it looks like
An IDP is a gray booklet in A6 format (slightly larger than a passport) with your photo and driving license information translated into multiple languages.
Where is an IDP required?
Within EU and EEA – NOT needed
Your national EU driving license is valid in all EU and EEA countries without translation. This includes popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Germany, and all Nordic countries.
Outside EU – Often necessary
In many countries outside the EU, an IDP is required or recommended:
| Country/Region | IDP Requirement |
|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 Europe | |
| EU/EEA countries (incl. Spain, Italy, France, Germany) | ✓ Not needed |
 United Kingdom |
✓ Not needed |
 Switzerland |
✓ Not needed |
 Turkey |
⚠ Recommended |
| 🌎 North America | |
 USA |
⚠ Strongly recommended |
| Canada | ⚠ Recommended |
| Mexico | ⚠ Recommended |
| 🌎 South America | |
| Brazil | ✗ Required |
| Argentina | ✗ Required |
| Chile | ⚠ Recommended |
| 🌏 Asia | |
 Japan |
✗ Required (special JAF version) |
 Thailand |
✗ Required |
| Vietnam | ✗ Required |
| Indonesia (Bali) | ✗ Required |
| Malaysia | ⚠ Recommended |
| South Korea | ✗ Required |
| 🌏 Oceania | |
 Australia |
⚠ Recommended |
 New Zealand |
⚠ Recommended |
| 🌍 Middle East | |
| UAE (Dubai) | ✗ Required |
| Israel | ✓ Not needed (first year) |
| 🌍 Africa | |
| South Africa | ⚠ Recommended |
| Morocco | ⚠ Recommended |
⚠️ Important
Even if a country doesn't require an IDP by law, many car rental companies may demand one. Always check the rental company's terms before your trip.
How to apply for an IDP
You can get an IDP through authorized automobile associations in your country:
In the USA
- AAA (American Automobile Association) – Visit any AAA office or apply online
- Cost: Approximately $20
- Processing time: Same day at office, 2-4 weeks by mail
In the UK
- AA (Automobile Association) or Post Office
- Cost: Approximately £5.50
- Processing time: Same day at Post Office
In other countries
Contact your national automobile association or transport authority. Most countries have authorized organizations that can issue IDPs.
💡 What you need to apply
- Valid national driving license
- Passport-sized photo (2)
- Application form
- Payment
Validity and rules
- Validity period: 1 year from issue date (or until your national license expires, whichever comes first)
- Always carry both: The IDP is only valid together with your original license
- Age requirements: Usually 18+ (same as your national license)
- Renewability: You can apply for a new IDP when it expires
Car rental and International Driving Permit
When it comes to renting a car, IDP requirements can vary:
Why rental companies may require an IDP
- Your license is in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, Japanese, etc.)
- Local law requires it
- Company policy for liability reasons
What happens without an IDP?
- You may be denied the rental car
- Insurance may be voided in case of accident
- You could face fines if stopped by police
⚠️ Better safe than sorry
An IDP costs very little and takes minimal effort to obtain. If there's any chance you'll need one, get it before your trip. It's not something you can get at the airport!
Common questions
Can I get an IDP at the airport?
No, IDPs must be obtained before you travel, from an authorized organization in your home country.
Is an IDP the same as an international license?
The IDP is often called an "international license" but it's technically just a translation document. It's not a separate license.
How long does an IDP last?
An IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national license expires – whichever comes first.
What does an IDP cost?
Approximately €15-50 depending on your country and the issuing organization. Express delivery may cost more.
Do I need an IDP for a motorcycle?
Yes, if your national license covers motorcycles, the IDP will translate those privileges too.
