How To Get an International Driving Permit & Why You Should Get One (2024)

If you’re planning on driving in another country, you’ll need to get familiar with International Driving Permits (or IDPs). They’re inexpensive and easy to obtain — and even work as a form of identification in more than 180 countries worldwide. If you don’t remember to get one before your trip, you might not be allowed to rent a car or drive in other countries, so it’s important to read up on IDPs before you leave.

In this guide, we’ll list outall of the countries that accept an IDP to drive or rent a car, let you know some other reasons it will benefit you to have an IDP, as well as the process you’ll need to go through to obtain one before your next trip.

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An IDP is a special license that allows travelers to drive in foreign countries without having to take a written or driving test required to obtain a driver’s license in that country. It’s a standardized card that’s accepted in over 180 countries around the world.

This document shows local authorities and rental car companies in other countries that you’re legally allowed to drive in your home state or country.

How To Get an International Driving Permit & Why You Should Get One (1)

Hot Tip: Many people and organizations use “International Driver’s Permit” interchangeably to refer to the “International Driving Permit.”

Reasons To Get an IDP

There are a few important reasons why you’ll want to get an IDP:

1. Valid in Most Countries

Each country has its own requirements for foreign visitors who want to drive. Some, like Canada and Mexico, recognize U.S. driver’s licenses, but this isn’t always the case. Most countries around the world don’t recognize U.S. driver’s licenses as a form of identification or ability to drive, but they will recognize an IDP.

Specifically, a valid IDP is recognized in all the countries and states that have ratified the United Nations’ 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. In addition, a number of countries that weren’t a part of the 1949 Convention also recognize the IDP.

These 184 countries include:

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Afghanistan*DenmarkKyrgyzstanRussia
AlbaniaDjibouti*LaosRwanda
AlgeriaDominica*/**Latvia

St. Kitts & Nevis*/**

Andorra*Dominican Rep.LebanonSt. Lucia
Angola*EcuadorLesotho

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Anguilla*/**EgyptLiberia*San Marino
Antigua*/**El Salvador*Libya*

São Tomé & Príncipe*

Argentina

Equatorial Guinea*

Liechtenstein*Saudi Arabia*
Armenia*Estonia*Lithuania*Senegal
ArubaFijiLuxembourgSerbia
AustraliaFinlandMacao*Seychelles
Austria

France (including French overseas territories)

MadagascarSierra Leone
Azerbaijan*

French Polynesia

MalawiSingapore
BahamasGabon*MalaysiaSlovakia
Bahrain*The GambiaMaliSlovenia*
BangladeshGeorgiaMaltaSouth Africa
Barbados**Germany*Mauritania*Spain
Belarus*GhanaMauritiusSri Lanka
BelgiumGibraltarMexico*Sudan*
BelizeGreeceMoldova*Suriname
BeninGrenada**MonacoSwaziland
Bhutan*GuatemalaMontenegroSweden
Bolivia*GuernseyMontserrat*/**Switzerland*
Bosnia*Guinea*MoroccoSyria
BotswanaGuinea-Bissau*Mozambique*Taiwan
Brazil***GuyanaMyanmar*Tajikistan*
Brunei*HaitiNamibiaTanzania
BulgariaHerzegovina*Nepal*Thailand
Burkina Faso*Honduras*NetherlandsTogo
CambodiaHong Kong

Netherlands Antilles

Trinidad & Tobago***

Cameroon*HungaryNew CaledoniaTunisia
CanadaIcelandNew ZealandTurkey

Cape Verde Islands*

IndiaNicaragua*Turkmenistan*
Cayman Islands*Indonesia*NigerUganda

Central African-Rep Chad*

Iran*NorwayUkraine*
ChileIrelandOman*

United Arab Emirates

Colombia*IsraelPakistan*United Kingdom
Comoros*ItalyPanama*Uruguay***
CongoJamaica

Papua New Guinea

Uzbekistan*
Costa Rica*JapanParaguayVatican City
Cote d’IvoireJersey*PeruVenezuela
Croatia*Jordan*PhilippinesVietnam*
CubaKazakhstan*PolandWestern Samoa
CuraçaoKenya*PortugalYemen*
CyprusKorea (Rep.)Qatar*Zambia
Czech RepublicKuwait*RomaniaZimbabwe

* International Driving Permit is honored, but not part of 1949 Convention
** U.S. driver’s license and IDP recognized on presentation to local police and payment of special registration fee upon arrival
*** If you plan to drive in Brazil, Uruguay, or Trinidad & Tobago you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) issued by AAA

Hot Tip: You’ll still need your passport, passport card, or enhanced license to travel to Canada or Mexico. Your driver’s license isn’t sufficient to cross borders.

2. Reduces Language Barrier

An IDP contains your name, photo, and your driver information translated into 10 different languages. This could help in numerous situations — even instances unrelated to driving or renting a car. If you find yourself in another country and need to provide identification, you might be glad you have your IDP to help make this process smoother.

3. Might Be Needed To Rent a Car

Many major car rental companies internationally might require an IDP to rent a car, depending on local requirements.

For instance, Alamo notes in its FAQs something that anyone driving in the U.S. should consider when weighing whether they need an IDP. It asks: “Will the police officer be able to understand the information on [your] driver’s license? If the answer is no, an International Driver’s Permit is highly recommended.”

This general rule should be applied to rentals in other countries as well. For example, if your license is in English and you’re traveling to a place where English (or other Romance languages) are not the norm, you would want to have an IDP to help bridge the language gap in case you needed to rent a car or got pulled over by local law enforcement.

Bottom Line: You’ll have to check the rental agreement terms for your rental car company and destination to see if an IDP is required or just highly recommended.

How Do You Get an IDP?

IDPs can be issued to anyone 18 years or older who has had a valid driver’s license for 6 months or longer. You must also be a permanent resident of the U.S. or a U.S. territory. It’s also important to remember that you’ll want to apply for an IDP before you leave for your trip, so a bit of advanced planning is required.

There is only 1 organization in the U.S. that issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA). This means that places like your local DMV don’t offer IDPs.

Here are some details about how to apply for an IDP at AAA:

AAA

How To Get an International Driving Permit & Why You Should Get One (2)

You can apply in person at any full-serviceAAA branchor by mail. You’ll need:

  • A completed IDP application, which can be picked up at a AAA branch or downloaded here
  • 2 original passport-size photos (with your signature on the back)
  • A check or money order made payable to AAA for $20
  • If desired, include additional U.S. funds for expedited return mail service. AAA refers you to seeUSPS, FedEx, or UPSfor rates.
  • A current driver’s license (or a photocopy of both sides if applying by mail)

To apply by mail, send your completed application, fee, and a photocopy of both sides of your driver’s license to your local AAA branch. Otherwise, head to your AAA branch to submit your application in person.

If you’re already overseas, AAA also provides an option for sending your application abroad. But be aware that this process will take 4 to 6 weeks, so it won’t be much help if you have a shorter trip!

Mail all information as well as a street address for delivery to:

AAA/IDP
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
Attn: Mail Stop #28

Bottom Line: If you’d like to apply for your IDP online, unfortunately, you’re out of luck. Since you need to provide your passport photos, you’ll need to apply in person or mail in your application.

How Long Does It Take To Get an IDP?

Make sure to plan ahead if you’re planning to drive on your next international trip. While it will only take 5 to 10 minutes to fill out the application for your IDP, the total processing time could take anywhere from a day (if you go to a AAA location in-person) up to 2 weeks if you mail your application in and opt for a standard shipping option.

How Long Is an IDP Valid For?

IDPs typically remain valid for 1 year or through the expiration of your existing state driving license.

You must apply for a new IDP every year.Every time a new IDP is required, you will have to go through the same application process we’ve noted above.

Being Prepared To Drive in Other Countries

Before you travel and make plans to drive, it makes sense to do a bit of research on the specific requirements of your destination.

As we noted above, always make sure to carry your valid U.S. driver’s license when driving internationally as your IDP is invalid without your driver’s license to accompany it. IDPs only act as a translation of domestically-accepted licenses and do not by themselves allow those without government-issued driver’s licenses to drive abroad.

In reality, you’ll rarely be asked to provide your IDP, but this doesn’t mean it’s not worth obtaining. In countries that require and ask you to provide it, the penalties are serious should you drive without one. In Japan, for instance, there are a few extreme cases of being arrested for driving without an IDP.

Even with an IDP, you should still review the driving requirements and laws for the countries you’ll be driving in on your vacation. This includes familiarizing yourself with things like street signs, driving directions, alcohol consumption rules, speed limits, and more. You’ll also always need to abide by local driving laws, of course.

Which U.S. States Require an International Driving Permit for Foreign Visitors?

While the U.S. government doesn’t require foreign visitors to have an IDP, many U.S. states have laws that do require an IDP in certain instances. This means that foreign visitors trying to drive or rent a car in the U.S. need to be aware of these requirements based on their destination.

These U.S. states include:

Hot Tip: IDPs must be issued in the same country as the driver’s license of the traveler. For example, if someone from Spain has a Spanish driver’s license, their IDP must also be issued in Spain. AAA does not issue IDPs for those that carry a foreign driver’s license.

Beware of Fakes

Be aware of websites that offer you an “International Driver’s License.” While some people use the term International Driver’s License interchangeably with an International Driving Permit, there isn’t actually a document called an International Driver’s License.

Some websites will try to sell you this so-called International Driver’s License, but, unfortunately, this is a useless document that won’t work internationally. Foreign officials are familiar with IDPs and will immediately be able to sniff out a fake document.

This goes hand in hand with our other piece of advice — don’t obtain an International Driving Permit from any organization other than AAA.

Final Thoughts

An International Driving Permit is accepted in over 180 countries worldwide and is cheap and easy to obtain. When you know you’ll be renting a car in another country during your travels, an IDP is a useful document to get before you leave.

While you won’t always be asked to provide your IDP in order to rent a car, you’ll definitely want to have one if you get pulled over or you’re asked to provide identification. Finally, remember there is only 1 legitimate places to obtain an IDP in the U.S. — AAA. Make sure you head to a local office or mail in your application before you leave for your next trip!

How To Get an International Driving Permit & Why You Should Get One (2024)

FAQs

Which country needs International Driving Permit? ›

International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand.

How does a US citizen get an international driver's license? ›

You will need to provide:
  • Download and fill out an application (new tab), and bring it to your nearest AAA Travel office** (new tab).
  • Two original passport pictures (also available at AAA Travel offices**).
  • A valid U.S. driver's license.
  • Pay $20 USD permit fee and you're ready to go!***

Can I drive in Europe with a US license? ›

If you're American or Canadian, your passport and driver's license are all you need in most European countries. However, some countries also require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is an official translation of your US license (making it easier for a local police officer to write out a ticket).

Which US states require an International Driving Permit? ›

What US States need international driving permit?
  • State. IDP Required - YES/NO.
  • Alabama. Yes.
  • Alaska. Yes.
  • Arizona. No.
  • Arkansas. Yes.
  • California. No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
  • Colorado. No (unless in State for more than 90 Days)
  • Connecticut. Yes.
Oct 7, 2019

What countries accept a US driver's license? ›

Check which license you need while driving outside the U.S.
  • Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico.
  • In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.
Dec 6, 2023

Can I drive in Italy with a US license? ›

Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.

How much is international drivers license USA? ›

$20.00 Permit fee. If mailing application, a photocopy of BOTH SIDES of U.S. Driver's License must accompany completed signed application, along with check or money order only (NO CASH by mail) Optional: Additional postage in U.S. funds for expedited return mail (see USPS.com for rates)

Do I need an international driver's license to rent a car in Italy? ›

If you're a non-EU citizen that would like to rent a car in Italy, it's essential to hold an International Driver's Permit. The Italian car rental might not ask for it, but it is required by law that you have one, and it may be requested during a police check.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Italy? ›

Italy signed 2 United Nations conventions (Geneva 1949; Vienna 1968), and it is a legal requirement for visitors from non-EU and non-EEA countries to have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to rent a car and legally drive in Italy.

How to rent a car in Europe as an American? ›

What are the driver license requirements for car rental in Europe? All drivers must product a valid driving license and passport at the pick-up date of rental. An International Driver Permit is required if the driver license is not in English.

Is it difficult for an American to drive in Europe? ›

The mechanics of driving in Europe aren't all that different from home, but the first day or two can be an adjustment. Drive defensively, observe, fit in, avoid big-city streets when you can, know how to operate your GPS (and have a good printed map along), and wear your seat belt.

Is there a way to drive to Europe from the US? ›

You would need to drive to the easternmost point of North America (usually in Newfoundland, Canada), take a ferry to Greenland, drive across Greenland, take another ferry to Iceland, and then use a series of ferries and the Channel Tunnel to cross into mainland Europe.

How do I get an International Driving Permit with a U.S. license? ›

In the US, individuals at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license from a U.S. state or territory, can purchase an official IDP. To get an IDP, you need to have a valid driver's license from any U.S. State, fill out the international drivers license application and pay the fee.

How long is U.S. International Driving Permit valid? ›

An IDP cannot be postdated, extended, or renewed, and is valid for only one year from the date of issue. Additionally, be sure that your driver's license will not expire during that time. You must have both an unexpired IDP and an unexpired driver's license to drive legally.

How long is an international driver's license valid in Europe? ›

The 1949 Geneva Convention states that an IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue, with a grace period of six months. There is a European Agreement supplementing the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, in addition to the 1949 Protocol on Road Signs and Signals, concluded in Geneva on 16 September 1950.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Iceland? ›

Can you drive in Iceland with an international licence? If you have a valid driving licence with a licence number, a photograph, a valid date and in Latin letters, then you won't need an international licence. Should this not be the case though, you will have to apply for an international licence to drive in Iceland.

Does Germany require an International Driving Permit? ›

Do I Need an IDP in Germany? Licensed Americans looking to rent a car in Germany should be aware they need an IDP to pick-up and drive their rental in Germany. IDPs are also required if you are looking to drive outside of the country in neighboring Austria.

Do I need an international driver's license in France? ›

If you intend to drive in France, you will need Permis de Conduire International as a tourist or resident if: Your driver's license isn't in French. Your driver's license wasn't issued by an EU member state, the United Kingdom or Switzerland.

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