International Driving Permit (IDP) — Complete Guide for 2026

Do you need an IDP? The quick answer

An International Driving Permit is an official translation of your licence, valid alongside it — never instead of it — and it’s required or strongly advised across many non-EU countries, from Japan and Turkey to Brazil and Thailand. You must obtain it in your home country before you travel; you cannot buy one abroad. Which countries need it, and which version, is below.

Despite its importance, the IDP is one of the most misunderstood travel documents. This guide explains everything: what an IDP actually is, who needs one, where to get one, which version to apply for, and the most common mistakes travellers make.

What Exactly Is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit is a standardised document that translates your domestic driving licence into multiple languages (typically 8 to 12 languages depending on the convention). It is a grey or white booklet, roughly passport-sized, containing your name, photo, and the vehicle categories you are permitted to drive.

What an IDP Is Not

• It is not a licence. An IDP cannot be used alone. It is only valid when presented together with your original, valid domestic driving licence.
• It is not an international licence. There is no such thing as a universal “international driving licence.” Be wary of any website or service claiming to sell one.
• It is not a substitute for local requirements. Some countries require additional documentation (such as a temporary local permit) regardless of whether you hold an IDP.

The Two Conventions: 1949 Geneva vs 1968 Vienna

There are two international treaties governing IDPs, and the one that applies to you depends on which countries are involved.

1949 Geneva Convention

• IDP validity: 1 year
• Issuing format: Older, smaller booklet
• Key signatories: United States, Canada, Japan, many African and Asian countries
• Many countries worldwide recognise this version

1968 Vienna Convention

• IDP validity: 3 years (or until your domestic licence expires)
• Issuing format: Larger booklet with more language translations
• Key signatories: Most European countries, Russia, Brazil, many Middle Eastern countries
• The preferred version for driving in Europe with a non-EU licence

Which One Do You Need?

The answer depends on your home country and your destination:

If your destination accepts both conventions, either IDP version will work. When in doubt, check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country.

In the UK, Post Offices can issue both versions. Specify which one you need at the time of application.

Countries That Require an IDP

While the rules vary and can change, the following countries commonly require foreign drivers to present an IDP:

Asia

• Japan — Required for most foreign licence holders. Japan only accepts the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP. Licences from Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Monaco, Slovenia, and Taiwan are accepted with an official translation instead.
• Thailand — An IDP or a Thai driving licence is required.
• Vietnam — IDP required; must be the 1968 Vienna Convention version.
• Cambodia — IDP required or a Cambodian licence.
• South Korea — IDP accepted for up to one year.
• China — Neither IDPs nor foreign licences are accepted. You must obtain a temporary Chinese licence.

See our Japan driving guide or Thailand driving guide for specific details.

Europe (for non-EU licence holders)

• Italy — IDP strongly recommended; required if staying more than one year.
• Greece — IDP officially required for non-EU licence holders.
• Spain — IDP required for licences not in Spanish.
• Austria — IDP required for non-EU licences not in German.
• Poland — IDP required for non-EU/EEA licences.

Visit our European speed limits guide or individual country pages like Italy and Greece.

Americas

• Brazil — IDP required (1968 Vienna Convention).
• Argentina — IDP recommended.
• Chile — IDP recommended.

Africa

• Kenya — IDP required.
• South Africa — IDP required if your licence is not in English.
• Tanzania — IDP required.
• Morocco — IDP required for stays over one year.

Middle East

• UAE — IDP required for tourist drivers.
• Saudi Arabia — IDP required.
• Jordan — IDP recommended.

Countries Where an IDP Is Generally Not Required

In these countries, a valid domestic licence (especially if in English or the local language) is typically sufficient:

• EU/EEA countries (for EU/EEA licence holders)
• United States (for short-term visitors with foreign licences)
• Canada (for short-term visitors)
• Australia (for visitors with licences in English; non-English licences need a certified translation)
• New Zealand (valid foreign licence accepted for up to 12 months)

However, even in these countries, carrying an IDP provides an extra layer of documentation that can smooth interactions with police or car rental agencies.

How to Get an IDP

United Kingdom

• Where: Participating Post Offices only
• Cost: GBP 5.50
• What to bring: Your valid UK driving licence, a passport-sized photo, and proof of identity
• Processing time: Issued on the spot
• Versions available: Both 1949 and 1968 (specify which you need)

United States

• Where: AAA (American Automobile Association) offices only. AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) is also authorised but less common.
• Cost: USD 20
• What to bring: Completed application form, two passport-sized photos, valid US driving licence
• Processing time: Issued on the spot at AAA offices; 10-15 business days by mail
• Version available: 1949 Geneva Convention only

Australia

• Where: State and territory motoring organisations (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, AANT)
• Cost: AUD 39 approximately
• Processing time: Same day at office; 5-7 days by mail
• Version available: Both 1949 and 1968

Canada

• Where: CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) offices
• Cost: CAD 25 approximately
• Processing time: Same day at office
• Version available: 1949 Geneva Convention

Other Countries

Contact your national automobile association. In most countries, only the official motoring organisation is authorised to issue IDPs.

Avoiding IDP Scams

The internet is full of websites offering “international driving licences,” “international driving documents,” or “IDPs” that can be purchased online and delivered to your door. These are almost universally scams.

Red Flags

• Any website offering to sell you an IDP or international licence directly. Legitimate IDPs are issued only by authorised motoring organisations in person or by mail.
• Claims that the document replaces your domestic licence. No legitimate IDP works without your domestic licence.
• Prices significantly higher than the standard rates (GBP 5.50, USD 20, etc.).
• Promises of worldwide acceptance. No single document is universally accepted.
• Plastic card format. Real IDPs are paper booklets, not plastic cards.

These fake documents have no legal standing and presenting one to police in a foreign country could result in charges for driving without a valid licence or even fraud.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Getting an IDP When You Need One

Many travellers assume their domestic licence will be accepted everywhere. This works in some countries but not all. In Japan, for example, driving without the correct IDP is a criminal offence that can result in detention.

2. Getting the Wrong Convention Version

If Japan requires a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP and you arrive with a 1968 Vienna Convention version, it will not be accepted. Always verify which convention your destination recognises.

3. Letting Your Domestic Licence Expire

If your domestic licence expires, your IDP expires with it — regardless of the date printed on the IDP. Ensure your domestic licence remains valid throughout your trip.

4. Not Carrying Both Documents

Some drivers carry the IDP but leave their domestic licence at the hotel. This renders the IDP useless, as it is only valid when presented together with your original licence.

5. Assuming the Rental Agency Will Not Check

Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, many car rental companies require one. Being turned away at the rental counter because you lack an IDP is a surprisingly common and frustrating experience. It costs very little to obtain one — consider it cheap travel insurance.

Special Cases

China

China does not recognise IDPs from any convention. Foreign visitors who wish to drive must apply for a temporary Chinese driving licence, which requires a health check, a written test (available in English at some centres), and submission of your foreign licence with a certified translation.

Mexico

Mexico does not officially require an IDP for tourists, but having one can help during interactions with police, especially outside major tourist areas.

EU Citizens Driving Within the EU

EU and EEA licence holders do not need an IDP to drive anywhere within the EU/EEA. Your licence is mutually recognised.

UK Post-Brexit

Since Brexit, UK licence holders are now treated as non-EU licence holders in EU countries. While many EU countries still accept UK licences for short visits, some (like Spain and Italy) increasingly require an IDP. Always check current requirements before travelling.

IDP and Car Insurance

Your car insurance coverage when driving abroad is separate from IDP requirements. An IDP does not provide insurance. Ensure you have:

1. Valid motor insurance that covers the countries you will visit. In the EU, your policy typically provides minimum third-party cover across all member states (Green Card system).
2. Rental car insurance if hiring a vehicle. Consider whether your credit card provides CDW/LDW coverage.
3. Breakdown cover with international coverage.

For comprehensive car rental advice, see our car rental tips for driving abroad.

Conclusion

An International Driving Permit is one of the simplest, cheapest, and most useful travel documents you can obtain. At under USD 25 in most countries, and available in minutes from your local motoring organisation, there is very little reason not to get one before any international trip where you plan to drive.

The key points to remember: always carry it with your original licence, get the correct convention version for your destination, and never buy one from an unverified online source. With your IDP in hand, you are one step closer to exploring the world’s roads with confidence.

Browse our country driving guides to plan your next driving adventure, or use our country comparison tool to understand the differences between your home country and your destination.