International Driving Permit Checker — Do You Need an IDP?
Check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in your destination country. Find licence requirements, minimum driving age, and permit validity.
Check Your Requirements
Destination Details
- Driving Side
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- Minimum Age
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- Licence Validity
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- BAC Limit
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Speed Limits
- Urban
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- Rural
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- Motorway
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- Emergency
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What You Need
For complete driving rules, speed limits and requirements, see our full driving guide.
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International Driving Permit Checker
Check whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in your destination country. Enter your home country and destination to get a clear answer with specific requirements.
What This Tool Does
This tool tells you whether your driving licence is accepted in your destination country, whether you need an IDP, which IDP convention applies (1949 or 1968), and any additional requirements such as translations or temporary permits. It also explains how to obtain an IDP in your home country.
How to Use It
- Select your home country (where your driving licence was issued).
- Select your destination country.
- View the result: whether your licence is accepted, whether an IDP is required, and for how long you can drive as a visitor.
- Check any additional requirements (e.g., licence translation, minimum age differences).
Why This Matters
Driving without the correct permit can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and insurance invalidation. Requirements vary significantly — EU licences are accepted across the EEA without an IDP, but may need one in Japan, Brazil, or Thailand. Some countries accept IDPs for 3 months, others for up to a year.
Data Sources
Requirements are sourced from embassy and consular websites, the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic (1949 and 1968), and national transport authority guidelines. Always verify current requirements with the embassy of your destination country before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your domestic driving licence into multiple languages. It is not a standalone licence — you must always carry your original licence alongside the IDP. IDPs are issued by motoring organisations (e.g., AAA in the US, AA in the UK) and are valid for one year.
If you hold an EU/EEA driving licence, you can drive in all EU/EEA countries without an IDP. If you hold a non-EU licence (e.g., US, Australian), requirements vary by country. Some EU countries accept foreign licences for short visits, while others require an IDP. It is generally recommended to carry one for safety.
IDPs are relatively inexpensive, typically costing between USD 15-25 (or equivalent). In the US, AAA issues them for about $20. In the UK, the Post Office issues them for about GBP 5.50. You usually need a passport photo and your valid driving licence to apply.
Many car rental companies require an IDP if your licence is not in the local language or Latin script. Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, rental companies may insist on one. It is always safer to obtain an IDP before travelling to avoid issues at the rental counter.
The minimum driving age varies worldwide. Most European countries set it at 18, while the US allows driving from 16 in many states. Some countries like India set the minimum at 18 for cars and 16 for motorcycles under 50cc. Always check the specific requirements of your destination.
Most countries accept foreign driving licences for short-term visits (typically 3-12 months). However, some countries require your licence to be in their official language or accompanied by a certified translation or IDP. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to exchange your licence for a local one.