Travel Glossary

Travelling abroad with your car? Planning to rent a car to enhance the comfort of your trip? Then, you might know that you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Despite being around for nearly a hundred years, this document is actually not very well known.

On this page, you can find out whether this permit is obligatory when travelling by car and which countries require an International Driving Permit.

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is basically a document that entails both the translation of your domestic driver's license and a validation. The document is accepted across 150 countries and allows holders to drive their vehicles in these countries.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) cannot be used within the country of issuance. Additionally, when presented to foreign authorities, IDP holders must also provide their national driver’s license.

The permits are regulated by three international conventions: the 1926 Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

International Driving Permits (IDPs) are issued by authorised associations in various countries. You can check the relevant authorities on your country's website for detailed information regarding obtaining IDP.

What Are the Differences Between Different IDPs?

Since there are three different conventions governing IDPs, you should check which one the country you're travelling to has signed. The most recent convention is usually the binding one. The main difference between conventions is the regulations and limitations regarding the car you will be able to drive on foreign soil.

Signees of the 1968 Convention do not require the citizens of other signees to carry IDP as long as their passports are issued in one of the international languages or their official language.

Additionally, agreements between countries can waive the requirement for an International Driving Permit (IDP) for each other's citizens. For instance, while Malta has not signed the 1968 Convention, UK nationals can drive in Malta without needing an International Driving License UK. Similarly, although both Mexico and the USA are parties to the 1949 Convention, neither requires an IDP from the other's citizens.

Which IDP do you need?

As mentioned above, there are three different types of IDP, depending on the year of the convention signed: 1926, 1949, and 1968. The type of International Driving Permit (IDP) you need depends on which international convention the country you're visiting has signed.

You can find an updated list of countries that are part of the 1949 and 1968 conventions in the UN's official archive.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You can apply for International Driving Permit by following these steps:

1. Check what countries require an IDP to see whether you need to obtain a permit,
2. Afterwards, find the relevant authority that issues the permit in your country  - these authorities are usually motorists or touring associations. However, there might be exceptions; for example, in the UK, you can get your International Driving Permit UK at certain shops that have PayPoint,
3. Check which documents they require and the driving permit fee,
4. Make sure that your driver's license is valid throughout the duration of your trip - the permit is valid as long as your driver's license is. If your driver's license doesn't cover the whole journey, you might need to renew it as well,
5. Apply for the permit following the instructions provided by the issuing authority.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for an IDP?

The only documents you need to submit when applying for an IDP usually are:

• Your domestic driver's license,
• One or two passport-size photographs.

However, the local regulations might require you to provide further documentation, such as proof of residence. Therefore, you should check the official website of the IDP-issuing authority in your country to see which documents are needed.

Is a printed International Driver's Permit mandatory, or is a digital version sufficient?

The acceptance of a digital IDP can differ significantly between countries and specific government agencies. It's essential to check the exact requirements of the country you plan to visit. Even though some countries accept digital permits alone, it is always recommended to keep the printed one to avoid any inconveniences.

Also, the format of the IDP needed for car hire may depend on the rental agency's own rules as well.

How much does an International Drivers Permit cost?

The costs of an International Drivers Permit differ between countries and the associations providing the permit. For example, in the UK, drivers can obtain an IDP UK for only £5.50 at PayPoint stores. In the US, the permit is usually around $20, AU$51 in Australia, and NZ$39.50 in New Zealand.

Therefore, it is advisable to contact the motorist associations in your country that are authorised to issue the license for more information about the fees charged.

Where Can You Use Your International Driving Permit?

You can use your International Driving Permit for a wide variety of purposes. First, if you're stopped by the local police while driving, you might need to provide an International Driving Permit. Although some countries have more flexible laws - and some don't even require you to carry an IDP - in some countries, your driver's license will be completely invalid without an IDP. In this case, you might be fined or even arrested.

Besides, some rental agencies won't even rent you a car without seeing your IDP first. If they do, however, driving a rental car without an IDP is still risky; in the case of any damage, your rental contract will be void, and you'll have to cover the damage yourself.

Eligibility Requirements for an International Driving Permit

The main eligibility requirement for an International Driving Permit is having a local driver’s license. You must also be over 18 and have residency in the issuing country.

How Long Does an International Driving Permit Last?

An International Driving Permit is usually valid for between 1 to 3 years, depending on whether the issuing country is part of the 1949 Convention or the 1968 Convention.

Nevertheless, when it comes to the duration of validity, countries' own regulations and rules are the main determinants. Some countries allow visitors to obtain IDPs valid for only several weeks, usually as long as their tourist visas are valid.

International Driving Permit vs Local Driver’s License – What's the Difference?

The main differences between an IDP and a local driver’s license are:

• An IDP is the official translation of your local driver’s license,
• You cannot get an IDP without a driver’s license,
• A driver’s license permits you to drive a car, while an IDP allows you to drive in a foreign country,
• While a driver’s license is issued by the government, and IDP is issued by a third-party association,
• You cannot use an IDP in the country of issuance.

Driving Abroad: A Step-by-Step Guide

If the topic seems a bit confusing, you need not worry! Here's a step-by-step guide that will help you drive your car abroad freely!

1. Check whether you need an IDP: The first step in preparing for your trip abroad is checking whether you need an IDP. Your nationality and the country you're travelling to play a significant role here. For example, if you're a non-EU citizen travelling to the EU, you should see the requirements for driving in Europe.
2. Get your IDP from the relevant authority: Once you learn whether you need an IDP, you should apply to the relevant authority for the document.
3. Get insurance: Check whether your travel insurance covers you for the countries you're travelling through. Plus, if you're planning to rent a car, make sure that the insurance provided by the agency is sufficient.
4. Check the required documents to take your car out of the country: Check the documents, insurance, and taxes required to take your car out of the country with the relevant authorities. Plus, check the guidelines provided by the country of destination to see what documents you need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an International Driving License the same as an International Driving Permit?

Both yes and no. In reality, there is no document called International Driving License. The official name of the document is the International Driving Permit. So, if you want to apply for an International Driving License, you will actually apply for an International Driving Permit.

Can I Drive Without an International Driving Permit?

It is usually not recommended. First of all, rental agencies will ask for an IDP without renting you a car, sometimes even in countries that do not require the document itself. Alternatively, even if the agency doesn’t request it, a police stop might lead to inconveniences, such as fines and vehicle impoundment.

Nevertheless, some countries might not require you to carry an IDP. Countries that have signed the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic generally do not require an International Driving Permit from citizens of other signatory countries as long as the driver's license is in one of the country's official languages and includes the necessary information. Plus, some countries waive the requirement for an IDP through bilateral agreements, such as the arrangement between Mexico and the US.

How Long Does It Take to Get an International Driving Permit?

This question is also highly dependent on the country and authority that issues the said permit. Nevertheless, the applications made in person are usually issued faster, sometimes even within minutes, compared to applications by post, in which case the issuance of a permit might take several weeks.

Can I Renew My International Driving Permit?

Yes, you can always renew your International Driving Permit on the expiry of the old IDP, as long as you're a resident of another country. However, if your primary residence differs from the country that issued your driver's license, you may need to obtain a local driver's license. International Driving Permits are intended for temporary use while travelling abroad.

Do I Need to Carry My Local Driver's License Alongside My IDP?

Yes, you still do. Your domestic driver's license proves that you're eligible to drive a car; an International Driver's Permit, on the other hand, allows the officials in a foreign country to verify that you hold a valid driver's license.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen International Driving Permit

Your roadmap, in this case, should depend on the duration of your stay and whether you have a digital permit. Although they are less favoured by authorities, digital permits are still valid and should work in an emergency like this.

However, if you plan to stay in a foreign country for an extended period and do not have a digital permit, you might consider mailing your application to the domestic agency that issues International Driving Permits, explaining your specific circumstances for a fast permit.

What Languages is the International Driving Permit Written In?

The International Driving Permit is prepared in one of the official languages of the country you're travelling to. Plus, the last two inside pages shall be printed in French, and the preceding pages must repeat the holder's information in several languages, including English, Russian, and Spanish.

Can I Use My International Driving Permit for Identification Purposes?

No, an International Driving Permit isn't usually a valid form of personal identification document. An International Driving Permit is nothing other than an official translation of your local driver's license. Furthermore, these permits are issued by third parties, not by governments themselves. Therefore, the authorities won’t accept it as a legal form of identification.

What Happens if My International Driving Permit Expires While I’m Abroad?

Normally, International Driving Permits are issued to cover your whole trip. However, if, for some reason, your IDP expires while you're abroad, you can apply for a permit via mail.

An alternative might be having a certified translation of your International Driving Permit. According to the 1968 Convention, the certified translation of your domestic driver's license should work as an international driving permit. However, it's always vital to verify which convention the country you're in has signed.