Planning to rent a car overseas? Many countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa either require or strongly recommend an international driving permit for tourists driving abroad. This guide covers everything U.S. drivers need to know about obtaining and using an IDP.
Why you should carry an IDP when driving abroad
An international driving permit IDP is not a standalone license—it’s an official translation of your valid driver’s license into 10 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Regulated under United Nations conventions, this document helps foreign authorities verify your credentials.
IDPs are recognized in most countries worldwide, including popular destinations like Italy, Spain, Japan, Thailand, and South Africa. However, local driver’s licensing laws vary significantly. Car rental companies located in Europe and the Middle East frequently enforce IDP policies beyond national requirements, with reports of on-the-spot fines ranging from $100 to $500 in places like Italy or Japan.
Your IDP must be issued in the same country as your driver’s license. For U.S. residents, this means obtaining it inside the United States before departure.
Key benefits of carrying an IDP:
- Streamlined police interactions with local language translation
- Simplified car rentals avoiding disputes over license validity
- Photo and driver information in multiple languages
- Added ID verification in over 150 jurisdictions
Do you need an IDP for your specific trip?
IDP requirements depend on the foreign country you’re visiting, length of stay, and whether you’re renting or driving a private vehicle.
U.S. citizens typically don’t need an IDP for Canada or Mexico—your state issued driver’s license works for short visits. However, many foreign countries like Japan, Greece, Hungary, and Gulf states either legally require or countries highly recommend an IDP for rentals.
Some countries require a local license after extended stays. Check the U.S. Department of State country pages and confirm with your rental provider before booking.
Trip scenarios and IDP needs:
- Short tourist visit (under 3 months): IDP recommended in non-English speaking nations
- Long-term stay (6+ months): May trigger local license conversion requirements
- Working abroad: Often voids IDP utility after 90-185 days
- Cross-border drives: IDP essential for each jurisdiction’s checks
How to apply for an IDP before driving abroad
In the U.S., legitimate IDPs are issued only by two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State—AAA and AATA. You must obtain your IDP prior to travel.
Application steps:
- Confirm eligibility with a valid driver’s license (typically 18+ years old)
- Complete the official application form
- Provide two signed passport-style photos (2x2 inches)
- Include photocopies of your license front and back
- Pay the fee (approximately $20 at most AAA office locations)
You can apply in-person at an AAA office for same-day processing or mail your application within the U.S., allowing 2-4 weeks. Many U.S. residents apply 4-8 weeks before departure to allow time for corrections or license renewal online if needed.
An IDP is valid for one year from issue and cannot be used to extend validity—you’ll need a new IDP for future journeys.
Applying for an IDP when you are already overseas
Some travelers only discover they need an IDP after being refused a rental car abroad. While not ideal, you can still apply from overseas.
Download the official application, complete it with your home state address, include passport photos and a copy of your US driver’s license, then mail the packet to the designated U.S. address. Use a dependable international courier and plan for approximately 5-7 weeks total turnaround including applicable shipping time.
The IDP can be mailed to a trusted person in the U.S. who can forward it, or directly to your overseas address.
Before you mail from abroad checklist:
- Confirm your license isn’t an expired license
- Print the correct official form
- Include two passport photos
- Include payment in accepted format
- Allow sufficient mailing time
Using your IDP when driving abroad
To drive legally abroad, you must carry both your original driver’s license and IDP—the permit is only a translation, not a replacement. Present both at rental counters, border crossings, and police stops.
An IDP doesn’t change what vehicles you may operate. If your home state license only covers cars, you cannot drive motorcycles abroad. It also doesn’t override age restrictions that car rental firms or a certain country’s government may impose.
For stays exceeding 6-12 months in many countries, you may need to obtain a local license. Keep digital scans of both documents in cloud storage as backup.
Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do carry both documents at all times
- Do verify expiration dates before your trip abroad
- Don’t attempt to use an IDP without your valid form of identification
- Don’t assume your IDP works for permanent relocation
Frequently asked questions about IDPs for driving abroad
Am I always required to have an IDP to drive abroad?
No. Some other countries accept a U.S. license alone for short stays based on the 1949 or 1968 Vienna Conventions on road traffic. Canada and Mexico typically don’t require one. However, many Schengen countries and Japan expect an IDP, and rental agencies may demand one regardless of national law.
Can visitors to the United States buy an IDP after they arrive?
No. An international driving licence must be issued by the same country that issued the underlying license. Foreign visitors should obtain their IDP from their home country’s official organizations authorized to issue IDPs before traveling.
How does an IDP work for licenses from U.S. territories?
Holders of valid driver’s licenses from Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Northern Mariana Islands can apply through the same IDP issuing organizations. The IDP must always accompany the territorial license held when driving abroad.
What if I am active duty military and my license is expiring?
Many states extend validity for active duty military personnel, but foreign authorities may not officially recognize these extensions. Military applicants should renew their state driving licenses before applying for an IDP. Active duty personnel should carry extension documents alongside their license and military ID.
Is an IDP enough for long stays, work assignments, or living permanently abroad?
No. An IDP suits short-term tourist use under 6-12 months. Many countries require new residents to convert to a local driver’s license. Research your destination’s countries requirements before departure—don’t rely solely on an IDP if you’re living permanently in another world region.
What about driving in South America and special permits?
The standard IDP work throughout much of South America for tourist driving. Some countries have historically recognized the Inter American Driving Permit for specific frameworks. Brazil and others may have own provisions. Confirm requirements with consulates for trips exceeding 180 days.
How to avoid fake “international driver’s licenses” online
Many unofficial sellers advertise “international driver’s licenses” that no country’s government will recognize. Genuine IDPs follow UN convention formats and come from IDP issuing organizations only.
Red flags for scams:
- Claims of lifetime validity
- Promises to let you drive without a national license
- PDF-only or smartphone delivery instead of physical booklet
- Offers to “erase points” or “hide your identity”
Verify any issuing body through official government websites before sharing identification information or payment. Legitimate IDPs are physical booklets valid for one year, issued by organizations like AAA—never purchase from many unofficial sellers online claiming otherwise.
