Find out instantly. Select your licence country and where you're driving — get a clear answer before you book your rental car.
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Always confirm requirements with your national motoring association before travel. Laws change — this tool is for guidance only.
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2026
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How it works
1
Choose your countries
Select where your driving licence was issued and the country where you plan to drive or rent a car.
2
Get your answer instantly
We check the IDP requirement for your exact country pair — required, recommended, or not needed.
3
Apply before you fly
If you need one, we link you directly to the official issuing authority in your country. Takes minutes.
Popular routes
Click any route to check instantly.
US → Italy Required
US → Japan Required
US → Thailand Required
US → Greece Required
US → India Required
US → Bali Required
US → France Recommended
US → Spain Recommended
US → Germany Recommended
US → Australia Recommended
US → Canada Not required
US → Mexico Not required
UK → Spain Recommended
UK → Italy Recommended
UK → Japan Required
AU → Thailand Required
AU → Bali Required
CA → USA Not required
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that translates your home driving licence into 10 languages. You carry it alongside your licence — it does not replace it. When a police officer in Italy or a rental car agent in Japan needs to verify your credentials, the IDP makes that possible without a language barrier.
IDPs are governed by three United Nations conventions from 1926, 1949, and 1968. Countries recognise one or more of these — and the type of IDP you need depends on which convention your destination follows. This is why checking your specific country pair matters.
Important: An IDP must be issued in your home country before you travel. You cannot get one abroad, and websites offering overseas issuance are scams flagged by the US Federal Trade Commission. In the US, only AAA is authorised by the State Department to issue IDPs.
Common questions
Rental companies can require an IDP in their own terms and conditions regardless of local law. This is especially common in countries where your licence script differs from what staff can read — France and Australia are well-known examples. "Not legally required" and "not required by the rental company" are two different things. When in doubt, get one — it costs $20 and takes minutes through AAA.
No. An IDP must be issued in your home country before departure. For US residents, this means applying through AAA (in person or online). UK residents apply through the Post Office. Australian residents through NRMA, RACV, or RAA. Websites claiming to issue IDPs for overseas applicants are operating illegally and the documents they produce are not recognised.
For US residents: AAA issues IDPs immediately in-branch (bring your licence, passport photo, and $20) or within 2–3 weeks by mail. Online applications through AAA take 5–7 business days to arrive. The IDP is valid for one year. UK: the Post Office issues IDPs for £5.50, available same-day in most branches. Australia: typically AU$35, available from state motoring clubs in-branch or by post.
Yes — if you hold a licence issued in an EU or EEA member state, it is fully valid in all other EU/EEA countries. No IDP is required for travel within the European Economic Area. However, if you drive in countries outside the EU (Turkey, Morocco, Georgia, etc.) your EU licence may not be sufficient and an IDP is recommended or required.
No. An IDP is only required if you intend to drive or rent a vehicle yourself. If you are travelling as a passenger in someone else's car or on public transport, you do not need one. That said, AAA notes that an IDP can serve as a useful form of photo ID in many countries even when you're not driving.
Consequences vary by country. In Italy and Greece, police can issue on-the-spot fines. In Thailand, you may face fines and vehicle impoundment. More critically, your car rental insurance may be void if you're involved in an accident while driving without the documentation your contract requires — leaving you personally liable for all damage.
Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "International Driver's Licence" are used interchangeably, though the official UN term is "permit." Be cautious of websites selling "International Driver's Licences" as standalone documents — a legitimate IDP is only valid when carried alongside your home country licence. If a website sells you a standalone "international licence" without needing proof of your existing licence, it is a scam.
It depends on your home licence. An IDP translates what your domestic licence already permits — so if your licence covers motorcycles, your IDP covers them too. If your licence is cars-only, your IDP is cars-only regardless of local rules. In countries like Thailand and Bali where scooter rental is common, this is a frequent source of confusion. Check your home licence category before renting a motorcycle abroad.
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