international driving permit
Get your International Driving Permit in 8 minutes
Accepted in 150+ countries
Regulated travel document
Unlimited Replacements
24/7 Live Chat Support
Discover the benefits of having an international driving permit (IDP permit) and how it differs from an international driver's license, allowing international drivers to drive with ease using their international car license in multiple countries.
Argentina
Aruba
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Curaçao
Ecuador
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago
Uruguay
Venezuela
Windward Islands
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Cayman Islands
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Montserrat
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
United States of America
American Samoa
Australia
Fiji
French Polynesia
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Micronesia (Federated States of)
Nauru
New Caledonia
New Guinea
New Zealand
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Albania
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Guernsey
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Jersey
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vatican City
Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bali
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
Dubai
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Mongolia
Myanmar
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine, State of
Philippines
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkey
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
Yemen
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Seychelles
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is an official document that translates your local driver's license into multiple languages, allowing you to legally drive in foreign countries. It is not a standalone license but a supplement to your valid national driver's license.
How can I get an International Driving Permit?
You can apply for an IDP online through the International Drivers Association (IDA) or through official government agencies and automobile clubs in your country. The process usually requires filling out an application form, providing a copy of your valid driver's license, and submitting a passport-sized photo.
What documents are required to obtain an IDP?
The required documents typically include:
- A valid national driver's license
- A recent passport-sized photo
- A completed application form
- Payment for the applicable fee
How long does it take to get an IDP?
If you apply online through the International Drivers Association, you can receive a digital copy within 8 minutes. The physical copy will be shipped, and the delivery time depends on your location. If you apply through local offices, processing times may range from one day to a week.
Can I drive with just an International Driving Permit, without my local license?
No. An IDP is not a replacement for your national driver's license. You must carry both your local driver's license and the IDP at all times while driving in a foreign country.
What is the validity period of an International Driving Permit?
The IDP can be valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the option you choose during the application process. However, most countries recognize IDPs that are valid for one year only.
Can I use an International Driving Permit in any country?
IDPs are accepted in over 150 countries worldwide. However, some countries, such as China and North Korea, do not recognize them. It's always best to check the driving laws of the country you plan to visit.
How much does it cost to obtain an International Driving Permit?
The cost varies depending on the issuing agency and the validity period. If applying through the International Drivers Association, the prices start at $49 USD for a 1-year IDP and go up to $69 USD for a 3-year IDP. Prices may differ if you apply through local automobile clubs or government agencies.
Can I apply for an IDP if I am living abroad?
Yes, you can apply for an IDP online from anywhere in the world. The digital copy will be sent via email, and the physical permit can be shipped to your current location.
Can I renew my IDP after it expires?
No, an expired IDP cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new one by going through the same application process as before.
Can I get a refund if my IDP application is rejected?
Refund policies depend on the issuing agency. The International Drivers Association offers refunds under certain conditions, but it’s best to check their terms before applying.
What is the difference between an International Driving Permit and a United Nations-issued driver's license?
An IDP is a translation of your local driver’s license, whereas a UN-issued driver’s license is a separate international document used in diplomatic or official driving scenarios.
Can I rent a car abroad using an International Driving Permit?
Yes, most car rental companies require an IDP along with your national driver's license, especially if the local language differs from your license’s language.
Do I need to take a driving test to get an International Driving Permit?
No, an IDP does not require a driving test. You only need a valid national driver’s license to apply.
Can I get an IDP if my local driver’s license is temporary or expired?
No, your local driver’s license must be valid at the time of application.
Does an IDP replace the need for car insurance when traveling?
No, an IDP is not a substitute for car insurance. You must still have valid insurance coverage when driving abroad.
Can an IDP be used as an official form of identification?
No, an IDP is not a legally recognized form of identification. It is only valid as a supplement to your national driver’s license.
See Also: