Do I Need an International Driving Permit?

The first question is whether your destination country recognises IDPs and asks foreign drivers to carry one. Many countries that have signed the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions accept an IDP alongside a valid national licence, while others may not require one at all for short visits.

Rules are set per country and can change, so rather than relying on assumptions, confirm the current requirement for your destination. If a country recognises IDPs, carrying one is usually low-risk even when it is not strictly mandatory.

If your national licence is written in a language or script that differs from your destination's, an IDP becomes far more useful and is more likely to be expected. Translating your details into widely understood languages helps police, insurers, and rental staff verify your entitlements quickly.

Travellers whose licences use a non-Latin script in particular often find an IDP smooths roadside checks and rental pickups, even where local law is ambiguous.

Even where the law does not require an IDP, car rental companies frequently do as a matter of policy. Arriving without one can mean being refused the vehicle you booked, so it is worth confirming the rental provider's terms before you travel.

Because rental requirements can be stricter than national law, treat the rental company's policy as a separate checkpoint from the country's legal requirement when deciding whether to get an IDP.

If you are unsure, obtaining an IDP is a small, low-cost step that removes uncertainty at the roadside and the rental counter. With International Drivers, you can get a digital IDP online quickly by submitting your licence details and photo, with a physical copy where needed.

Remember that an IDP only works with your valid national licence in hand. Pair it with your original licence, and check both the country rules and your rental terms, and you will be covered for the situations where an IDP matters most.