How to Get an International Driving Permit Online

Have your current national driving licence ready and make sure it is valid and not expired, because an IDP only translates an existing licence and cannot be issued on its own. You will also need a recent passport-style photograph with a plain background and your face clearly visible.

Check that your name, date of birth and licence number are legible on the photo or scan you upload. A blurry or cropped image is the most common reason an application is delayed, so use good lighting and capture the whole document.

Start by entering your personal details exactly as they appear on your licence, then upload the licence image and your photo. Choose whether you want a digital permit only or a digital plus physical copy, and select your delivery country if you opt for the printed version.

Review every field before submitting, since the translation is generated directly from the information you provide. Once you confirm and pay, the digital IDP is prepared and sent to you, typically within minutes for the instant online option.

Your digital IDP arrives as a PDF you can store on your phone and print as needed, which is useful at car-rental desks and roadside checks. If you ordered a physical booklet, it is mailed to your address while the digital copy lets you start using your permit straight away.

Always carry your IDP together with your original national licence and your passport when driving abroad. The IDP confirms your driving entitlement in multiple languages, but it has no legal force on its own.

Apply before you travel rather than at the airport, and double-check the spelling of your name and your licence expiry date. Be wary of sites promising an IDP that 'replaces' your licence or grants new driving rights, as no legitimate IDP does that.

If your details change or you spot an error after delivery, contact support promptly so a corrected permit can be issued. Keep a backup of the digital file in your email and cloud storage in case you lose access while abroad.