International Driving Permit: Frequently Asked Questions

An IDP is a standardised document that translates your national driving licence into multiple languages and presents your vehicle categories in an internationally agreed format. It exists so that police, officials and car rental staff abroad can read and verify your driving entitlement even when they cannot read your home licence.

Crucially, an IDP is not a licence in itself. It does not grant any new driving rights; it simply confirms and translates the entitlement already shown on your valid national licence, which you must carry with it.

You generally need an IDP when driving in a country that requires it by law, when renting a car that lists it as a condition, or when your licence is in a language or script local authorities cannot read. Even where it is only recommended, many travellers carry one to avoid disputes with police or rental desks.

Whether you need it depends entirely on your destination, so check the official rules for the country you are visiting. If your trip spans several countries, confirm the requirements for each, as one may require it while another does not.

An IDP is time-limited rather than permanent. Depending on the convention format and issuer, validity is commonly up to one year for the 1949 Geneva format and up to three years for the 1968 Vienna format, but it can never outlast your underlying national licence. Once your home licence expires, the IDP stops being valid too.

IDPs are inexpensive compared with most travel costs. Because they are cheap and quick to obtain, carrying one is often worthwhile even where it is only advised rather than strictly required.

An IDP must be obtained before you travel and is issued on the basis of your existing valid national licence. You provide your licence details and a compliant photo, and receive an IDP that translates your entitlement into the recognised format.

With International Drivers you can apply online, upload your documents, and receive a digital IDP quickly, with the option of a printed booklet. Always travel with your IDP, your original national licence and your passport, since the IDP only works when presented alongside the licence it translates.