International Driving Permit for Tourists

When you drive in a country where your licence is in a different language, local authorities and rental companies may not be able to read or verify it. An IDP solves this by presenting your licence details in a standardised, multilingual format that officials recognise on sight.

Many car rental companies make an IDP a condition of hiring a vehicle, even where local law is more relaxed. Arriving without one can mean being refused the car you booked, so it is worth sorting out in advance.

To get an IDP you generally need a valid national driving licence, a passport-style photo, and your travel details. With International Drivers you complete a short online form, upload your documents, and receive a digital IDP quickly, with a physical copy available where it is needed.

Because the process is online, you can apply from home in the days before departure rather than visiting an office. Apply with enough time for any physical copy to arrive, and double-check that the name and details exactly match your licence.

Carry your IDP together with your original driving licence at all times when driving; the IDP is only valid alongside it. Also keep your passport or ID and proof of insurance accessible, as these are commonly requested at rental desks and checkpoints.

If you are stopped by police, present the original licence and the IDP together. A digital IDP is convenient for reference, but carry the issued copy you were provided to avoid any dispute over format.

Not every country requires an IDP, and a few recognise neither IDP convention, so check your destination before you assume one will suffice. Where an IDP is not formally required, it still smooths interactions with rental companies and authorities.

For multi-country trips, confirm that your IDP format covers every country on your route. If you will be abroad long term or relocating, look into whether you eventually need to convert to a local licence rather than relying on a tourist IDP.