International Driving Permit: Do You Need One?
International Driving Permit: Do You Need One?
You have booked your flights, reserved a rental car, and planned your itinerary. But do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP)? The answer depends on where you are from, where you are going, and what language your licence is printed in.
This guide gives you a clear, country-by-country breakdown so you can sort this out before your trip.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is a standardised document that translates your home driving licence into 12 languages. It is not a standalone licence — it is a companion document that must always be carried alongside your original licence.
Key facts:
- Validity: 1 year from date of issue (or 3 years for the 1968 convention version)
- Cost: USD 15-20 in the US, GBP 5.50 in the UK, AUD 39 in Australia
- Processing time: Same-day to 2 weeks depending on country
- Issuing authority: Your country's automobile association (AAA in the US, AA/RAC in the UK, NRMA in Australia)
Countries That Require an IDP
The following popular rental destinations require an IDP if your licence is not issued by an EU/EEA country:
Always Required
- Italy — Police actively enforce this. Fines of EUR 80+ for driving without an IDP
- Austria — Required for non-EU licence holders
- Greece — Technically required, enforcement varies on islands vs mainland
- Japan — Specific IDP convention required (1949 Geneva convention only)
- Brazil — Required alongside your home licence
- United Arab Emirates — Required for non-GCC licence holders renting a car
Required for Non-Roman Alphabet Licences
If your licence is in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Russian, or other non-Roman scripts, you need an IDP in virtually every country:
- All EU countries
- United States and Canada
- Australia and New Zealand
- All of South America
Not Required (But Recommended)
These countries accept foreign licences without an IDP but an IDP can simplify police stops and rental counter interactions:
- Spain — Accepts EU and most international licences
- France — Officially recommends but does not require for stays under 90 days
- Germany — Accepts licences from most countries for up to 6 months
- United Kingdom — Accepts most foreign licences for up to 12 months
- Portugal — Accepts EU and many international licences
- United States — Most states accept foreign licences, but an IDP helps
How to Get an International Driving Permit
In the United States
- Visit your local AAA office or apply online at aaa.com
- Bring two passport-sized photos, your valid US licence, and USD 20
- Processing: same-day at AAA offices, 4-6 weeks by mail
In the United Kingdom
- Apply online at the Post Office website (postoffice.co.uk)
- Cost: GBP 5.50
- Processing: same-day at selected Post Office branches
In Australia
- Apply through your state automobile association (NRMA, RACV, RACQ)
- Cost: AUD 39
- Processing: same-day at offices
In Canada
- Apply through CAA (Canadian Automobile Association)
- Cost: CAD 25
- Processing: same-day at CAA offices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Getting the wrong convention. There are two IDP conventions — 1949 (Geneva) and 1968 (Vienna). Japan only accepts the 1949 version. Most countries accept either. Check which one your destination requires
- Forgetting to carry your original licence. An IDP is useless without your actual driving licence. Always carry both
- Assuming your IDP replaces local requirements. In some countries, residents must convert to a local licence after 3-6 months regardless of having an IDP
- Buying from unofficial websites. Only obtain IDPs from your country's authorised automobile association. Websites offering "international driving licences" for USD 50-100 are scams
Do You Need One for Your Rental Car?
Rental companies have their own policies that may differ from local law:
- Most major rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) require an IDP for non-EU licence holders renting in Italy, Austria, and Greece
- Some suppliers will refuse to release the car without an IDP, even in countries where it is not legally mandatory
- Budget suppliers may be less strict, but this is not guaranteed
Our advice: If there is any doubt, get an IDP. At USD 15-20, it is the cheapest insurance you can buy against being refused a car at the counter after a long flight.
Digital Alternatives
Some countries are beginning to accept digital driving licence equivalents:
- UK digital driving licence — Available via the DVLA Share Driving Licence service, accepted by most UK rental companies
- Australian digital licence — Accepted in NSW, SA, and QLD but not widely recognised internationally
- eIDP apps — Some automobile associations now offer digital IDP versions, but acceptance varies widely
For now, a physical IDP remains the safest bet for international travel.
Planning Your Trip
Before you search for a rental car on World Auto Hire, check the IDP requirements for your destination. We display supplier-specific documentation requirements on every offer so you know exactly what to bring to the counter.
Quick Reference Table
| Your Licence From | Destination | IDP Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| US/Canada | Western Europe | Recommended |
| US/Canada | Italy, Austria, Greece | Yes |
| UK | EU countries | No (until 2027) |
| Australia/NZ | Europe | Recommended |
| Non-Roman script | Anywhere | Yes |
| EU country | Other EU country | No |