Driving abroad — international permits explained

An International Driving Permit is a translation document that accompanies your domestic driver's license for use in foreign countries. It's widely misunderstood and worth knowing about if you travel.

What an IDP is

An IDP is not a standalone driver's license. It's a multilingual booklet that translates your home license information into the languages of the countries covered by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. It includes a photo, your license class, and validity information, in up to 10 languages.

You must carry your home country driver's license alongside the IDP — the IDP alone is not valid for driving. Together, they allow you to drive legally in participating countries even if the local language is not one you read.

Where it's required vs useful

Some countries specifically require an IDP for foreign drivers; others accept a foreign license in a language they can read. EU countries generally accept each other's licenses without an IDP. Countries with non-Latin script languages (Japan, Greece, countries in Asia and the Middle East) often require an IDP because their traffic enforcement systems can't process a license in a non-local script.

Rental car companies often ask for an IDP even in countries where it's technically not legally required, because their insurance policies may require it.

Getting one

In the US, IDPs are issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance. They cost around $20, require two passport photos and a copy of your valid license, and are valid for one year. You apply in person or by mail — they're not available online or from government agencies.

The IDP is one of the simplest and most overlooked travel documents. If you're planning to drive internationally, get one before you leave — they're not available in the destination country.

The AAA and CAA are the primary IDP-issuing organizations in the US and Canada, respectively. Both issue IDPs valid for one year and accepted in over 150 countries. The application requires a current driver's license and two passport-sized photos. For anyone planning international driving, applying before departure ensures the document is in hand. IDPs issued in the destination country are generally not accepted as substitutes for one issued in your home country.