What are international driving permits?

International Driving Permits are translation documents of a person’s driver’s license that can be used to drive in a foreign country. It will contain the same information as a driver’s license and will be translated into 12 different languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. 

An IDP is not a driver’s license; it is only a translation of a person’s license and must be accompanied by a driver’s license at all times. 

What is the difference between an International Driving Permit and an International Driving License?

An International Driving Permit is a legally accepted translation of a driver’s license in 150 countries. An International Driving License, however, does not exist. It is simply a term that is used instead of an International Driving Permit (IDP). Your IDP is only valid when you also have a valid domestic drivers license.

Who is eligible for an International Driving Permit?

Any person who holds a full driver’s license with at least 3 months validity, and has the necessary documents that are required to obtain an International Driving Permit can get one.

How old do I have to be to obtain an IDP?

Any driver who wishes to get an IDP must be over the age of 18. 

Can I get an IDP if I only have a temporary or interim driver’s license?

No, everyone who applies for an IDP must have a full driving license from their home country and be permitted to drive.

Am I required to have an IDP in foreign countries?

The vast majority of foreign countries will not allow a foreign driver to drive without having a valid IDP. If you are unsure, visit our country checker to find up-to-date information about IDP requirements. 

Where do I obtain an International Driving Permit?

Getting an IDP doesn’t need to be a tedious process. Anyone who wishes to obtain an IDP can do so online – start here.

Can you get an International Driving Permit online?

Yes! IDPs can be obtained online through organizations like ours.

Do you offer any refunds or guarantees?

We pride ourselves on offering a money back guarantee. You can visit our Guarantee page here.

What are the requirements to get an International Driving Permit?

Anyone with a full driver’s license and over 18 can apply for an International Driving Permit through our website. You will need to fill out an application form and submit the following documents: 

• Valid full driver’s license (front and back)
• Completed online application form
• Passport sized photo
• Signature
• Debit/credit card for payment

Can I use a scanned/digital photograph?

Yes! Scanned or digital photographs are accepted.

Which address do I use on the IDP application form?

Always submit the address to which you want the physical IDP delivered. Usually, this will be a person’s home address or the address they are staying at if they are abroad.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) processed?

Getting an IDP in the country your driving license was issued can take many weeks.

Or an application with the International Driving Agency is a lot quicker. There are two different options a person can choose when getting their IDP processed. A standard application wait time will have a digital IDP in your email within 24 hours and a physical copy by mail in 2 – 15 days. 

We also offer an express service for an added fee, which will have a digital IDP in your email in only 5 minutes, followed by your physical IDP by mail in 2 to 15 days instead. 

How do I access my IDP? 

• All customers will receive an email after submitting their application, and you can use the link provided to access your IDP. 
• A digital copy of your IDP will be emailed to you in 6 minutes or 24 hours, depending on the chosen method. 
• A physical copy of your IDP will also be delivered by post to the provided address.

Is a Digital IDP accepted everywhere?

No, a digital IDP is not accepted in every country, and some countries will request tourists to have their physical IDP with them at all times. Please use our IDP country checker here.

How long is an international driving permit (IDP) valid for?

The validity period of an IDP varies from 1 to 3 years, as it depends on the type of IDP and the country you are traveling to. Always check the IDP country checker here.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

International Driving Permits do not need to be a considerable expense. They can be purchased through our website for as low as $39 per year. 

I have been out of the country for over a year. Can I get another IDP?

Depending on how long you are permitted to drive in the country, sometimes you can. If you are only permitted to drive for 1 year and have already done so before leaving the country, you will not be permitted to drive with an IDP again. 

Is this government-issued?

An IDP is a translation of your license and is not a government-issued document. It simply complements your original license, making it easier for you to drive internationally by providing a translation of your driving credentials.

Can I rent a car using your International Driving Permit?

Yes, most car rental companies will require you to have an IDP before renting a car, even in a country where they are not legally required. Not having an IDP in a foreign country will often lead to a tourist being unable to rent a car, so it is always a good idea to have it present. 

What countries accept the International Driving Permit?

Our IDP is in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic format, and all countries that recognize the 1949 IDP format will allow its use. Some popular countries where you can use our IDPs are Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia, the USA, and so many more. Please use our IDP Country Checker here.

Which countries do not accept your IDP?

Any country that does not accept the 1949 Geneva format will not accept our IDP. Mainland China, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea, Iran, Myanmar, Syria, and Yemen do not currently accept the use of IDPs. Please use our IDP Country Checker here.