An IDP is a translation document of your driver’s license in several languages. It is simply a translation booklet that translates your driver’s license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and by no means a replacement for your domestic driver’s license or a legal document like a passport. An IDP is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your IDP whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. Then again, it is highly important that you always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the IDP whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

On the other hand, an international driving permit (IDP) is a travel document that is regulated by the United Nations and governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. Remember that an IDP is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an IDP, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an IDP, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car. Take our quiz to ensure whether you need to translate your original driver’s license or contact your destination’s traffic authorities and offices for more information.

Our IDP follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Most countries recognize the IDP if presented alongside your domestic driving license.

We recommend drivers from countries that use the non-Roman alphabet, like Thailand or Russia, get an IDP.

At present, our IDP is not recognized in North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. Countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) only accept one-year validity printed IDP.

Notably, China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

To get an IDP, you will need a valid domestic driving license and passport-style photo. Simply fill out our quick form, upload a photo of the back and front parts of your domestic driving license, upload a passport-style photo, and attach your digital signature. Start your application here.

To be eligible for an IDP, you must be at least 18 years of age and a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country.

Applying for an IDP in your home country will vary and will most likely take 2-3 weeks, longer if you choose to mail your application than visit in person. Thus, applying for an international driving permit at least 6 months before your overseas trip is recommended.

Meanwhile, application via the International Drivers Association usually takes less than 2 weeks via express shipping.