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An IDP is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is 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 not 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. You should 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.

An international driving permit (IDP) is a travel document governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. 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.

Quiz: Take our quiz or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

This IDP follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Most countries recognize the IDP if presented alongside your domestic driving license. Drivers from countries that use non-Roman alphabets (like Thailand or Russia) are often advised to obtain an IDP.

Not recognized in: North Korea, South Korea, Japan

Only accept one-year validity printed IDP: Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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
• A passport-style photo

Process:
1. Fill out the form
2. Upload photos of the back and front of your domestic driving license
3. Upload a passport-style photo
4. Attach your digital signature

Start your application here

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country

Applying for an IDP in your home country varies and will most likely take 2–3 weeks, longer if you mail your application rather than visit in person. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months before your overseas trip.

Some providers claim application processing in less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

An IDP is essentially a translation document of your driver's license in several different languages. It is used to translate your driver's license into a language that your destination country understands.

It is not a replacement for your original driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An IDP is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Available in 12 languages, making it easier for you to communicate with foreign officials and understand traffic signs and regulations in countries where English is not widely spoken. This added convenience and accessibility helps you navigate foreign roads more confidently.

This longer validity period is presented as useful for frequent travelers planning multiple trips and extended stays abroad, reducing the need to obtain a new IDP for every trip.

Driving without a valid license in a foreign country can result in fines, legal trouble, or other penalties. An IDP helps demonstrate that you are properly licensed in your home country when driving abroad.

Some services claim you can obtain an IDP at an affordable price without compromising on quality or service, and warn against overpriced or fake permits from unofficial providers.

Some providers offer worldwide express shipping so travelers can receive their IDP quickly and efficiently before their trip.