If you're a U.S. citizen planning to drive in a foreign country, securing an international driving permit (IDP), often referred to as an international driver’s license, is essential. This document translates your native driving license, enabling authorities abroad to quickly verify your driving credentials. With an IDP, you can navigate new roads with confidence and legality.

Understanding the application process and requirements for an international driving permit is crucial for smooth travel, whether for vacation or business. Here are key facts about the IDP for U.S. citizens:

• It is not a stand-alone document or a replacement for a valid driving license.
• It can only be issued to drivers with a valid domestic driver’s license.
• It does not override local laws or diminish your responsibility to follow the regulations of the countries you visit.
• Its validity cannot exceed the validity of your home country’s driving license.
• It can only be issued to people over 18 years old.
• It cannot be issued to drivers with a learner’s permit.
• It is officially recognized and regulated by the United Nations and accepted by over 150 countries.
• It allows you to carry identification for different languages.

• Legal requirement to rent a car and drive overseas. It is regulated by the UN for the benefit and safety of the drivers.
• Easy communication with authorities in case of a traffic stop or an accident.

It is easy to confuse an international driving permit and a license. You might come across the word “international driver’s license” when you search the internet, but you should know it is a permit you need, not a license. The driver’s document that can be referred to as a license is only your domestic driver’s license.

In order to be eligible for an IDP, you need to be at least 18 years of age and a holder of a valid driver’s license issued by your home country.

The fastest and most convenient way to get your IDP, especially when you’re already overseas, is by applying online. Apply for an IDP with the International Drivers Association.

You simply complete an online form, upload a passport-sized photo and your domestic driver’s license (front and back), and checkout.

You can select FedEx or standard shipping for an affordable fee and get your IDP in less than two weeks with a complementary ID card and a digital copy to access the translation of your driver’s license anytime.

If you are already traveling overseas and suddenly decide to drive, simply fill out our form here and receive it in less than 2 weeks.

The US cannot issue IDPs to foreign drivers. If you plan to drive in the US and discover that you need an IDP, you can contact the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your license or apply for an IDP online with us.

To apply for an international driving permit, you will need the following documents:

• A valid driver’s license from your home country
• A passport-sized photo
• Completed application form
• Permit fee (see pricing)

For immigrants, you can use a foreign license in the US for 3-6 months from the date of entry into the US. After this period, the license won’t be valid, and you will need to obtain an international driving permit to continue driving.

Immigrants in the US should provide proof of residency and legal authorization showing they can be in the country. If unsure, visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to ensure you have all the required documents.

Not all U.S. states require an IDP, but most car rental companies do. Check the state you plan to drive in to see if you need an international driving permit.

Applying for an IDP via local provider usually takes 5 - 7 weeks, more if you choose to mail your application to local provider. In other countries, the delivery time varies depending on the situation. Thus, it is recommended that you apply for an international driving permit at least 6 months before your departure.

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

1949 Convention IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issuance or until your domestic driver’s license expires, whichever comes first. On the other hand, the 1968 Convention IDPs are valid for up to 3 years.

We understand the frustration of doing the application process every year, so we’re offering drivers the option to obtain a 2-year and 3-year validity for our 1949 Geneva Convention international driving permit.

You will find a lot of discussion in forums on drivers who have never been asked for an international driver’s license when renting cars, especially in France, Italy, the UK, Iceland, and South Africa.

They might just be lucky to talk their way out of it, but driving without an IDP, and worse, without a valid driver’s license, may mean a hefty fine or a citation for a mandatory court appearance.

In some cases, people have waited 5-7 weeks only to find the date wrong. If this happens, you don’t have a choice but to contact local provider and pay a few dollars for it to be corrected.

However, if you purchase your IDP with us and notice an error, you are guaranteed unlimited replacement for free.

Yes, the international driver’s license or permit can be renewed. In a local provider, you must follow the same application process as you did when you applied for the original IDP.

Meanwhile, with the International Drivers Association, you simply need to log in to your account and request a new one, which will be delivered to you.

Here is a list of countries:

• Signatory or party to the 1949 Geneve Convention on Road Traffic is listed here.
• Signatory or party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic can be found here.
• Compare the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Conventions in this article.
• These are countries not party to the 1949 Convention but honor the International Driving Permit.
  • Afghanistan
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahamas Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia
  • Brunei
  • Cameroon
  • Canada Cape Verde Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • African Rep. Chad
  • Comoros
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Djibouti
  • Dominica
  • Egypt El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Estonia
  • Gabon
  • Germany
  • Guernsey Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Herzegovina
  • Honduras
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Macao
  • Macedonia
  • Mauritania
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Montserrat
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Qatar
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • Sao Tome & Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Slovenia
  • Sudan
  • Tajikistan
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Switzerland
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen
• Countries where the US driver’s license and an IDP are recognized on presentation to local police upon arrival.
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Montserrat
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
• Geographical areas and countries that honor Inter-American Driving Permits:
  • Anguilla
  • Argentina
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Dominican Rep.
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Paraguay
  • Perú
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turkmenistan
  • Ukraine
  • Venezuela
• Brazil (Inter-American Driving Permit only)
• Uruguay (Inter-American Driving Permit only)

Don't Miss These: Additional Driving Resources for the USA:

• Driving and Road Safety in the USA
• USA Top Destinations

If you’re driving abroad, you might want to read comprehensive driving guides for countries you want to visit.