International Driving Permit — FAQ
Straight answers about getting and using an International Driving Permit (IDP).
An IDP is defined by two United Nations treaties — the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Which applies depends on the country you are driving in; each destination page names the convention that country has signed.
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is a certified translation of your national driver’s licence into the languages the UN road-traffic conventions set out. It lets officials and rental desks abroad read your licence — but it never replaces it, so you carry both.
Is an IDP the same as an "international driving license"?
In everyday use, yes. Technically there is no standalone international licence — the IDP is a translation of the licence you already hold.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It depends on where you are going, your licence’s language, and whether you will rent a car. Of the 154 countries we track, 14 list an IDP as required and 139 recommend one; China recognises none at all.
How do I get an IDP?
Apply online with your valid national licence: enter your details, pay, upload a photo of your licence, a headshot and your signature, then check and confirm everything. We email you the download link, and plans with a booklet are posted as well.
How fast can I get one?
Digital delivery is the same day once you have confirmed your details. A booklet applied for by post from the issuer in your home country can take one to three weeks.
How long is an IDP valid?
Under the 1949 Geneva Convention an IDP is valid for one year from issue; under the 1968 Vienna Convention, for up to three years. Either way it never outlasts your national licence, and the dates are printed on the document.
Can I renew my International Driving Permit?
An IDP can’t be extended: when it expires you need a new one, never valid beyond your national licence. Our IDP Renewal service issues a new IDP with new dates from your expired permit and your current licence. A member of our team checks every request, and it is usually reviewed in under 20 minutes.
How much does it cost?
Plans start at $39.00 for a digital-only permit. A posted booklet, express delivery and extra validity years cost more, and you see the full total before you pay.
Is an online IDP legitimate?
An honest online service issues a certified translation of your licence that you carry with it — never a "government licence". Acceptance varies by country and rental company, so confirm for your destination.
Does an IDP replace my national licence?
No. It is only valid when carried together with your current national driver’s licence.
Can I get a physical copy shipped to me?
Yes. The digital version is available as soon as you have confirmed your details, and you can add a printed booklet posted to your address.
Which countries require an IDP?
14 of the 154 countries we track list an IDP as required, Japan, Italy, Thailand, Germany among them. Each country page shows the IDP status, driving side and minimum age.
IDP expired? IDP Renewal issues a new one with new dates.
Get your International Driving Permit online
Apply on your phone — same-day digital delivery, with an optional posted booklet.
Get my IDP →Checked 29 August 2026. Information only, not legal advice. Rules and acceptance vary by country — confirm with the official authority before travel.