An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your home country driver’s license into 10 languages. It’s recognized in 100+ countries. The 1968 Vienna Convention version is the modern standard. Here’s the 2026 verified guide — who needs one, where to get it, common pitfalls.
Last verified: May 26, 2026.
What an IDP is (and isn’t)
An IDP is NOT a license — it’s a translation of your existing license. You must carry BOTH your home-country license AND the IDP. Some countries (Japan, China) won’t let you drive on an IDP+US/UK license alone — they require you to convert to a local license.
Who needs one
Required in 100+ countries when driving on a non-resident foreign license. Examples:
- Required: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Japan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Albania, Bosnia
- Recommended (not strict): Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, South Africa
- Not needed: UK (for US/EU drivers — bilateral recognition), France/Germany (technically required but rarely enforced for EU/US drivers)
- Don’t drive on IDP — need local license: after 6-12 months residency in most countries, you must convert to a local license
1949 vs 1968 conventions
Two IDP standards exist:
- 1949 Geneva Convention IDP — older, recognized in ~95 countries
- 1968 Vienna Convention IDP — newer, recognized in ~70 countries (Western Europe, Russia, much of South America)
Most countries accept either. But some are pickier:
- 1949 only (not 1968): US, Japan, India, Australia (issuance), Thailand, Hong Kong
- 1968 only (not 1949): Russia, Brazil, Uruguay (strict)
- Either: most EU countries, UAE, Mexico, much of Latin America
US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ issue 1949-style IDPs. EU countries typically issue 1968. If you’re driving in Russia or Brazil and your home country issues only 1949 (like the US) — there’s no clean workaround. Some travelers obtain a second IDP through an intermediate country.
Where to get one
United States
Only AAA (American Automobile Association) or AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) can issue IDPs in the US. $20 fee. Application includes passport photo + your US driver’s license.
You don’t need to be a AAA member. Walk into any AAA office, OR apply by mail (slower). Some AAA offices issue same-day; others 2-3 weeks.
United Kingdom
Post Office issues 1949 and 1968 IDPs. £5.50. Must apply at participating Post Office branches.
Canada
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues 1949 IDPs. CAD$25-30.
Australia
Auto clubs (RACV, RACQ, NRMA, etc.) issue 1949 IDPs. AUD$42 typical.
EU countries
National auto clubs (ADAC Germany, RAC Italy, ANWB Netherlands, etc.) issue 1968 IDPs. €15-25 typical.
Validity
Most IDPs are valid 1 year from issue date. You can carry multiple IDPs simultaneously. They cannot be renewed — you get a new one each year.
Common pitfall: you must obtain the IDP BEFORE leaving your home country. Several countries (Italy, Brazil) won’t let you obtain one as a foreign tourist.
Common pitfalls
1. Assuming UK/EU license is universal. Many British + European drivers assume their license works everywhere. In Italy you’ll be fined if pulled over without IDP, even with a UK license.
2. Driving past 6-12 months without local license. Most countries require you to convert to local license within 6-12 months of becoming resident. Continuing on IDP alone becomes illegal.
3. Renting a car in Spain with US license alone. Hertz, Avis, Sixt etc may rent to you without IDP, but Spanish police can fine you €60-300 for driving without proper credentials.
4. IDP doesn’t replace insurance. Make sure your rental insurance OR your credit card’s CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) covers your country.
Country-by-country quick reference
- Italy: IDP required. Fines €60-300 without
- Spain: IDP required (or EU license). Fines €60-300
- Portugal: IDP required for non-EU drivers
- Greece: IDP required
- Croatia: IDP required (1968)
- UK: not required for US/EU drivers
- France/Germany: technically required (1968) for non-EU; rarely enforced
- Mexico: recommended; not strictly enforced
- Costa Rica/Panama: US/Canada/EU license OK for 90 days, then convert
- Thailand: IDP required by law (1949); enforcement varies
- Japan: 1949 IDP only; must convert to Japanese license after 1 year residency
- China: IDPs NOT recognized; must obtain temporary Chinese license
- UAE: IDP recognized for visitors 1 year
- Brazil: 1968 only; difficult for US drivers
FAQ
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Europe?
Strict legal answer: yes in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, Cyprus, Albania, Bosnia. Practical answer: rental companies often don’t check, but police DO. Always get one — $20 of cheap insurance.
Can I drive on my UK license in Italy?
As a tourist: technically you need IDP. EU residents holding UK license: technically need IDP too post-Brexit. Many UK tourists drive without; some get fined. Get the IDP for €5 at the Post Office.
How long can I drive in a country before needing to convert my license?
Varies: typically 6-12 months. Portugal 6 months. Spain 6 months. Mexico (as temporary resident) 1 year. Thailand 60 days. Japan 1 year. After this, you must obtain a local license — often involving local driving test + medical.
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✓ Last verified: May 26, 2026.