International Driving Permit rules change often, so everything below was checked against official sources in October 2026. But we recommend that you confirm with your destination’s government or embassy before your travel.
Imagine windows are down, your favorite playlist is on, and there is a coastal road curving ahead of you with nowhere to go. That’s why many travelers love to drive. Driving a car lets you explore that tiny village you see along the way, chase a sunset along the Amalfi coast, or pull over for pictures just because the views are beautiful. No timetables, no itinerary to follow, just you driving in another country and exploring.
But before this freedom begins, there is one important thing that you need to consider: having an International driving permit. An international driving permit (IDP) is an official translation of your home driving license. Some countries require them under their laws, such as Japan, South Korea, and Spain. In the US, it costs $20; in the UK, $2.28; and in Canada, $32. You need to get this in your home country before you start traveling, and carry it with you if you plan to drive internationally.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An IDP is basically an official document that translates your domestic license details into several languages. It lets the authorities in other countries quickly know what you can drive. If you show an IDP without your home license, it counts for nothing. Think of it as a passport-style cover that sits next to your real license, never in place of it.
Who can get an international driving permit?
You need to be at least 18 and hold a full, valid driver’s license from the country that issues the permit. Learner’s and provisional licenses do not count in Canada, and the UK only issues permits to people who live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
Does one IDP work in every country?
Not always. IDPs come in three treaty types, and each country accepts a specific one. More on that below.
International driving license vs. international driver’s license
You will see the same document referred to as three things: an international driving permit, an international driving license, and an international driver’s license. They all mean the IDP. The official name, set by United Nations road traffic treaties, is “international driving permit”.
That matters because of scams. Some websites sell an “international driver’s license” that looks official but is worthless. The US Federal Trade Commission has warned that no document from any other company meets the treaty rules. Only the official issuers below can give you a real one.
Do you need an international driving permit to rent a car?
It depends on three things: the country’s law, your license, and the rental company. Here is how popular destinations treat US, UK, and Canadian drivers.
| Destination | Do you need an IDP? | IDP type |
| Japan | Yes, for all three countries. Online “licenses” are not valid. | 1949 only |
| South Korea | Yes | 1949 |
| Spain | Yes for US and Canadian licenses. UK photocard licenses are fine. | Varies |
| Italy | US and Canadian drivers need an IDP or an official Italian translation. UK photocard licenses are fine. | Varies |
| Thailand | Yes, for UK drivers. Strongly advised for everyone, or your travel insurance may not pay out. | 1968 |
| Australia | Advised for US drivers, and rental firms often ask. UK photocard licenses are fine. | 1949 |
| Greece | Advised. Not always required by law, but insurers may insist. | 1968 |
| Mexico | No. Mexican car insurance is required by law instead. | 1926 |
| Brazil | No for visits up to 180 days. US drivers staying longer need the Inter-American permit. | IADP |
| New Zealand | No, if your license is in English. From November 1, 2026, visitors can drive on it for 12 months, down from 18. | 1949 |
Rules change, so check your destination’s page before you book.
The Three IDP types
IDPs come from three treaties, dated 1926, 1949, and 1968. Each country accepts a certain type. US and Canadian issuers automatically give you the right one. UK drivers choose at the counter, so check which type your destination needs. On a multi-country trip, a UK driver may need two.
How to get an international driving permit
The golden rule is to get it at home. You cannot buy a real IDP once you have left your country.
How much does an IDP cost, and how long does it take?
| Issued in | Official issuer | Cost | How fast | Valid for |
| US | AAA or AATA | $20 + fees | Same day in the branch | 1 year |
| UK | PayPoint shops | £5.50 | Same day in person | 1 to 3 years |
| Canada | CAA | About $32 | Often, the same day in-store | 1 year |
Here is what to expect in each country.
1. From the US
Only two groups can issue one: AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).
- Cost: $20 plus photo and shipping fees if you apply online
- You need: to be 18 or older, a valid US license, and two passport photos
- Timing: same day at an AAA branch, about 5 business days online, or 5 to 7 weeks by mail
- Valid for: 1 year, or until your license expires
AAA will not issue a permit more than 6 months before your start date.
2. From the UK
Buy it in person at a PayPoint shop for £5.50. You must be 18 or older, hold a full UK license, and live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts 3 years, or until your license expires.
3. From Canada
CAA is the only legal issuer. It costs $32, including tax at CAA South Central Ontario, and fees can vary slightly between regional clubs. You need a full license (not a learner’s or graduated license) and two recent passport photos. It is valid for 1 year. Canadians do not need one to drive in the US.
What happens if you drive without an IDP?
In a country that requires one, driving without an IDP can count as driving without a valid license. The fallout can be bigger than a fine:
- Turned away at the rental desk: many companies will not hand over the keys, and you may lose your prepaid booking.
- Fines on the spot: In Spain, US travel advice warns that police can fine you and even impound the car.
- No insurance payout: if you crash without the right documents, your rental or travel insurance may refuse to pay. The UK government’s advice warns about this for Thailand.
For the price of a takeout lunch, an IDP removes all three risks.
Renting A Vehicle Abroad: 5 rules first-timers miss
An IDP gets you past the law. The rental desk has its own rules, and they are often stricter.
- The rental company can request an IDP even when the law does not require it. UK government advice warns about this for Italy, Australia, Iceland, and France. If you are unsure, carry one.
- Age rules vary. The usual minimum is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a daily young-driver fee. Some countries set higher limits for bigger cars.
- Bring a physical credit card in the main driver’s name. Most desks have a deposit hold. Debit cards, virtual cards, and phone wallets are often refused.
- Basic cover still leaves you paying a lot. Standard collision cover often comes with an excess (deductible) of around £500 to £1,500. Ask what you would pay after a scratch before you sign.
- Tell the company before you cross a border. Many contracts charge a fee or exclude certain countries, and your insurance may not cover you if you do not declare it.
One more habit worth building: film a slow walk around the car at pickup and at return. That short video is your best defense against a surprise damage charge.
Staying Connected On the Road With Maya Mobile eSIM
On a road trip, your phone is your co-pilot. It runs your maps, warns you about traffic, pays for parking, and holds your rental booking. If it loses data on a mountain road or at a border, you lose all of that at once.
A global eSIM like Maya eSIM keeps it simple:
- Online, the moment you land: install it at home in about 2 minutes, then call the rental desk or shuttle straight from arrivals.
- Truly unlimited data: run navigation all day without watching a data counter.
- One plan crosses borders: drive from France into Spain or from Italy into Switzerland on the same plan, with no gaps.
- Best signal, automatically: your phone uses 5G where it can and switches to LTE on quieter roads.
- One account for the whole car: add eSIMs for passengers so every passenger stays online too.
A two-week road trip on the 14-day plan costs $27.99, or $2 a day. Still, download offline maps as a backup for remote areas.
Before-You-Drive Checklist
- Your home driver’s license (the physical card)
- The right IDP for your destination
- Your passport
- A physical credit card in the main driver’s name
- Your rental booking and insurance details
- Your eSIM is installed, and offline maps are downloaded.
FAQs
Is an international driver’s license the same as an IDP?
Yes. “International driver’s license” and “international driving license” are everyday names for the international driving permit. Anything sold under these names by an unofficial website is not valid.
Can I get an international driving permit online?
Yes, but only from official issuers. In the US, that means AAA or AATA, and in Canada, it means CAA. UK permits are sold in person at PayPoint shops.
How long is an IDP valid?
US and Canadian permits last 1 year. UK permits last 12 months, or 3 years for the 1968 type, but never beyond your license’s expiry date.
Can I get an IDP after I leave home?
No. You must get it from your home country before you travel. Embassies abroad do not issue them.
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Japan?
Yes. Japan only accepts the 1949 permit from official issuers, and rental desks will turn you away without one.
