International Driving Permit: The Complete Guide for Every Country, Vehicle, and Situation
An International Driving Permit costs around $20, takes minutes to obtain from AAA or AATA, and is valid for one year. Driving without one in a country that requires it voids your rental CDW, voids your travel insurance, and leaves you personally liable for every cost that follows an accident. That is the core mechanic of this document. Everything else is detail.
The IDP is not a licence. It is a UN-regulated translation booklet, printed in ten languages, that converts your existing domestic driving licence into a format that foreign police, courts, and car-hire companies can read. It has no legal standing without the original licence alongside it. There are two versions: the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP and the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. They are not interchangeable. Vietnam accepts only the 1968. Brazil accepts only the 1968. Most of Europe requires the 1968. Arriving in Japan with the wrong version produces the same result as arriving with no IDP at all.
This guide covers the convention distinction and how to apply; vehicle categories including cars, trucks, and motorbikes with specific detail on Asia’s two-wheeler rules; country-by-country requirements for Europe, Asia, and South America; what happens at the scene of an accident with and without an IDP; how the document interacts with your travel insurance and rental CDW; and the full rules for foreign visitors driving in the United States, including state-by-state requirements and insurance obligations.
Quick Answers
Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid driving licence?
In many countries, yes. Countries including Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Australia require an IDP for non-EU or non-resident drivers regardless of whether your home licence is in English. Rental car companies often require one even where local law does not. The safest approach is to obtain one before any international trip involving driving.
Does my car licence cover motorbikes abroad?
No. A car licence covers Category B vehicles only. Riding any motorised two-wheeler, including 50cc scooters in most countries, requires a separate motorcycle endorsement on both your domestic licence and your IDP. This applies regardless of the engine size of the bike you hire. Insurance is void on a car-only IDP if you are riding a motorbike.
What happens if I crash a hire car without an IDP?
If an IDP is required in that country, you were driving illegally. The rental company’s CDW is voided by breach of contract. Your travel insurance rental cover is voided by the illegal-activity exclusion. You are personally liable for the full repair cost of the vehicle, all third-party medical costs, and any third-party property damage.
Can I get an IDP after I arrive at my destination?
No. An IDP must be issued in the same country as your domestic driving licence. The United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. If you arrive in Thailand, Bali, or Japan without one, your options are: hire a driver, use public transport, or book a tour. There is no legitimate route to obtaining one mid-trip.
What the IDP Is, and What It Is Not
The IDP does one thing: it translates the information on your domestic driving licence into a standardised format printed in ten languages, including French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and German. Foreign police officers and car-hire clerks who cannot read your home licence can read an IDP. That is its entire function.
It has no validity without the original domestic licence. Presenting an IDP without your home licence is the same as presenting no documentation at all. You must carry both, physically, at all times when driving abroad. Digital copies and photographs on a phone are not accepted by police or rental agencies in any country covered by this guide.
An IDP cannot be renewed. When it expires, you apply again from scratch through AAA or AATA. It also cannot be issued more than six months in advance of the effective date, so do not apply for a December trip in January.
There are two separate UN conventions governing IDPs, and they are not interchangeable. Check which version your destination requires before applying.
- Valid for 1 year from date of issue
- Accepted across North America, most of Asia, Africa, Oceania, and parts of South America
- 102+ states party to this convention
- Not accepted in Vietnam, Brazil, or Uruguay
- Issued by AAA and AATA for US drivers
- Valid up to 3 years, or until your home licence expires
- Required in Europe, Brazil, Uruguay, and Vietnam
- 83 countries have ratified as of 2025
- The correct choice for multi-region trips
- Specify this version explicitly when applying at AAA
If your trip covers multiple regions, apply for the 1968 IDP. It covers the widest range of destinations. On the AAA application form, fill in “Planning to Drive In” with your specific destination country. Some AAA offices default to the 1949 version if you do not specify.
Vehicle Categories: Cars, Trucks, and Motorbikes
Your IDP is only valid for the vehicle categories listed on your domestic driving licence. This is the most consequential detail most drivers overlook, and the one most routinely used by insurers to deny claims after accidents abroad.
Category B
Cars and Light Vehicles
Standard car licence. Covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg. Required for all standard car hire. Does not cover motorbikes, scooters, or vehicles above the weight limit.
Category A / A1 / A2
Motorbikes and Scooters
Required for any motorised two-wheeler. A1 covers up to 125cc; A2 up to 35kW; A covers unrestricted. A car licence does not cover any motorbike regardless of engine size.
Category C / D
Trucks and Coaches
Trucks (C) and buses or coaches (D) require a separate category beyond a standard car licence. Campervans over 3,500 kg fall here and are frequently excluded from travel insurance rental cover regardless of IDP status.
Sub-50cc
Mopeds
Some countries allow sub-50cc mopeds on a car licence. Most hire scooters across Asia are 110cc or 125cc automatics and fall outside this exemption. Never assume engine size determines your legal status.
Weight-dependent
Campervans and RVs
Most travel insurance policies including World Nomads exclude campervans and RVs from rental car damage cover. Verify your IDP category and your insurance policy separately before hiring either.
Not Covered
Boats and ATVs
IDPs do not cover watercraft or off-road vehicles. These fall under separate licensing regimes in each country. Relevant particularly in Bali, where quad bike tours are popular and the vehicles are not road-legal under an IDP.
Europe: IDP Requirements by Country
EU and EEA citizens driving within the EU do not need an IDP. Their domestic licence is recognised across the bloc. The rules below apply to non-EU drivers, including US, Canadian, Australian, and post-Brexit UK licence holders.
UK driving licences are no longer automatically accepted across the EU. British drivers visiting most EU member states now require an IDP alongside their UK licence. The 1968 Convention IDP is the correct version for all EU destinations. When applying through the Post Office or AA, specify the 1968 version explicitly.
| Country | IDP Required (non-EU)? | Convention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Required | 1968 | Enforced strictly. Rental companies will refuse the vehicle without an IDP. Motorcycle category must match the bike hired. |
| Italy | Required | 1968 | Enforced. ZTL restricted zones generate automatic camera fines that rental companies charge back to the hirer. Theft protection cover is mandatory on Italian rental contracts. |
| Spain | Required | 1968 | Required for non-EU drivers, plus a certified Spanish translation in some regions. The 1968 IDP satisfies the translation requirement in full. |
| France | Recommended | 1968 | Not legally mandatory for English-language licences but rental companies routinely request it. Required if your licence is not in a Latin alphabet. |
| Greece | Required | 1968 | Required. Scooter hire on the islands is popular; IDP with motorcycle category is mandatory. Road accident rates on Greek island roads are among the highest in the EU. |
| Portugal | Recommended | 1968 | Requires a certified translation for licences not conforming to the EU format. The IDP satisfies this. Rental companies ask for it consistently. |
| Switzerland | Recommended | 1949 / 1968 | Not always enforced at entry but required by most rental operators. Speed camera fines are processed automatically and forwarded to the rental company. |
| Austria | Required | 1968 | Required for non-EU drivers. A motorway vignette (toll sticker) is compulsory for all vehicles including hire cars. Available at border crossings and petrol stations. |
| Poland | Required | 1968 | Required. Enforcement has increased. Popular starting point for Baltic and Central European road trips. |
| Czech Republic | Required | 1968 | Required. Prague city centre has restricted zones; check the hirer’s policy on city centre access before collecting the vehicle. |
| Hungary | Required | 1968 | US licences are not directly recognised. A certified Hungarian translation is required, which the 1968 IDP satisfies. |
| Romania | Required | 1968 | Required. Road conditions vary significantly outside major cities. Motorcycle touring through the Transfagarasan is popular; IDP with motorcycle category is checked at police stops. |
| Slovakia | Required | 1968 | Required. Motorway vignette system applies, same as Austria and Czech Republic. |
| Slovenia | Required | 1968 | Required. Triglav National Park road access has restrictions; check seasonal closures before planning a motorbike route. |
| Sweden, Norway, Denmark | Recommended | 1968 | Not strictly required for English-language licences. Rental operators ask for one. Winter tyre requirements apply October through April and vary by route. |
| Serbia | Required | 1968 | Required. Serbia is outside the EU. Green Card insurance documentation is also required for the vehicle. |
| Turkey | Required | 1968 | Required. Enforcement is consistent on tourist routes including Cappadocia and the Aegean coast. Traffic police operate roadside checks on intercity roads. |
Asia: Country Rules Including Motorbike Requirements
Thailand
Required Accepts both 1949 and 1968 conventions.
Thailand is among the strictest enforcement countries in South-East Asia. Police checkpoints operate regularly in tourist areas including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Koh Samui. A home licence in English is not sufficient. An IDP is required alongside it.
Any motorised two-wheeler, including the 125cc automatic scooters that dominate Thai roads, legally requires a motorcycle category on your IDP or domestic licence. A Thai car licence does not cover motorbikes; the same applies to a foreign car-category IDP. The official fine for riding without correct documentation is 200 to 500 THB (~$6 to $15 USD), but the practical cost is voided insurance across all coverage layers.
Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger. Rental operators who do not provide helmets as standard are operating outside Thai law. For stays beyond the IDP’s tourist-use window, the Thai Department of Land Transport issues motorcycle licences to non-immigrant visa holders after theory and practical tests, including the balance beam manoeuvre.
Indonesia and Bali
Required 1949 Convention.
Bali police have significantly tightened enforcement on foreign riders in recent years. An IDP is now mandatory for renting any motorised vehicle, including scooters, Vespas, and Honda Vario models. The national licence alone is not legally sufficient in Indonesia.
A motorcycle category is required on the IDP for any two-wheeled hire. Rental operators may hand over a 125cc scooter without verifying documents, but riding without correct authorisation means your medical insurance is void in the event of an accident regardless of who is at fault.
Documents to carry at all times: your national licence, your IDP, and the STNK vehicle registration paper provided by the hire company. Police checkpoints expect all three. Bali road conditions mix tourist scooters, local traffic, temple offerings, and unpredictable surface quality. Riders without regular two-wheeler experience should hire a driver.
Vietnam
1968 IDP Only 1949 not accepted under any circumstances.
Vietnam recognises only the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP. A 1949 IDP is invalid for driving in Vietnam. Additionally, your home country must have signed the 1968 convention for your IDP to be recognised at all. Citizens of countries that signed only the 1949 convention cannot obtain a valid IDP for Vietnam.
A common mistake: tourists point to the Category A motorcycle stamp inside their IDP booklet, assuming it authorises motorbike riding in Vietnam. Vietnamese traffic law enforcement does not consistently accept this interpretation. Police checkpoints on the Ha Giang Loop, Hai Van Pass, Mui Ne, and Dalat actively target foreign riders. Fines run approximately 500,000 VND (~$20 USD), with vehicle impoundment documented at some checkpoints.
Most travel insurance policies will not cover motorbike incidents in Vietnam for riders who cannot demonstrate legal authorisation. Verify with your specific insurer before riding. For stays of three or more months, residents holding a Business Visa, Work Permit, or Temporary Residence Card can apply for a Vietnamese GPLX licence, which provides full legal coverage.
Japan
Required 1949 Convention.
Japan is one of the most strictly enforced IDP jurisdictions in Asia. Driving without one is classified as a criminal offence rather than a civil traffic matter. US, UK, Australian, and most non-EU licences are not directly recognised. An IDP is mandatory for all vehicle types.
Japan operates three separate engine-size categories for motorcycles: up to 50cc, up to 400cc, and over 400cc. Your IDP must reflect a licence covering the specific category of bike you intend to ride. Large-displacement bikes above 400cc require an endorsement that many foreign licences do not include. Rental companies in Japan are thorough about checking documentation.
Swiss drivers should note that Switzerland did not ratify the 1949 convention and must obtain an IDP specifically recognised in Japan. Japan’s motorway toll system is extensive; ETC card rental for electronic payment is available through hire companies and worth arranging in advance for intercity routes.
Other Key Asian Destinations
| Country | IDP Status | Motorbike Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | Required | Category A required | 1949 IDP. Car hire is straightforward. Self-hire motorbike touring is less common; guided tours are the typical route for visitors. |
| China | IDP Not Accepted | Foreign licence invalid | China does not recognise the IDP. Foreign drivers require a temporary Chinese licence from a local traffic bureau, obtained with a valid home licence, passport, and completed application. Plan at least one working day for this process. |
| India | Required | Category A required | IDP legally required. Self-drive rental is available in some states. Traffic conditions in major cities and on national highways require significant driving experience. |
| Malaysia | Required | Category A required | 1949 IDP. Traffic drives on the left. Kuala Lumpur hire is straightforward. Cameron Highlands and Penang island roads are popular for motorbike touring. |
| Singapore | Recommended | Category A required | English-language licences are widely accepted, but hire companies ask for an IDP. Traffic enforcement is among the strictest in Asia; speed and lane discipline violations are processed automatically. |
| Philippines | Required | Category A required | IDP required. Motorbike hire is common between islands. Some UK CBT holders may be exempt from the IDP requirement for motorbikes specifically; verify with local authorities before riding. |
| Cambodia | Recommended | Loosely enforced | Enforcement is lighter than in Thailand or Vietnam. Insurance is void without an IDP regardless of whether local police check. Foreign licences are accepted in practice for car hire. |
| Laos | Recommended | Loosely enforced | Similar position to Cambodia. Popular for motorbike routes in the north. Documentation is infrequently checked but insurance implications remain regardless of enforcement. |
| UAE | Required | Category A required | IDP required alongside home licence for car hire. Zero-tolerance drink-drive policy applies. Traffic violations carry immediate fines and, in serious cases, licence confiscation at the scene. |
South America: The Brazil Exception and Regional Requirements
South America is largely covered by the 1949 Geneva Convention IDP, with two significant exceptions that are widely misrepresented, including on some US government websites and AAA materials.
A widespread claim states that Brazil and Uruguay require the Inter-American Driving Permit (IADP) rather than a standard IDP. This is inaccurate. Both countries ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention, which means they legally recognise the 1968 IDP. The 1949 IDP is not accepted in Brazil or Uruguay. If you hold a 1968 IDP, it is valid in both countries, typically for the duration of your tourist entry stamp.
| Country | IDP Status | Convention | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 1968 IDP Required | 1968 only | 1949 IDP not accepted. Valid for tourist-entry duration. Motorcycle category required for two-wheelers. Road safety and vehicle security conditions vary significantly by state; review current FCO and State Department advisories before planning a road trip. |
| Argentina | Required | 1949 / 1968 | IDP required. Popular for Patagonia driving routes and Ruta 40. Fuel availability can be intermittent in remote Patagonian stretches; carry additional fuel when travelling south of Bariloche. |
| Chile | Conditionally Required | 1949 / 1968 | Required for vehicles with more than nine seats; recommended for all others. Road infrastructure is generally reliable. Atacama Desert and Carretera Austral routes are popular for self-drive travel. |
| Colombia | Required | 1949 / 1968 | IDP required. Medellin and Cartagena are common starting points for hire. Review current regional security advisories from your government before planning cross-country routes. |
| Peru | Required | 1949 / 1968 | Required. The Lima to Cusco overland route traverses significant altitude gain. Altitude affects concentration and physical response times; this is a practical driving safety consideration, not a legal one. |
| Uruguay | 1968 IDP Required | 1968 only | Same position as Brazil: 1949 not accepted, 1968 valid. Generally one of the more straightforward self-drive environments in South America. |
| Bolivia | Recommended | 1949 / 1968 | IDP recommended. Yungas Road and Salar de Uyuni salt flat attract experienced drivers. Extreme altitude and road surface conditions require substantial off-road driving experience. |
| Ecuador | Recommended | 1949 / 1968 | IDP recommended. Galapagos Islands vehicle hire requires separate local documentation. |
| Venezuela | Required | 1949 / 1968 | IDP required. Most governments currently issue Do Not Travel advisories for Venezuela. Verify current guidance from your foreign ministry before any travel planning. |
What Happens After an Accident Abroad
A road accident in a foreign country is complicated under any circumstances. Your legal status as a driver determines whether the normal process runs, or whether every subsequent step works against you.
With a Valid IDP
Officers confirm you are a legally licensed driver in the correct vehicle category. The IDP’s multilingual format resolves the language barrier at the scene. You are treated as a legal driver throughout the process.
Photograph all vehicle damage, licence plates, road conditions, and the positions of all vehicles before anything is moved. Obtain the police report reference number. This document is required by every insurance claim process.
Most hire contracts require immediate notification of any incident. Delayed reporting is grounds to void coverage even when all documentation is in order. Call the rental company before leaving the scene if possible.
CDW, travel insurance rental cover, or credit card coverage can each be invoked through their standard claims process. Keep every receipt and all documentation. File the claim as soon as you have the police report number.
Any fine issued applies only within the country where the incident occurred. Serious violations can result in your IDP being invalidated for use in that specific country, but this does not affect your home licence or your IDP’s validity elsewhere.
Without an IDP (Where One Is Required)
Without an IDP in a country that requires one, you are driving illegally. The legal and financial consequences compound at every stage, regardless of who caused the accident.
You are an unlicensed driver under the laws of that country. Even if the other party caused the accident, your illegal status affects your right to claim against them in some jurisdictions. The rental CDW is void: every hire contract requires you to be a legally licensed driver, and no IDP where required equals breach of contract. You personally owe the full repair or replacement cost, which on a European hire car can exceed €30,000 (~$33,000 USD). Your travel insurance rental cover is void: all major policies contain an illegal-activity exclusion, and driving without required documentation qualifies. Third-party liability falls on you personally for all medical costs and property damage. In several Asian and South American countries, unlicensed driving is treated as a criminal matter rather than a civil one, with detention and mandatory court appearances documented as outcomes.
Travel Insurance and the IDP: How the Coverage Stack Works
Driving abroad involves four overlapping coverage layers. The IDP is the document that determines whether any of them are valid. Without it, where required, none of the layers below will respond to a claim.
Stops at the US border for almost all American policies except Canada. Even where it extends, it may not meet local minimum liability requirements abroad.
- Verify international coverage before departure
- Liability cover typically ends at the US border
- Does not replace local legal documentation requirements
Premium cards including Chase Sapphire Reserve and Amex Platinum include primary rental car cover when the full hire cost is charged to that card.
- Covers vehicle damage only, not third-party injury
- Full hire cost must be charged to the card to activate
- Country exclusions vary by card issuer
- Void if you are driving without required documentation
Purchased at the hire counter for approximately $20 to $40 per day. Shifts vehicle damage liability to the rental company but does not cover third-party injury.
- Covers the hire car only
- Void if required driving documentation is absent
- Italy requires additional theft cover on top
- Loss-of-use charges apply while the vehicle is repaired
World Nomads Explorer and Epic plans include up to $35,000 in rental car damage. Allianz, Travelex, and Seven Corners offer up to $50,000 as optional add-ons.
- Covers collision, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters
- Campervans, RVs, and luxury vehicles typically excluded
- World Nomads Standard plan excludes this cover entirely
- Void if driving without required documentation
Compare Policies with Rental Car Cover Included
World Nomads Explorer and Epic plans include rental car damage cover up to $35,000 and cover motorbike incidents where you hold the correct category licence. InsureMyTrip lets you compare Allianz, Seven Corners, and Travel Insured International side by side on coverage limits and premium.
Explorer and Epic plans cover rental car damage up to $35,000 and include motorbike incidents where the correct licence category is held. The Standard plan excludes rental car cover entirely, so confirm you are on the correct tier before hiring a vehicle abroad.
Get a quote →Compares policies from Allianz, Seven Corners, Travel Insured International, and others side by side on rental car cover limits, medical evacuation, and premium. Useful for identifying which plans specifically cover motorbike use and adventure driving in Asia.
Compare policies →A strong option for shorter Europe and Asia trips where rental car cover is the primary concern. Covers collision and theft on hire vehicles across most countries in this guide, with clear documentation of motorbike exclusions so you know exactly what is and is not covered.
View EKTA plans →Foreign Visitors Driving in the United States
The US is the world’s most popular road trip destination for international visitors, and its rules for foreign drivers are among the most patchwork. Unlike most countries, there is no single federal rule. Each state sets its own requirements for how long a foreign licence is valid, whether an IDP is required, and when a new resident must convert to a local licence.
The United States does not issue IDPs to foreign visitors. If you arrive without one and find you need it, there is no in-country remedy. Contact your national automobile association (AA, ADAC, RAC, CAA) before departure. IDPs issued for use in the US are valid for one year.
General Rules for Tourists
Most states allow tourists to drive on a valid foreign licence for the duration of their tourist visit, typically 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme or up to one year on a tourist visa. The moment you establish residency in a state by taking employment, signing a lease, or enrolling children in a local school, your tourist driving privilege ends. Most states then require a state licence within 30 to 90 days. California is an exception: non-resident visitors can drive on a foreign licence indefinitely until they establish California residency, at which point they have 10 days to apply for a California licence.
An IDP is required or strongly recommended when: your home licence is not in English; your licence uses a non-Latin script such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic; the state you are driving in specifically requires one; or your car hire company requires one, which most major US operators do for non-English licences.
State-by-State IDP Requirements
Renting a Car in the US as a Foreign Visitor
You need a valid foreign licence, passport, credit card, and an IDP if your licence is not in English. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but may trigger additional security deposits of $200 to $500. The minimum hire age at most major operators is 21; drivers under 25 pay a young-renter surcharge averaging $25 per day.
Canadian visitors driving their own vehicle are covered by their Canadian policy. Visitors from all other countries hiring a car can purchase liability cover, CDW, and personal accident insurance at the hire counter. For stays longer than 30 days, standalone US policies from State Farm, Progressive, and Farmers accept applications from international licence holders.
US Traffic Rules That Catch Foreign Drivers Out
Right turn on red is legal in most states unless a sign specifically prohibits it. When a school bus extends its stop arm, all traffic in both directions must stop, not just the vehicles behind the bus. Speed limits are in miles per hour. Railroad crossings require a complete stop when signals are active. HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes require a minimum of two occupants; fines for solo use can reach $500. Speed limits change at state lines and do not carry over from the previous state.
The International Driving Permit was first standardised at the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, signed by 96 countries. Its physical format, a grey-covered A6 booklet slightly larger than a passport, has remained essentially unchanged since then. The document’s purpose has also not changed: it provides a standardised translation of a domestic licence into a set of languages a foreign officer or clerk can read, so that the legal fact of being a licensed driver survives a language barrier. The two-convention system, 1949 and 1968, exists because 83 countries later agreed on an updated format in Vienna that expanded the recognition framework. Countries that signed only the older convention accept only the older IDP; countries that signed the later one accept the newer. Vietnam’s position, accepting exclusively the 1968 version and only from countries that ratified it, is not an anomaly. It is the convention system working exactly as designed.
Three Routes Where the Documentation Check Was Real
Grossglockner, Austria
Europe’s highest paved Alpine road. Police verify documentation at the toll point before the summit section. 48 hairpin bends, a 2,571m high point, and a documentation check at kilometre one.
Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
The most photographed motorbike road in South-East Asia. Police checkpoints at both ends actively verify 1968 IDPs with motorcycle endorsement. The wartime bunkers at the summit are the payoff for getting the paperwork right.
Ruta 40, Patagonia
Argentina’s 5,000km national highway from Bolivia to the Strait of Magellan. Provincial police checkpoints at each border request documentation. Remote southern sections have no fuel for 200km and no mobile signal.
How to Apply for an International Driving Permit
Determine whether your destination accepts the 1949, the 1968, or both. For multi-region trips covering Europe and Asia, apply for the 1968. If visiting only countries on the 1949 list, the 1949 version is sufficient and is processed faster.
If you plan to ride a motorbike or scooter, your home licence must include a motorcycle endorsement before you apply. An IDP cannot translate a licence category that does not exist on your original document.
US drivers: AAA or AATA, in person, by post, or online. Cost is approximately $20 plus a $9 photo processing fee. Allow 2 to 4 business days processing plus shipping. No other online vendor is authorised by the US Department of State. UK drivers: the Post Office or AA, cost approximately £5.50. Australian drivers: NRMA, RAA, RACQ, RACV, or RAC depending on state, cost approximately AUD $39 to $49. Canadian drivers: CAA, cost approximately CAD $25. EU residents: your national automobile club (ADAC in Germany, ACI in Italy, AA in Ireland).
Two passport-sized photographs (printed, not digital), a copy of the front and back of your valid domestic licence, the completed application form, and payment. Polaroid prints are acceptable at most issuers; confirm the photo requirements with your specific issuing organisation.
IDPs cannot be issued more than six months in advance of the date you intend to use them. Time your application based on your departure date, not your return date.
Digital copies are not accepted by police or hire companies anywhere in the world. Keep a photograph of it on your phone as a reference if it is lost or stolen, but the original booklet is the only document that counts at a checkpoint or hire counter.
Dozens of websites offer “instant international driving licences” or same-day IDP delivery for fees ranging from $25 to over $100. These documents are not recognised by police, hire companies, or insurers anywhere in the world. An IDP can only be issued by a nationally authorised body in the country where your domestic licence was issued. Any website that does not require you to present an existing valid domestic licence as part of the application is not issuing a legitimate IDP.
Quick Reference: Before You Drive, At the Counter, After an Accident
International Driving Permit: Frequently Asked Questions
In some countries, no. France, Canada, and New Zealand accept English-language licences without an IDP. In others, yes, regardless of licence language. Germany, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Australia require an IDP for non-resident or non-EU drivers even when the licence is in English. Additionally, hire companies in many countries require an IDP even where local law does not. The safest approach for any international trip involving driving is to obtain an IDP before departure, regardless of licence language.
No. A car licence covers Category B vehicles only. Any motorised two-wheeler in Bali, Thailand, or Vietnam requires a motorcycle licence endorsement on both your domestic licence and your IDP. This applies regardless of the engine size of the scooter you hire. Riding on a car-only IDP means your travel insurance is void, your CDW is void, and you are personally liable for all costs if an accident occurs. The fact that hire shops will rent you a scooter without checking documents does not make it legal.
They are issued under two separate UN treaties. The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is valid for one year and is accepted across most of Asia, Africa, Oceania, and North America. The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is valid for up to three years and is required in Europe, Brazil, Uruguay, and Vietnam. They are not interchangeable. Arriving in Vietnam with a 1949 IDP is legally the same as arriving with no IDP at all. If you are travelling across multiple regions, apply for the 1968 version, which is accepted in the widest range of destinations.
It depends on the policy and on your documentation. World Nomads Explorer and Epic plans cover motorbike incidents where you hold a valid motorcycle licence and the correct IDP category. If you are riding on a car-only IDP, or on no IDP at all, the illegal-activity exclusion applies and the insurer will reject the claim. Vietnam is a specific grey area: most policies will not cover motorbike incidents there at all because of the complexity around the 1968-only IDP requirement. Verify with your specific insurer before riding in Vietnam.
Yes, if you hold the 1968 Convention IDP. Brazil ratified the 1968 Vienna Convention, which means it recognises the 1968 IDP for the duration of your tourist stay. The 1949 IDP is not accepted in Brazil. A widespread misconception, including on some US government and AAA pages, states that Brazil requires a separate Inter-American Driving Permit. This is inaccurate; the 1968 IDP is the correct and legally recognised document for driving in Brazil as a foreign visitor.
Most states allow tourists to drive on a valid foreign licence for the duration of their legal stay, typically 90 days under the Visa Waiver Programme or up to one year on a tourist visa. The rules change when you establish residency. Taking employment, signing a lease, or enrolling children in local school all trigger residency status, at which point most states require a local licence within 30 to 90 days. California allows the longest tourist driving window but requires a California licence within 10 days of establishing residency. An IDP is not legally required in all states but is required by most hire companies for non-English licences.
Traffic violations incurred abroad apply only in the country where the infringement occurred. They do not attach to your IDP or travel back to your home licence in most cases, as there is no international traffic enforcement sharing agreement covering most tourist destinations. Fines must be paid locally or through the hire company if the vehicle was caught by a camera. Serious violations, including dangerous driving, can result in your IDP being invalidated for use in that specific country, but this does not affect your home licence or your IDP’s validity elsewhere.
Almost certainly not. IDPs can only be issued by a nationally authorised body in the country where your domestic licence was issued. For US drivers, that is AAA or AATA, both authorised by the US Department of State. Any other website offering to issue an IDP, particularly ones offering instant delivery or not requiring proof of an existing domestic licence, is not issuing a legitimate document. Police, hire companies, and insurers in every country covered by this guide will not recognise documents from unofficial issuers.
Not necessarily. The IDP is a tourist document. Most countries tie your tourist driving privilege to your visa status: once you cross from visitor to resident, either by taking employment, signing a long-term lease, or obtaining a long-stay or Digital Nomad Visa, the IDP may no longer provide legal cover. The threshold varies by country. In Thailand, the tourist driving window is generally treated as the duration of your permitted stay. In Portugal and Spain, Digital Nomad Visa holders are classified as residents and are expected to hold a local or converted EU licence rather than an IDP. In Indonesia, stays beyond 60 days on a Social Visa move you into a grey area. Standard travel insurance products, including World Nomads, also have maximum trip-duration limits of 180 days and cover only hired vehicles, not vehicles you own. If you are driving long-term in any country, the correct next step is to understand that country’s residency threshold and local licence conversion process. See the guides below for detail by destination.
What This Guide Does Not Cover Yet
This guide covers the tourist layer of international driving: what the IDP is, where it is required, and how it interacts with your insurance and rental coverage. The following guides address the scenarios that sit beyond it, particularly for long-stay travellers and digital nomads. Each is in production.
The residency threshold at which your tourist driving privilege ends in Thailand, Indonesia, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Georgia, and Japan. Includes the local licence conversion process and documents required for each.
Insurance for stays of 90 to 365 days. Covers SafetyWing, long-stay vehicle insurance by region, what happens when you own rather than hire, and the Schengen 90-in-180 driving implication for EU Digital Nomad Visa holders.
Step-by-step licence conversion and application processes for Thailand (DLT), Indonesia (SIM A and SIM C), Portugal, Mexico, and Colombia. Covers which visa you need, what documents are required, cost, and time.
Choosing the right bike by country and route, rental versus purchase for longer stays, helmet and gear standards by country, breakdown cover, and specific documentation required for the Ha Giang Loop, Pai circuit, and Bali routes.
The Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral in full detail. Vehicle documentation for crossing borders overland, fuel planning for remote routes, insurance options by country, and security considerations that affect where and when to drive.
Official Sources and References
The information in this guide draws on the following primary sources. For any country where rules may have changed since publication, the official government or authority source is linked directly.
