Is an international driving permit required to drive in a foreign country? Here’s what you need to know.
An international driving permit (IDP), often (incorrectly) referred to as an International driver’s license, is a translation of a domestic driver license that allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle in any country that recognizes the IDP.
IDPs are governed by three international conventions: the 1926 Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic, the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.
IDPs are issued through a network of AIT/FIA organizations authorized by their governments to issue them. In most countries these issuing organizations are automobile associations, such as American Automobile Association in the United States. (An IDP costs $20 from AAA; if you don’t bring your own photos, for an extra charge AAA will take them.)
IDPs come in two forms: one that is valid for a year (1949 Geneva) and another that is good for three years (1968 Vienna). Many countries honor both; others, one or the other; a few, neither.
An IDP is not valid for driving in the country where it was issued (in other words, it can only be used in a foreign country), and must be accompanied by a valid driving license issued in the holder’s country of residence. You don’t need an IDP if your domestic license meets the requirements of the 1949 or 1968 convention.
In personal experience I’ve needed IDPs in Greece, Japan, and Ecuador—in the first two countries, I couldn’t rent a car without one; in the latter, I was stopped twice by cops to check if I was carrying an IDP. (Both times they seemed disappointed that I was—roadside fine, anyone?)
In other countries where an IDP is supposedly required, I haven’t had an issue showing just my US license. For example, while the law states you need an IDP to rent a car in Thailand, I’ve rented cars there several times and have never been asked for a one. I did, however, have to “buy” an IDP on the spot in Fiji to rent a car. (I’m not sure if this was merely a revenue opportunity for the car rental agency.)
Countries and jurisdictions that recognize IDP
Twist’s Take: An international driving permit is relatively cheap; carry one to avoid rental car disappointment.
