What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your national driving licence, set out in a standard format agreed under United Nations road traffic conventions.
An IDP is not a licence on its own. It is valid only when carried together with your valid national driving licence. During a traffic stop, you must show both documents.
An IDP helps because it allows police, car rental companies and insurers abroad to read and understand your licence details, even where the language differs from their own.
You can only obtain an IDP from the country that issued your driving licence, and you must do this before you travel. It cannot be obtained or renewed once you are abroad.
Whether you need an IDP depends on your destination, where your licence was issued and sometimes how long you plan to stay.
1949 or 1968 IDP: which one do you need?
There are two main IDP formats, based on two UN road traffic conventions: the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention. An older format, based on the 1926 Paris Convention, is still required in a few countries.
The 1949 IDP is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. The 1968 IDP is valid for up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires, whichever comes first.
Your destination decides which format it accepts, based on the convention or conventions it has joined. Some countries are party to both the 1949 and 1968 conventions.
If you are visiting several countries on one trip, you may need more than one IDP, depending on which conventions each country has joined.
| Format | Based on | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 IDP | 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic | 1 year from date of issue |
| 1968 IDP | 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic | Up to 3 years, or until your national licence expires, whichever comes first |
| 1926 IDP | 1926 Paris Convention | Required in a few countries only |
The page for each country shows which convention it has joined.
How to get an IDP
You can only get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the country that issued your driving licence, and you must do this before you leave. It cannot be obtained or renewed abroad.
United Kingdom
Since 1 April 2024, UK IDPs are issued in person at participating PayPoint stores (Post Offices no longer issue them). You must live in Great Britain or Northern Ireland, hold a full UK driving licence and be 18 or over. Bring your licence and a passport-style photo. The UK issues three types of IDP (1926, 1949 and 1968), so check which one your destination needs before you go.
United States
Two organisations are authorised to issue US IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA issues IDPs in person at branches or by mail, and membership is not required. You must be 18 or over and hold a valid licence from a US state or territory.
Canada
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the only body authorised to issue IDPs in Canada: an IDP from any other source is not valid. Apply at a CAA store or by mail. CAA membership is not required. You must be 18 or over and hold a full, valid Canadian provincial driving licence.
Other countries
In most countries, IDPs are issued by the national automobile club or the driving licence authority. Check with the body that issued your licence to find out where to apply.
Warning: websites selling an "international driver's licence", "international driving document" or similar are not official issuers. These documents are not recognised by the police and do not replace a driving licence. Only the authorised body in the country that issued your licence can issue a valid IDP.