The IDP (International Driving Permit) is a document that translates the information on your driver’s license into multiple languages and helps prove your driving eligibility abroad. It does not replace your license: to drive and rent a car, you must present your physical driver’s license along with the IDP.
In practice, the IDP is most important when:
the destination country requires an international document or standardized translation
the rental company requires the IDP as a condition to release the vehicle (even when local laws are less strict)
With an IDP, you can drive in more than 100 countries, even though not all of them require this document. In some destinations, such as in Europe and Asia, it is mandatory to present it along with your driver’s license. In others, such as the United States, the rules vary by state and it is only a recommendation.
Is the IDP mandatory to drive and rent a car abroad?
It depends on the country and the rental company, but it is common for the IDP to be required or recommended. In addition, even if the local government does not require it, the rental company may require the IDP to complete the rental.
Practical rule to avoid surprises at the counter: if your trip is international and you plan to drive, check in advance whether the rental company requires an IDP. When in doubt, it is always recommended to issue the document in advance and ensure a smooth trip.
Which languages appear on the IDP?
The IDP issued is described as a translation of the driver’s license into 7 languages (this may vary depending on the model/issuing authority).
In most cases, the IDP translates your driver’s license into Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, German, and French and also includes a version in English.
Can I issue an IDP if I only have a provisional or “temporary” driver’s license?
The IDP is usually issued only to drivers with a valid and full (non-provisional) driver’s license. In addition, foreign authorities and rental companies will not accept a temporary license to drive abroad.
Check this and the other requirements for renting a vehicle.
How long is the IDP valid?
The validity depends on the model/international convention applied and can never exceed the validity of your driver’s license.
There are two conventions (treaties between countries) that regulate the IDP and influence its validity:
Geneva Convention (1949): IDP valid for 1 year from issuance.
Vienna Convention (1968): IDP valid for up to 3 years (or until the driver’s license expires, whichever comes first).
In addition, some countries may limit its use for visitors to a certain period, usually related to the entry visa.
Why is the IDP internationally recognized?
The IDP exists because there are international conventions that standardize rules and formats for driving in international traffic. The main frameworks include the 1949 (Geneva) and 1968 (Vienna) conventions, which define how member countries recognize international driving permits.
In which countries is the IDP valid?
The International Driving Permit is valid in more than 100 countries that are signatories to the Vienna Convention (1968), as long as it is presented together with a valid physical driver’s license.
What is the IDP not?
The IDP is not an independent “international driver’s license” and does not replace your driver’s license. It works as a complement: a translated/standardized version of your license information, used together with a valid driver’s license.
Important: the IDP is not valid within the UK/US as a substitute for a driver’s license.
Summary about the IDP
The IDP contains your data translated into multiple languages (such as English and Spanish, among others), which can be useful when communicating with foreign authorities
The IDP may be required or recommended by the local government of the country visited or by the rental company
The IDP is a complement and does not replace the requirement to present the original physical driver’s license
To obtain an IDP, you must follow the procedures established by the traffic authorities or authorized institutions in your country of residence
The IDP can only be issued to drivers who hold a valid and full driver’s license