INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT

What is an International Driving Permit?

The International Driving Permit, or IDP is a document that more than 150 countries have adopted to allow properly licensed drivers from one member state to drive the roads and byways of other member states. A properly issued IDP, when carried with a valid driver's license issued by the traveler’s resident country or state, identifies the holder as meeting the requirements of the United Nations 1949 Convention on Road Traffic to foreign traffic authorities and car rental agencies.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible you must be a permanent resident of the United States of America or its Territories. (U.S. citizenship is not a requirement)

You must also be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid driver's license issued by a state or territory of the United States and your license must remain valid for at least six months from the issue date of your IDP.

How Do I Get an IDP?

Complete our simple application form online, upload your passport-sized photograph and driver's license images per the instructions in the application form and choose your payment and shipping & handling options. No written or driving skill test is required.

Good in More Than 150 Countries

A properly issued IDP is recognized in all the countries and states that have ratified the United Nations' 1949 Convention on Road Traffic and a number of countries that aren’t party to the 1949 Convention but nevertheless honor the International Driving Permit. For a list of countries with these and other requirements, please review the List of Contracting States.

Primary Benefits of an IDP

A properly issued International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for renting motor vehicles in many countries, and helpful to travelers who may find themselves in need of an official document with photo identification.

Your personally issued IDP translates the details of your domestic driver's license in nine languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Italian, German, Arabic, Swedish, and French), in case you need to communicate with foreign authorities.

Even if you have no plans to drive or rent a car while you're abroad, carrying an IDP provides an extra measure of security and peace of mind should unexpected circumstances occur.

When Does an IDP Expire?

Legitimate IDPs are issued for a period of one year from the date of issue. IDPs are not renewable. A new application must be submitted for the new permit to be in compliance with the International Road Traffic Agreement. We will even email you after 9 months from your IDP issue date, to remind you that your IDP is nearing expiration, in case you would like to order a new one.