Disclaimer: Driving rules and permit requirements can vary by country and may change over time. Always confirm details with official transport authorities or embassies before departure.
Driving abroad often feels like one of the most appealing parts of travel. It gives you flexibility, independence, and access to places that public transport doesn’t always reach. But once you start planning to rent a car or a scooter overseas, one practical question usually comes up very quickly:
Do you need an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit, commonly referred to as an IDP, is one of those documents that rarely feels important until the moment you’re asked for it. In many destinations, it plays a key role in whether your driver’s license is accepted by rental companies, traffic authorities, and insurance providers.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit is a standardized translation of your existing driver’s license into multiple languages. It is sometimes casually called an international driver’s license, but it’s important to be precise here:
There is no separate international driving license.
Your home license remains the legal proof that you are allowed to drive. The IDP simply supports it by making your license details easier to recognize abroad.
For an IDP to be valid, you must always carry it together with your original driver’s license.
Do You Actually Need an IDP to Drive Abroad?
Whether you need an IDP depends largely on where you are traveling and how driving is regulated there. Some countries legally require foreign drivers to carry an IDP. Others may not require it by law, but rental companies still ask for it as part of their internal policies. This is especially common for scooter rentals and short-term car hires. The situations where an IDP becomes particularly important include signing rental contracts, roadside checks, and insurance claims after an accident.
Countries Where an IDP Is Commonly Required
Many popular travel destinations commonly require or request an IDP for visitors, including parts of:
- Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam
- Japan and South Korea
- Several European countries
- Australia, in certain cases
Because rules can vary depending on nationality and license type, it’s always better to confirm requirements before departure rather than relying on assumptions. International Driving Permits are accepted across many countries worldwide, particularly those that follow the 1949 or 1968 international road traffic conventions.
IDP vs Local License: Why Both Matter
It’s a common misconception that an IDP replaces your home license. In reality, the two work together. Your home license proves you’re qualified to drive, while the IDP explains that qualification in a format local authorities can understand.
An IDP has no legal value on its own.
How to Get an International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit must always be obtained in your home country before you travel, since it is issued based on your existing driver’s license. Where you apply depends on where you live. In most countries, IDPs are issued through an authorized national automobile association or a government-approved transport partner. For example, in the United States, permits are issued through organizations like AAA, while in other countries, the issuer may be a local automobile federation or official driving authority.
Although the issuing body differs by country, the application process is usually similar. Most applicants are asked to provide a valid driver’s license, a passport-style photo, an application form, and a processing fee. A valid IDP must come from an official authorized issuer in your own country, not from an unofficial website.
How Long Is an International Driving Permit Valid?
IDP validity depends on which international convention the permit follows.
- 1949 Convention IDPs are typically valid for 1 year
- 1968 Convention IDPs can be valid for up to 3 years
Even if your IDP is valid for several years, certain countries may only recognize it for shorter stays. An IDP is only valid when carried with your original license.
Driving Abroad Also Means Adjusting to Local Road Rules
Paperwork is only part of the experience. In many destinations, traffic flows on the left-hand side of the road, which can feel unfamiliar if you’re used to right-hand driving. Road signs, lane markings, and turning habits may also differ from what you’re used to at home. This adjustment period is one reason rental companies and authorities pay close attention to documentation, especially for foreign drivers.
Restrictions to Keep in Mind When Driving Abroad
An International Driving Permit helps your license be recognized internationally, but it does not override local driving laws or restrictions. Drivers from left-hand traffic countries are generally allowed to drive in right-hand traffic countries, and vice versa, as long as their license and permit are valid for that destination.
The difference is not about permission, but adaptation. Driving on the opposite side of the road can feel disorienting at first, particularly at intersections, roundabouts, or when judging lane position. Other restrictions that may apply when driving abroad include:
- minimum age requirements for rentals
- license class limitations (for example, car versus motorcycle)
- mandatory helmet or safety gear rules
- stricter enforcement of traffic violations
- insurance conditions tied to proper documentation
An IDP does not remove these restrictions, but it often plays an important role in ensuring you are legally covered while driving overseas.
What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP?
Driving abroad without an IDP can lead to more than minor inconvenience. You may be refused a rental, fined during a traffic stop, or face insurance complications if you’re involved in an accident. In some cases, legal responsibility becomes unclear even if you hold a valid home license. Preparing the permit in advance is almost always easier than trying to resolve these issues after arrival.
Driving Abroad Is Easier With the Right Preparation
An International Driving Permit is one part of travel readiness, especially if your trip involves renting a car, taking scenic routes, or exploring places where trains don’t always reach.
Imagine a road trip across Europe, where one wrong turn can take you from the Alps into a completely different border crossing. In moments like that, having your phone ready for maps, navigation, and travel updates becomes just as important as having the correct driving documents.
Reliable mobile data helps you stay confident on the road, whether you’re finding your next stop, checking parking rules, or adjusting plans mid-drive. For travelers who want to be connected the moment they arrive, Eskimo offers Europe eSIM options that work across multiple countries, along with a free global eSIM trial that you can activate before committing to a full plan.
If you’ve already prepared essentials like power adapters and charging setups, sorting out your driving documents and connectivity follows the same logic: small steps that make travel smoother.
FAQs
How do I get an International Driving Permit?
You apply through an authorized issuing organization in your home country, usually a national automobile association or government-approved transport partner.
Where can I apply for an IDP if I’m not from the US?
Every country has its own authorized issuer. In some places it’s a national automobile association, while in others it’s an official driving authority or transport office.
Are IDP requirements the same in every country?
The core requirements are similar, but details such as processing time, fees, and validity length can vary.
Which countries accept an International Driving Permit?
IDPs are accepted across many countries worldwide, especially those that follow the 1949 or 1968 international road traffic conventions.
Can I apply for an IDP after I’ve already traveled abroad?
Usually not. Most issuing authorities require you to apply before leaving your home country.
