Question 1

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

Accepted Answer

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your domestic driver's license that allows you to drive in over 150 countries worldwide. It's recognized by the United Nations and serves as proof that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country.

Question 2

Do I still need my regular driver's license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an IDP is not a replacement for your domestic driver's license but rather a supplement to it. You must carry both your IDP and your original driver's license when driving abroad. The IDP serves as a translation of your license and does not replace its validity.

Question 3

Who is eligible to apply?

Accepted Answer

You must hold a valid, non-expired driver's license issued in your home country. You confirm this at the start of the application — applications based on expired or invalid licenses are automatically declined.

Question 4

How long does it take to get my IDP?

Accepted Answer

Everything arrives in minutes. Your digital IDP translation is delivered to your inbox once your application is approved, and on the Digital + IDP PVC Card plan the print-ready wallet-size card file is included in the same instant download.

Question 5

Which countries accept the IDP?

Accepted Answer

The IDP is valid in over 150 countries that are signatories to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. This includes popular destinations like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe. However, some countries may have additional requirements, so we recommend checking the specific driving regulations for your destination. Browse our full country directory for country-by-country details.

Question 6

What's the difference between the 1949 and 1968 conventions?

Accepted Answer

They are the two United Nations road-traffic treaties that govern international driving documents. Most destinations recognize documents issued under either convention, but some countries formally follow one or the other. Our IDP translations are compliant with the 1949 UN Convention on Road Traffic — the standard accepted in most major destinations — and our country directory shows which convention applies to each country.

Question 7

Can I rent a car with an IDP?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Most car rental companies in foreign countries will require both your IDP and your domestic driver's license to rent a vehicle. However, requirements can vary by country and rental company, so it's always best to check with the specific rental agency beforehand.

Question 8

Can I use my IDP in my home country?

Accepted Answer

No, an IDP is only valid when used in conjunction with your domestic driver's license in a foreign country. It is not a valid form of identification or driving permit in your home country and cannot be used as a substitute for your domestic driver's license.

Question 9

Do I need an IDP for the EU if I live in the EU?

Accepted Answer

No. EU licenses are recognized across all EU member states without an IDP. If your license was issued outside the EU and you're visiting, an IDP is recommended and often required by rental companies and local authorities.

Question 10

How long is an IDP valid for?

Accepted Answer

You choose a 1, 2, or 3-year validity period when you apply. Validity starts on the issue date, and your IDP is never valid beyond the expiration date of your domestic driver's license. Keep in mind that some destination countries only recognize an IDP for a limited period after you arrive, so check the rules for your destination before traveling.

Question 11

What if my domestic license expires before my IDP?

Accepted Answer

Your IDP is only valid while the underlying domestic license is valid. If your domestic license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time left — renew your license first, then apply for a new IDP.

Question 12

Can I renew or extend my IDP?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can start a new application at any time from your account dashboard — the process takes just a few minutes, and you can choose a fresh 1, 2, or 3-year validity period when you re-apply.

Question 13

What do I need to upload?

Accepted Answer

Three things: a passport-style photo of yourself, clear photos of the front and back of your driver's license, and your signature — which you can draw, type, or upload during the application.

Question 14

Are scans okay, or do I need to use my phone camera?

Accepted Answer

Either works. Phone photos are usually fastest — just make sure every detail on your license is readable and nothing is cropped. Uploads are accepted as JPEG, PNG, or WebP files up to 5 MB.

Question 15

What if my license is in a non-Latin script?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly what an IDP is for. Upload your license as-is — your permit includes a multilingual translation that authorities and rental desks can read.

Question 16

How is the digital IDP delivered?

Accepted Answer

By email, in minutes, as soon as your application is approved. You can also sign in to your account dashboard to view or download your IDP at any time.

Question 17

How do I get my IDP PVC card?

Accepted Answer

The wallet-size IDP PVC card comes as a print-ready file in your instant ZIP download, together with your digital IDP document. Print it at home or at any card-print shop — it's standard credit-card (CR80) format. See our Delivery Policy for details.

Question 18

What if my IDP is lost or stolen?

Accepted Answer

If your IDP is lost or stolen while traveling, contact our support team immediately. We can help you obtain a replacement, though additional fees may apply. We recommend keeping a digital copy of your IDP as a backup when traveling.

Question 19

What if my application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

If your application cannot be processed, contact us at support@internationalautomobilecouncil.com and we'll help you resolve it. Refund handling is described in our Terms and Conditions.

Question 20

What's your refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are handled per our Terms and Conditions. Write to support@internationalautomobilecouncil.com with your order details and we'll look into it right away.

Everything you might ask, in one place.

Getting started

Coverage and acceptance

Validity and renewal

Documents required

Delivery

Refunds

Still have a question?

Everything you might ask, in one place.

Getting started

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?+

Do I still need my regular driver's license?+

Who is eligible to apply?+

How long does it take to get my IDP?+

Coverage and acceptance

Which countries accept the IDP?+

What's the difference between the 1949 and 1968 conventions?+

Can I rent a car with an IDP?+

Can I use my IDP in my home country?+

Do I need an IDP for the EU if I live in the EU?+

Validity and renewal

How long is an IDP valid for?+

What if my domestic license expires before my IDP?+

Can I renew or extend my IDP?+

Documents required

What do I need to upload?+

Are scans okay, or do I need to use my phone camera?+

What if my license is in a non-Latin script?+

Delivery

How is the digital IDP delivered?+

How do I get my IDP PVC card?+

What if my IDP is lost or stolen?+

Refunds

What if my application is rejected?+

What's your refund policy?+

Still have a question?