Every country in the world issues its own driver’s license (DL) that, of course, shows you’ve been trained and are aware of the local laws required to be a safe driver. In the patchwork quilt of the United States, each state issues its own DL, which is accepted by the other 49 states.
U.S. DLs are automatically accepted if you want to drive in our neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico. However if you want to drive in other countries, you may or may not be required to have what’s called an International Drivers Permit.
What’s an International Driver’s Permit? (IDP)
An International Drivers License, more commonly known as an International Drivers Permit (IDP), contains your name, photo and driver information. It also translates your identification information into 10 languages. That way, if you’re in a country when English or the Roman alphabet isn’t the primary language or writing system (such as certain countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, etc.), if you’re driving and are asked for your driver’s license, the authorities will be able to read your identifying information.
Which countries require or recommend having an IDP?
IDPs are accepted in roughly 150 countries. Furthermore, they’re required for foreign drivers in some countries, and recommended in others:
Europe
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| Italy | Yes (officially required) |
| Spain | Strongly recommended |
| France | Recommended (for non-EU license holders) |
| Germany | Not required (EU license OK) |
| Greece | Yes (for non-EU license holders) |
| Portugal | Recommended |
| United Kingdom | Yes (for non-EU license holders) |
| Switzerland | Yes (for non-EU license holders) |
Asia
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| Japan | Yes (strictly enforced) |
| Thailand | Yes (highly enforced) |
| South Korea | Yes |
| China | Not accepted – Need a local license |
| Indonesia | Recommended |
| Vietnam | Not accepted – Need a local license |
| Malaysia | Recommended |
| India | Yes (for foreign nationals) |
North America
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| United States | Required in some states (especially with non-Roman script licenses) |
| Canada | Recommended |
| Mexico | Recommended |
| Costa Rica | Yes |
| Dominican Republic | Yes |
South America
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Yes |
| Argentina | Yes |
| Chile | Yes |
| Colombia | Recommended |
| Peru | Yes |
Africa
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Yes |
| Kenya | Yes |
| Morocco | Recommended |
| Egypt | Yes |
| Tanzania | Yes |
Oceania
| Country | IDP Required? |
|---|---|
| Australia | Yes (for non-English licenses) |
| New Zealand | Yes |
| Fiji | Yes |
Caveats About IDPs
It’s also important to note that IDP rules vary from country to country, and some countries only accept certain versions of IDLs, based on international conventions (i.e the 1949 or 1968 treaty). This is important because if you don’t have the “right” IDP, the rental car company won’t allow you to rent the car. So always check local laws before driving.
Countries Where IDPs Are Not Accepted
Just as there are some countries where you must have an IDP in order to be able to drive there, there are some countries that say, essentially, “Nope.” Even an IDP isn’t good enough for them – you can only drive there with a local DL. Those countries include:
- Mainland China
- North Korea
- Vietnam
How To Get an IDP
To qualify to get an IDP, you have to be age 18+. You also need to have a U.S. driver’s license, and this license must be valid for at least six months after the IDP’s issuance. It’s not required to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible, but you must be a U.S. permanent resident.
IDPs, which cost $20, are valid for one year after it’s been issued.
There are two official organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs:
- American Automobile Association (AAA). If you have a U.S. driver’s license, learn how to apply for an IDP online, in person, or by mail through AAA.
- American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Complete the AATA application online with your passport photo and U.S. driver’s license.
Heads up that, just like when you want to apply for a visa, visa waiver, Global Entry, passport, etc., there are websites and companies that claim to issue international driver’s licenses or IDPs. Many are fraudulent and may try to scam you out of money or personal information.
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