An international driving permit. Necessary or not?

You might think that the words “Driving License” on your driving license are sufficient to be able to hire or drive a (motorized) vehicle. However, showing your driving license on which the words “Driving License” are clearly visible, is not always sufficient. So sometimes an international driving permit is necessary, but what is it actually and when do you need it? JustGo.Travel has figured it for you.

What is an IDP, an international driving permit?

The international driving permit, the IDP, is a multi-language translation of your driver’s license.

This allows you to prove at your destination that you have valid driver’s license and you will get permission to hire and drive a (motorized) vehicle.

Is an international driving permit mandatory?

An international driving license is not always mandatory from the government of a country. However, more and more rental companies and the local police are demanding that you also have an international driving permit beside your valid driver’s license. In countries such as Australia and the United States, the conditions may even differ between one state to another.

Tip: Check the conditions concerning a driver’s license and international driving permit at your rental company!

In which countries do you need an international driving permit?

EU driving license

If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU) and hold a driving license which is issued in the EU, you:

• can use it throughout the EU without an international driving permit, as a tourist.
• cannot use it outside the EU and you need an international driving permit, when your driving license is not recognized by the country you are going to visit as a tourist. 

Non-EU driving license

If you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU) and hold a driving license which is not issued in the EU, you:

• need an international driving permit, when your driving license is not recognized by the country you are going to visit as a tourist.

Please consult (the website of) the government-authorized organizations like for example national automobile associations or a post office in your home country for the details which apply to your nationality.

Do you always need to show your driver’s license?

The international driving permit is only valid in combination with your valid driver’s license. Your own driver’s license will always remain the official document and the international driving permit only serves as a multi-language translation.

Is it advisable to take an international driving permit?

Compared to your own driver’s license, an international driving permit will probably look really simple. Not all travelers therefore consider it necessary to bring this simple piece of paper to foreign countries.

Even though you have read all the conditions and it is stated that an international driving permit is mandatory, it is never foreseeable whether someone will ask for it. How strict someone is, differs by country, by rental company, per situation, and may also depend on the person who has to check your driving license at that moment. You will also see this in the many different experiences that travelers have. For example, one traveler has to show an international driving permit (a number of times) and another traveler never needed to show it.

However, in countries where people not read or speak the English language very well, the translation can be very useful and can save you a discussion or misunderstanding. Also, in order to prevent you from not being able to get a (rented) (motorized) vehicle or that you do not have the correct driver’s license and translation when you are detained by the police, it is advisable to bring an international driving permit.

Where can you apply for an international driving permit?

You can apply for an international driving permit in your home country, at government-authorized organizations like for example national automobile associations or a post office.

Can you apply for an IDP online or by phone?

This depends on the possibilities which the organization offers where you can apply for an international driving permit.

What do you need to apply for an IDP?

The requirements to apply for an international driving permit differ per organization where you can apply for an international driving permit. Mostly you will need:

• (a copy of) your valid driver’s license
• passport photo(s)

Please contact the government-authorized organization, like for example a national automobile association or post office, in your home country to check the current requirements.

Where do you have to pay attention to during the application?

After you receive the international driving permit, always check:

• your personal information (like first name, family name, birth place, date of birth etc).
• the category or categories for which an international driving permit has been approved.

It can be really annoying when you find out at your destination that your personal information has not been filled in properly or that the wrong category is indicated. Check, check, double check!

How long does the application take of an IDP?

Please contact the government-authorized organization, like for example a national automobile association or post office, in your home country. Apply for an international driving permit on time, so that you will receive it before your leave.

What are the costs of an international driving permit?

The costs of an international driving permit differ per country and are on request at government-authorized organizations, like for example a national automobile association or post office, in your home country.

What is the validity of an international driving permit?

The validity of most international driving permits (IDP) is 1 year.

Can you extend an international driving permit?

In most cases it is not possible to extend an international driving permit.

What should you do if you stay away for more than 1 year?

In that case you mostly have 2 options: You:

• must apply for your local driver’s license.
• need to contact an official translation agency to have your driver’s license translated.

Which of these 2 options apply to you depends on the rules and procedures that apply to your destination and may even differ between one state to another. It is best to contact the local government and / or national automobile association at your destination. They can give you the best advise about the regulations and procedures in the country concerned regarding driving licenses and extending it.

Do you take an international driving license with you on your trip?