How do you get an international driver’s license? If you plan to drive during an overseas trip, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid domestic driver’s license. An IDP can make it easier for authorities and rental companies in other countries to understand the information on your home-country driving license.
Despite the common phrase “international driver’s license,” the official document is generally known as an International Driving Permit. It is not a replacement for your domestic driving license. Instead, it works as a supporting document and translates important information from your original license into several languages.
The process for getting an IDP depends on where your domestic driver’s license was issued. Requirements, fees, application methods, processing times, and authorized issuers can differ between countries. For this reason, travelers should always check the latest information from an authorized issuing organization before applying.
This guide explains how to get an international driver’s license, who can apply, what documents you may need, how much an IDP can cost, how long it may take, and what you should know before driving abroad.
What Is an International Driver’s License?
An International Driving Permit, commonly called an IDP, is a document that supports a valid domestic driver’s license when driving in certain foreign countries. It is designed to help authorities and other organizations understand the information shown on your home-country license.
An IDP does not normally give you an independent right to drive. You generally need to carry your valid domestic driver’s license with it. If your domestic license is expired, suspended, or otherwise invalid, an IDP does not make it valid.
One useful feature of an IDP is language support. It presents key information from your domestic license in standardized formats and multiple languages. This can make it easier for officials or rental companies to identify your name, license information, and permitted vehicle categories.
The countries where an IDP is accepted depend on local laws and the applicable international driving arrangements. Some destinations may require an IDP, while others may accept your domestic license without one. Rental companies can also have their own document requirements.
Therefore, getting an IDP should be part of your travel preparation rather than something you assume is required everywhere.
Who Can Get an International Driver’s License?
Eligibility for an IDP normally starts with having a valid domestic driver’s license. The organization that issued or authorizes IDPs in your country may have additional requirements.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the requirements established by the authorized organization in their country. These may include:
- Having a valid domestic driver’s license
- Meeting the applicable minimum age requirements
- Providing required identification
- Completing an application
- Providing photographs when required
- Paying the applicable fee
The exact requirements can vary, so travelers should confirm them before submitting an application.
Valid Domestic Driver’s License
A valid domestic driving license is an important part of the IDP process. The IDP is generally linked to your existing driving privileges rather than being a separate driving license.
Check the expiration date on your domestic license before planning your application. If it is close to expiring, find out whether you need to renew it before applying for an IDP.
Age Considerations
Age requirements can depend on the issuing country and the type of driving authorization you hold. In addition, the minimum age for driving in your destination country may be different from the age requirements for obtaining an IDP.
This means that having an IDP does not automatically mean you can drive any vehicle in every country.
Residency and Citizenship
Some IDP systems are based on the country that issued your domestic driver’s license rather than simply your citizenship. If you are living abroad, check which authority is allowed to issue your IDP.
This is especially important for travelers who hold licenses from one country but live in another.
How Do You Get an International Driver’s License?
Getting an international driver’s license usually involves several straightforward steps. However, the exact process depends on your home country.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Start by confirming that your domestic driver’s license is valid.
Then check the requirements of the organization authorized to issue IDPs in your country. Do not rely only on advertisements or search-engine results. Look for information from a recognized authority or authorized organization.
Before applying, confirm:
- Whether you qualify
- Which documents are required
- The current fee
- Available application methods
- Processing times
- IDP validity
- Delivery or collection options
Checking these details first can prevent delays.
2. Find an Authorized Issuing Organization
One of the most important steps is finding a legitimate IDP issuer.
The term “international driver’s license” is widely used online, and some websites may use it for marketing purposes. Not every website offering an IDP is authorized to issue a valid permit for your country.
Use information from official government transportation agencies, automobile associations, or other recognized organizations to identify the authorized issuer.
Be cautious if a website:
- Makes unusually broad promises
- Does not clearly identify its authorization
- Offers a document without checking your domestic license
- Claims its permit works in every country
- Uses unclear contact or business information
A legitimate IDP should be connected to a recognized issuing system.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
The documents required depend on the issuing organization. Common requirements may include:
- A valid domestic driver’s license
- A completed application form
- Passport-style photographs
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency, where applicable
- The required application fee
Always check the current document list before applying. Requirements can change.
Make sure your personal information matches across your documents. Errors in your name, date of birth, license number, or other details may cause problems.
4. Submit Your Application
Depending on the country and issuing organization, you may be able to apply online, in person, or by mail.
Before submitting your application, carefully review all information. Make sure photographs and supporting documents meet the required specifications.
Keep your receipt, confirmation email, or other application record. These details can be useful if you need to contact the issuer about the status of your application.
Avoid sending personal documents to websites that you have not verified as authorized.
5. Receive Your International Driving Permit
After your application is approved, the IDP may be delivered to you or made available for collection, depending on the issuing process.
When you receive it, check the information carefully. Look for errors in your name, license details, date information, and other important fields.
If something is incorrect, contact the issuing organization promptly rather than waiting until your trip begins.
How Much Does an International Driver’s License Cost?
There is no single worldwide price for an International Driving Permit.
The total cost depends on the issuing country and organization. You may need to pay an application or processing fee. Some application methods can also involve shipping or photograph costs.
For example, an issuer may charge different amounts depending on whether you apply in person or request delivery. Fees can also change over time.
The safest approach is to check the current price directly with the authorized issuing organization before applying.
Do not choose an IDP service only because it advertises a very low price. Legitimacy and authorization are more important than finding the cheapest option.
How Long Does an International Driving Permit Take?
Processing times vary by issuing organization and application method.
Some applications may be processed quickly, while others may require additional time for document review and delivery. Postal applications can take longer because of shipping.
If you are using an expedited service, check whether the faster processing applies to the application itself, delivery, or both.
It is best to apply well before your trip. Waiting until the day before departure can create unnecessary stress if your application or delivery is delayed.
International travelers should also consider weekends, public holidays, postal delays, and international shipping times.
How Long Is an International Driver’s License Valid?
The validity period of an IDP depends on the applicable issuing system and international convention under which it is issued.
An important point is that an IDP does not normally replace your domestic driver’s license. If your original license expires, the IDP does not automatically extend your domestic driving privileges.
Before traveling, check:
- The issue date of your IDP
- Its expiration date
- The validity of your domestic license
- The rules of your destination country
- Any rental-company requirements
Do not assume that an IDP has the same validity period in every situation. Always verify the information provided by your authorized issuer.
Where Can You Drive With an International Driving Permit?
Whether you can drive with an IDP depends on the laws of the country you are visiting.
An IDP is intended for use in countries where the relevant international arrangements and local laws recognize it. However, an IDP is not a universal driving authorization.
Before your trip, research the driving rules of each destination. If you are visiting multiple countries, check them separately.
You should also look at:
- Local license requirements
- Minimum driving ages
- Insurance rules
- Road signs
- Speed limits
- Toll systems
- Rental-car requirements
- Rules for visitors and foreign drivers
Rental-Car Requirements
A rental company may ask for an IDP even when local law does not clearly require one in every situation. This is why checking with the rental company before traveling can be helpful.
If you plan to rent a vehicle, ask what documents you must present at pickup. Requirements may include your domestic license, IDP, passport, payment method, and other documents.
Do You Need an International Driver’s License to Rent a Car?
Not always.
The answer can depend on the destination, your domestic driver’s license, the rental company, and local regulations.
A rental company’s document policy is not necessarily the same thing as a country’s legal requirement. However, failing to meet the rental company’s requirements could prevent you from collecting the vehicle.
Before booking a car, review the rental company’s current requirements. Pay attention to whether it specifically mentions an International Driving Permit.
When collecting a rental vehicle, you may need to carry:
- Your valid domestic driver’s license
- Your IDP, if required
- Your passport or other accepted identification
- Rental confirmation
- Any other documents requested by the rental company
It is better to confirm these requirements before leaving home than to discover a problem at the rental counter.
International Driver’s License vs. International Driving Permit
“International driver’s license” is a common search term, but the official document is generally called an International Driving Permit, or IDP.
The difference in terminology matters because travelers searching online may encounter websites using the phrase “international driver’s license.” Some websites may use the term correctly as a casual description, while others may use it to market unofficial documents.
When looking for an IDP, focus on the authorized issuing organization in your country.
Remember these basic points:
Domestic driver’s license: Your original license issued by your home country.
International Driving Permit: A supporting document that generally accompanies your valid domestic license.
International driver’s license: A commonly used informal term for an IDP, not usually the official name of the document.
Understanding this terminology can help you avoid confusion when researching your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting an IDP is usually a simple process, but travelers can make avoidable mistakes.
Applying Through an Unauthorized Provider
Do not assume every website selling an IDP is legitimate. Confirm the provider’s authorization before giving it your personal information or paying a fee.
Traveling With an Expired Domestic License
An IDP does not normally replace your domestic license. Check that your original license remains valid throughout your trip.
Assuming an IDP Is Valid Everywhere
Different countries have different driving laws. An IDP that is valid under one system may not meet the requirements for every destination.
Forgetting Your Original License
Your IDP is generally a supporting document. Carry your valid domestic driver’s license with it.
Waiting Until the Last Minute
Application processing and delivery can take time. Apply early enough to deal with unexpected delays.
Failing to Check Destination Rules
Do not rely on information from an old travel blog or social media post alone. Driving rules can change. Check current information from reliable authorities and your rental company.
Tips for Using an IDP Abroad
Once you receive your IDP, keep it with your domestic driver’s license when driving abroad.
Before leaving, consider making secure copies of important travel documents. Keep physical documents protected and follow good travel-security practices.
You should also learn the basic road rules of your destination.
Pay attention to:
- Which side of the road vehicles use
- Local road signs
- Speed limits
- Parking rules
- Toll roads
- Seat-belt requirements
- Child-restraint rules
- Insurance requirements
- Rules for mobile-phone use while driving
Do not assume that driving rules are the same as those in your home country.
If you rent a vehicle, check the insurance coverage carefully. Understand what is included, what is excluded, and whether additional coverage is required.
Most importantly, carry your valid domestic license and IDP when the destination or rental company requires them.
FAQ
How do you get an international driver’s license?
To get an international driver’s license, usually called an International Driving Permit, first confirm that you have a valid domestic driver’s license. Then identify the authorized IDP issuer in your country, prepare the required documents, complete the application, pay the applicable fee, and submit it using the approved method.
Is an international driver’s license the same as an IDP?
The phrase “international driver’s license” is commonly used to describe an International Driving Permit. However, International Driving Permit (IDP) is the more accurate official term in many contexts.
Can I get an IDP without a valid driver’s license?
Generally, an IDP is connected to a valid domestic driver’s license. You should check the rules of your authorized issuing organization for the exact eligibility requirements.
Can I use an IDP by itself?
Generally, you should not rely on an IDP by itself. Carry your valid domestic driver’s license with your IDP when driving abroad.
Can I apply for an IDP online?
Online applications may be available in some countries, but not everywhere. The application method depends on the authorized issuing organization in the country that issued your domestic license.
How much does an IDP cost?
The cost varies by country and issuing organization. Additional costs may include photographs, processing, or shipping. Check the current fee directly with the authorized issuer.
Do all countries accept an IDP?
No. Travelers should not assume that every country accepts an IDP in the same way. Check the current driving requirements of your destination before traveling.
Conclusion
So, how do you get an international driver’s license? In most cases, the process starts with having a valid domestic driver’s license and identifying the authorized organization that can issue an International Driving Permit in your country.
You then need to check your eligibility, prepare the required documents, submit your application, pay the applicable fee, and wait for processing and delivery or collection.
The most important thing is to use an authorized IDP issuer. Avoid websites that make unrealistic claims or do not clearly explain their authorization.
Remember that an IDP generally does not replace your domestic driver’s license. When driving abroad, carry both documents when required. You should also check the latest laws of your destination country and the document requirements of your rental-car company.
By preparing your documents early and verifying the rules before your trip, you can reduce the risk of problems when driving overseas.