International Driving Permit: Where You Need It & How to Get One

What Is an International Driving Permit?

An international driving permit (IDP) is a supplement to your regular driver’s license that you need in many countries around the world. It translates your driver’s license into several languages — including English, Russian, Spanish, and French.

The IDP is only valid together with your regular driver’s license — you always need to carry both.

Why Do You Need an International Driving Permit When Traveling?

Your home country driver’s license is often not accepted outside your region. For trips to many countries, you’ll need the translated international driving permit. The translation makes it much easier for local police officers to read your license during traffic stops.

Further down, we’ll tell you exactly which countries require an international driving permit.

Remember: you still need to bring your regular driver’s license too — the IDP doesn’t replace it.

Where Can You Apply for an International Driving Permit?

You apply for an international driving permit at your local road authority or motor vehicle office — in most countries, this is a straightforward process. You’ll typically need your ID or passport, your driver’s license, and a biometric photo.

In many countries, you can now also apply online for an international driving permit through your national authority’s website.

How Much Does an International Driving Permit Cost?

The cost of an international driving permit varies by country. In most cases, it’s a small administrative fee — often in the range of 15 to 20 euros (or the local equivalent). Check with your local issuing authority for the exact amount.

How Long Is an International Driving Permit Valid?

As a rule, an international driving permit is valid for 3 years. After those 3 years, you’ll need to apply for a new one — you can’t renew it, only reapply.

Note: If your regular driver’s license expires before those 3 years are up, your IDP expires at the same time. That means you’ll need to apply for a new international driving permit even if you’ve already renewed your regular license.

What Are You Allowed to Drive with an International Driving Permit?

With an international driving permit, you’re allowed to drive abroad anything you’re permitted to drive at home.

With a standard Class B license, for example, you’re allowed to drive cars with up to nine seats, trailers up to 750 kilograms, and scooters up to 50cc.

That means you’re technically only allowed to ride scooters in Bali and Thailand that top out at 45 km/h. In practice, though, you’ll mostly find faster scooters there — and in reality, most tourists ride them anyway with a standard Class B license.

Where Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

If you’re from an EU country, your regular driver’s license is valid across all EU member states and the European Economic Area (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway), as well as Switzerland.

In other parts of Europe, an IDP is recommended but not always strictly required. Outside of Europe, you’ll usually need an international driving permit — the USA is a classic example. And in some countries, you’ll need additional documents on top of that.

Sounds like a lot to keep track of? Don’t worry — we’ve put together a table listing each country and whether you need a national or international driving permit, or whether extra documents are required.