What is an IDP (International Driving Permit)?
The IDP — International Driving Permit — is a standardized, multi-language rendering of your national driver's licence, created by the UN road-traffic conventions so that police, border officials and car-rental desks abroad can read your licence at a glance. Many people call it an "international driving license" — same document, different name.
One thing an IDP is not: a replacement for your licence. It has no driving power of its own and is only valid when carried together with your current national driver's licence.
1949 Geneva vs 1968 Vienna — the two IDP conventions
There isn't one universal IDP: two UN conventions define the formats, and countries recognise the one they signed.
- 1949 Geneva convention: valid up to 1 year. The format recognised by the United States, Japan and a number of Commonwealth countries.
- 1968 Vienna convention: valid up to 3 years. The format recognised across most of Europe, and widely elsewhere.
Either way, the permit dies with your licence: if your national licence expires or is suspended, the IDP is void too. Look up which rules apply where you're headed on our country driving-rules pages, or see the list of countries that require an IDP.
Who needs an International Driving Permit?
- Tourists and business travelers driving or renting a car abroad.
- Anyone whose licence is not in the local language or not in the Latin alphabet.
- Drivers visiting countries that legally require an IDP alongside a foreign licence.
Getting one
You can order a digital IDP online with your valid licence and a photo — issued in minutes from $39.00, with an optional printed booklet shipped worldwide. See plans and pricing or start your application; the practical how-to lives in our travel-driving guides.
What does IDP stand for?
IDP is short for International Driving Permit — the standardized document created by the UN road-traffic conventions so that a driver's licence issued in one country can be read and understood by authorities in another.
Do I need a 1949 or a 1968 convention IDP?
It depends on which convention your destination signed. Broadly: the 1949 Geneva format (valid up to 1 year) is what the U.S. and Japan recognise, while the 1968 Vienna format (valid up to 3 years) covers most of Europe and much of the rest of the world. Check your destination before ordering.
How much does an IDP cost?
A digital IDP ordered online starts at $39.00; adding a printed booklet with worldwide shipping costs more depending on the plan you pick.
When does an IDP expire?
A 1949-convention IDP lasts up to one year and a 1968-convention IDP up to three — but either becomes invalid the moment your underlying national licence expires, whichever comes first.
Which countries accept an IDP?
Over 150 countries party to the Geneva or Vienna conventions recognise the IDP format. Acceptance in practice also depends on rental companies and local police, so confirm the rules for your specific destination before you travel.
Get your IDP — International Driving Permit — in minutes
Digital issuance plus optional worldwide shipping — ready before you fly.
Get my IDP →An IDP is a translation companion to your national licence, not a standalone government licence. Acceptance varies by country — confirm requirements before you travel.