TPG has received emails from readers unaware that they needed an International Driving Permit when renting a car in some foreign countries. (Hint: Italy is one of them.) It is a missed detail that can derail an otherwise well-planned getaway.
Without an IDP, the car rental agency may turn you away, leaving you dependent on public transportation, private car services or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.
The good news is that you can now submit an IDP application online. Filling out the paperwork and providing supporting documents will take a few minutes.
What is an International Driving Permit?
At its simplest, an International Driving Permit translates your English-language driver's license into 10 other languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish). It verifies that you have a valid driver's license issued where you live. For travelers from the U.S., that means a driver's license issued by a state or U.S. territory.
When you drive a car overseas, you carry the IDP — which includes your name, driving details and photo — along with your valid driver's license. The IDP is accepted in more than 150 United Nations member countries worldwide and is considered a valid form of identification in more than 175 countries. Wherever you're traveling, the IDP likely has you covered.
Is an IDP required to drive in foreign countries?
Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but many do. For example, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand require the IDP. Germany and Hungary don't require the IDP, specifically, but do require a translation of your driver's license in German and Hungarian, respectively, so the IDP is still the easiest solution for you. Other countries may also have this requirement, so check before you plan to rent or borrow a car in a foreign destination.
Some rental car agencies may let you rent a vehicle without an IDP, while others won't. However, if you get caught driving without an IDP in a country that requires one, you could face a steep fine from the local authorities. The car may also be impounded — and who wants to deal with that headache? Finally, if you're in a car accident in a country that requires an IDP and you don't have one, your insurance policy may be voided.
How to get the International Driving Permit
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only private entity in America authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue International Driving Permits.
You don't need to be a AAA member or a U.S. citizen to apply for an IDP, but you do need to be a permanent resident of a U.S. state or territory and have a driver's license issued by that entity. You also must be 18 or older and have had your driver's license for at least six months.
Your license must also be valid for at least six months after the issuance date of your IDP. You cannot apply for an International Driver's Permit if your license has been suspended or revoked.
AAA offers an online application process, so it's quick and easy to apply for the permit.
Go to the AAA International Driving Permits landing page. You'll start the process there and then be prompted to continue within the govWorks app. AAA will text you a link and provide a QR code for access.
My all-in cost for the IDP was $42.99. The IDP fee is $20 plus a $10 "digital passport photo" fee.
Unfortunately, you must use the system's app to take your photo; it is not possible to simply use one from your photo library.
Shipping costs are based on where you live and what type of shipment you select. My shipping options to an East Coast address were:
- FedEx 2 Day: $12.99
- USPS Priority Mail: $14.99
- USPS Express Mail: $31.20
- FedEx Standard Overnight: $61.03
An International Driver's Permit is usually valid for a year, or until your current driver's license expires.
Once you place your IDP order, it will take about 5 business days to process and then add on time for whatever shipment method you selected.
When to apply for the IDP
It takes a week or two to get the IDP shipped to you, but plan ahead. You can get an IDP issued within six months of your desired effective date. So, if you plan to travel on July 1, you can apply for the IDP as soon as the previous January. You probably won't need that much time to get the document, but you will have that leeway if needed.
Know the rules of the IDP and the road
It's your responsibility to ensure the country or countries where you're going recognize the International Driving Permit.
You should also research the local rules of the road and follow them to a T. That may include buying a "vignette," a sticker that authorizes you to drive in certain countries. Rental cars generally already have stickers on them, or the rental agency can tell you where to purchase one.
Whatever you do, remember to pack your driver's license. The IDP is a "permit" and not a "license;" it's not valid unless paired with your driver's license from home.
Can you drive in another country without having an IDP?
Getting an International Driving Permit isn't the only way to drive in a foreign country. Many destinations also have a provision for you to carry a translated version of your driver's license. But why bother having your license translated into many different languages when the IDP is accepted in so many places?
Bottom line
It's easy and relatively inexpensive to get an International Driving Permit.
You may want to arrange for one, whether or not you plan to drive on your next overseas trip. It can be a handy additional means of identification, with all your details translated in a format that officials are used to seeing.
