Skip to content
EN · km
Units
My Garage
Automotive glossary

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An international driving permit is a translation of your national licence, recognised in many countries and used alongside it.

On this page

What is International Driving Permit (IDP)?

It is only valid together with your original driving licence. Some countries require it for visitors, while others accept a national licence alone. Car rental companies may ask for it even where the law does not. Its validity depends on the convention it is issued under, often one to three years, and never beyond your national licence.

How it works

It is issued under international road traffic conventions and shows your licence details in several languages.

Why it matters for your car

Check the requirements of each country you will drive in before travelling. Get it in your home country before leaving, as it usually cannot be issued abroad.

Other terms