International Driving Permit FAQ

They're the same document under different names. There is no standalone “international license” that lets you drive worldwide on its own — every legitimate version is an IDP that accompanies your valid national license. If a seller promises a permit that fully replaces your home license, treat that as a red flag, not a feature.

You may need an IDP or licence translation when driving outside the country that issued your licence, especially if your licence is not in the local language or Latin alphabet. Requirements vary by destination, so check the country rules before you travel.

It depends on where you're going. Some countries require it by law for any foreign driver; others accept your national license alone but still allow local authorities to request an IDP. Because the rule shifts at the border — and sometimes before travel checks — the safe move is to carry one. It costs little and removes the single most common reason travelers face travel disruption.

Yes — always keep both together. Your IDP is only valid alongside your original, in-date national license. On its own it has no standing; paired with your license, it can help foreign authorities and authorities understand your licence details abroad.

Anyone who holds a valid, government-issued national driver's license and meets the minimum driving age of their destination. You don't need to be a resident or citizen of any particular country to apply — if you can legally drive at home, you can translate that right for the road abroad.

No. WorldIDP is an independent private service, not a government authority. We prepare an International Driving Permit-style translation document designed to support your valid national driving licence when travelling or driving overseas. It is carried alongside your original licence and is not a standalone driving licence.

Depending on your destination's rules, your IDP is valid for 1 to 3 years from the issue date — and never beyond the expiry of your national license. We show the exact validity for your country at checkout, so there are no surprises.

Many travel providers and local authorities may ask for an IDP or licence translation because it helps their staff review your license in a language they understand. Present it with your valid national license and passport, and always follow the travel provider's local requirements.

An IDP may be useful in many destinations, but every country can set its own rules or ask for extra paperwork. Browse the by-country answers below, or search your destination, and we'll tell you precisely what's needed before you travel.

A digital IDP may be useful for many travelers, but acceptance can depend on the country, travel provider, and local authority. A few travel providers or border officials still prefer a printed booklet in hand. If your destination is one of them, add the physical copy at checkout — many travelers keep both, digital for speed and printed for peace of mind.

No — an IDP does not prove identity and does not replace your licence. Keep your passport for identification and your national license as the underlying driving licence. The IDP simply helps make licence details readable abroad.

An IDP isn't an insurance document, but it often matters for one. Some insurers or travel policies only pay out if you were legally permitted to drive at the time — and in countries that require an IDP, driving without one can void that cover. Carrying it helps keep your insurance valid; always read your specific policy for the details.

Choose a digital or printed option, enter your driver details, upload your valid driver's license, add a clear personal photo or selfie and signature, then complete payment. After successful review and approval, digital delivery is sent by email in approximately 5 minutes. See the full application guide.

A valid driver's license, a clear personal photo or selfie, and your signature. The upload page may ask you to photograph both sides of the license so the details can be read clearly.

Yes. The entire application is online, so you can apply from anywhere in the world — at home before you leave, or already abroad mid-trip. As long as you hold a valid national license, your location doesn't change a thing.

Never. There are no tests, no appointments, and no office visits. Because your IDP is a translation of a license you already hold, the whole process happens online — you've already passed the only driving test that matters.

Absolutely — that's the whole point. If your license is written in Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese, Korean or any non-Latin script, the IDP renders your details into the standard languages officials abroad expect. The harder your license is for a foreign officer to read, the more useful your IDP becomes.

You can — but your IDP can't outlive your national license; its validity is capped by your license's expiry date. If your license renews soon, it's usually worth renewing first so you get the full IDP validity period.

No. An IDP does not renew, replace, or extend an expired national driving licence. You need a valid national licence first; the IDP only supports that licence by translating key driving details for international use.

The price depends on the validity period and whether you add physical shipping. You'll see the exact total before you pay — with no hidden fees. See the pricing page for current plans and what each includes.

Every plan includes your digital IDP, ready in minutes, plus access to our support team and free replacements if you lose your copy. Add the printed booklet and we'll ship a physical version to your address. The exact contents of each plan are listed on the pricing page.

All major credit and debit cards, plus common digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal at checkout. Every payment is processed over an encrypted, secure connection.

Yes. Reach out and a real person will fix it. If we can't issue a valid IDP for your situation, you're covered by our refund policy — we'd rather make it right than leave you stranded. Our support team is available around the clock.

Lose your digital file and we'll re-issue it free — your record stays on file for the life of your IDP, so a misplaced email never means buying again. A replacement printed booklet only costs the shipping to send it.

Your digital IDP is typically emailed in approximately 5 minutes after successful review and approval. Want a printed copy as well? Add physical shipping and we'll send the booklet to your door.

A digital IDP is useful for many travellers, but acceptance can depend on the destination, travel provider, and local authority. Choose the physical booklet if you want a printed copy in hand, or if your destination or travel provider specifically asks for one. Many travelers add both for peace of mind.

Your digital copy is emailed after successful review and approval. The printed booklet ships separately and arrives within standard courier timelines for your region, with faster options at checkout if you're short on time.

We ship the printed booklet worldwide. Remote regions can take a little longer, and your available delivery options and timing appear at checkout once you enter your address. The digital IDP is sent by email after successful review and approval.

Yes. Head to Track my order, enter your details, and follow your IDP from application through to delivery. If anything looks stuck, our team can check it for you in seconds.

You're covered. The digital IDP is built for urgent travel and is typically emailed in approximately 5 minutes after successful review and approval.

Hand over your IDP together with your national license and passport. The IDP translates your details into multiple languages, which can make a roadside document check easier to understand. Always follow local police instructions and driving laws.

In countries that require an IDP, driving without one can mean on-the-spot fines, a travel disruption, or voided insurance if you're in an accident. Even where it isn't strictly mandatory, not having one is the most common reason travelers lose their travel plan at the counter. The downside is rarely worth the small saving.

Yes — as long as your national license already covers that vehicle category. The IDP mirrors the classes on your home license; it can't grant permissions you don't already hold, so make sure your license includes motorcycles before you ride.

Around 75 countries do — including the UK, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India, South Africa, and much of the Caribbean and East Africa. Your IDP is valid regardless of which side they drive on; it's worth a quick read of local rules before you set off so the change of side doesn't catch you out at the first junction.

Many rental desks abroad ask international travelers for an IDP alongside a valid national license and passport, especially when the license isn't in the local language. Requirements vary by rental company and destination, so it's worth preparing an IDP before you arrive at the counter rather than finding out at pickup.

Yes, every time you drive. The IDP is only valid in the same wallet as your national license — it translates that license, it doesn't stand in for it. Leave the original at the hotel and your IDP loses its standing.