International Driving Permit FAQ:
ask anything about driving the world.

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.

If you're driving or renting outside the country that issued your license, the answer is almost always yes. Many countries legally require an IDP for foreign drivers, and most rental companies won't hand over the keys without one — even where it's technically optional. Check your destination in the country checker to see exactly what applies to you.

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 let rental companies demand an IDP. Because the rule shifts at the border — and sometimes at the rental counter — the safe move is to carry one. It costs little and removes the single most common reason travelers get turned away from a rental.

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's accepted across 195+ countries.

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.

Every WorldIDP is based on the formats set out in the United Nations conventions of 1949 and 1968 — the same legal framework that governs International Driving Permits worldwide. It carries the standard translations, format, and validity that authorities and rental companies expect to see. It is a private translation of your license, not a government document, and is designed to be carried alongside your original.

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.

Yes. Major rental brands and local agencies recognize the IDP format, because it lets their staff verify your license in a language they read. Present your IDP with your national license and passport, and you're cleared to drive.

It's recognized in 195+ countries, but a handful have their own local 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 is accepted wherever the document itself is recognized, and it covers the large majority of travelers. That said, a few rental 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 proves your right to drive, not your identity. It's a driving credential, so keep your passport for identification and your national license for the underlying license itself. The IDP simply makes both readable to officials abroad.

An IDP isn't an insurance document, but it often matters for one. Many insurers and rental 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.

Three steps: confirm your eligibility, upload a photo of your license and a passport-style photo, and pay. That's it — most applications take under 8 minutes, with no tests, appointments, or embassy visits.

A valid, in-date national driver's license, a clear passport-style photo, and a few personal details. No driving tests, no in-person appointments — you can finish the whole thing from your phone.

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.

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 ready within minutes and sent straight to your inbox — fast enough to apply the night before you fly. Want a printed copy as well? Add physical shipping and we'll send the booklet to your door.

A digital IDP covers most travelers and is accepted wherever the document is recognized. Choose the physical booklet if you want a printed copy in hand, or if your destination or rental provider specifically asks for one. Many travelers add both for peace of mind.

Your digital copy lands in minutes, so you're never waiting to be road-ready. 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. You can travel on the digital version while the booklet is on its way.

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, of course, reaches any inbox instantly.

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 exactly this — apply tonight, fly tomorrow. It's typically ready within minutes of a completed application, so a forgotten permit doesn't have to derail your trip.

Hand over your IDP together with your national license and passport. The IDP translates your details into the officer's language — which is exactly what it's built for. It turns a confusing roadside stop into a routine one.

In countries that require an IDP, driving without one can mean on-the-spot fines, a refused rental, 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 rental booking 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.

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.