Frequently Asked Questions

An IDP is a translation document of your driver's license in several languages. It is simply a translation booklet that translates your driver's license into a language your destination country understands. This allows foreign drivers to legally drive a private motor vehicle and can be a form of identification.

It is an international travel document and by no means a replacement for your domestic driver's license or a legal document like a passport. An IDP is only valid if you have your original license with you.

Some countries, car rental agencies, insurance companies, and/or traffic authorities may ask to see your IDP whenever you are abroad, so it is best to keep one handy at all times. Then again, it is highly important that you always carry and show your domestic driver's license along with the IDP whenever asked.

An international driver's license, technically, does not exist, so it does not grant any driving privileges and is not considered a substitute for a valid domestic driver's license. But most drivers interchangeably use this term with an international driving permit.

On the other hand, an international driving permit (IDP) is a travel document that is governed by international conventions. It is a translation of a driver's license that allows the holder to drive abroad. Remember that an IDP is not a replacement for your valid driver's license from your home country.

There are some countries that may or may not recognize your domestic driver's license but will officially recognize an IDP, which offers a local language translation of your valid license.

In some cases, the destination country's government may not require foreign visitors to have an IDP, but some car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, etc.) may require an international driving permit for you to rent a car. Take our eligibility checker to ensure whether you need to translate your original driver's license or contact your destination's traffic authorities and offices for more information.

Our IDP follows the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Most countries recognize the IDP if presented alongside your domestic driving license.

We recommend drivers from countries that use the non-Roman alphabet, like Thailand or Russia, get an IDP.

At present, our IDP is not recognized in North Korea, South Korea, and Japan. Countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) only accept one-year validity printed IDP.

Notably, China does not recognize international driver's licenses, and foreign drivers need to obtain a Chinese driver's license.

No. An IDP is not a standalone document. It is only valid when presented alongside your original, valid domestic driver's license. You must always carry both your IDP and your domestic license when driving abroad.

To be eligible for an IDP, you must be at least 18 years of age and a holder of a valid domestic driving license issued by your home country.

To get an IDP, you will need a valid domestic driving license and passport-style photo. Simply fill out our quick form, upload a photo of the back and front parts of your domestic driving license, upload a passport-style photo, and attach your digital signature. Start your application here.

You will need the following:

• A clear photo of the front of your valid domestic driver's license
• A clear photo of the back of your driver's license
• A passport-style photograph
• Your digital signature

Make sure all images are clear, well-lit, and all text is readable.

Yes! In fact, we especially recommend getting an IDP if your domestic license is written in a non-Roman alphabet (such as Arabic, Thai, Chinese, Russian, etc.). The IDP translates your license into 12 internationally recognized languages.

Applying for an IDP in your home country will vary and will most likely take 2-3 weeks, longer if you choose to mail your application than visit in person. Thus, applying for an international driving permit at least 6 months before your overseas trip is recommended.

Meanwhile, application via the International Drivers Association usually takes less than 2 weeks via express shipping.

Your digital IDP will be sent directly to your email address within 8 minutes of completing your application. You can save it on your phone or print it for immediate use while waiting for your physical IDP to arrive by mail.

Yes, we offer worldwide express shipping. Your physical IDP booklet and wallet card will be shipped to your address anywhere in the world. Delivery times vary by location but typically take 1-2 weeks with express shipping.

Yes. Once your physical IDP has been shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email so you can monitor your shipment's progress.

We offer IDP validity periods of 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. Choose the validity that best suits your travel plans. Note that some countries only accept 1-year validity IDPs, so check the specific requirements of your destination.

Yes. Many international car rental companies (such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc.) require or strongly recommend an IDP alongside your domestic license. Having an IDP can make the rental process smoother and faster, especially in countries where English is not widely spoken.

An IDP translates the vehicle categories listed on your domestic license. You can drive any vehicle type that your domestic license allows you to drive. If your domestic license only covers passenger cars, your IDP will reflect the same restriction.

While an IDP is not an official government-issued ID, it can serve as a supplementary form of identification in many situations abroad — such as at hotel check-ins, police checkpoints, and car rental offices. It provides your personal details translated into multiple languages.

We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. All transactions are processed securely with industry-standard encryption.

Yes. We offer no-cost reprints and replacements for lost or damaged IDPs during the validity period. Simply contact our 24/7 customer support team and we'll arrange a replacement for you.

If your application has not yet been processed, you may request a full refund. Once the digital IDP has been issued and sent, refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our support team for assistance.