The guide to applying for an international license

If you will be driving abroad, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is a sensible precaution that can save you hassle in the long run. If you are emigrating as a migrant worker, a student abroad, or on an overseas vacation that will last several months, an IDP can be very useful.

From borrowing a car for weekend drives and day drives when abroad studying, to a move for an expatriate posting, there are a whole series of circumstances in which an IDP gives reassurance. It makes your driving license valid even when your local one isn’t.

That’s all you need to know about applying for an IDP – who it’s for, how to apply, what you’ll need to provide, and how long it will last. If you’ll be driving abroad, this document could be a vital addition to your travel planning.

What is an IDP and why do you need one?

An International Driving Permit is an official document that will translate your local license into many major languages so that you and your right to drive may be readily read and accepted by overseas authorities as well as car rental firms. It is not a replacement for your original license but an official accompaniment—you must have it with you when you drive overseas.

Whenever your local administrative authorities are unable to read your script or language, this translation service comes in handy. IDP conforms to an international standard making it easy to be verified at roadblocks, rentals, and when dealing with insurance.

It’s a requirement in some nations for all international travelers to carry an IDP regardless of local license. In other nations, it’s not a requirement but highly recommended. Regardless of whether it’s a requirement, you might be asked for one if you’re encountered at the roadside or in the case of a road accident. An IDP prevents confusion, delay, as well as possible legal issues and is a precautionary necessity to ensure your drive abroad goes smoothly.

Who needs an IDP?

In the majority of circumstances, having an IDP can be essential:

• You are traveling to a foreign nation which isn’t a signatory to the same driving license accord as your nation.
• Your license isn’t issued in the language used locally or one of the commonly accepted languages, such as English or French.
• You will be traveling in several countries on one trip.
• You would rather rent a car abroad and avoid any unpleasant surprise when you pick it up.

For example, an American license will be accepted in the UK and Australia but mandated by Italy and Spain. Recheck the requirement for every country you are headed for. Aside from local law, be aware that the majority of rental companies globally still insist on the IDP before they will rent you a vehicle. Anticipate the permit so that delay or refusal at the counter will not be a problem—especially if you’re booking through international platforms like Europcar, where requirements may vary by country.

Where to get your IDP

How one goes about getting an IDP differs between countries, but the permit itself is generally issued by a motor association in a country. For the US, it would be the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). In the UK, it’s obtained at the Post Office.

You usually can’t apply for an IDP abroad—so be sure to get the application done when you are still at home. Some nations have the requirement that your license must be valid for a minimum of six months after the date the application was made.

What documents you need

Although the details differ from one country to another, most IDP applications necessitate

• A valid driving license of your own country
• A completed application form (most often on the internet)
• Two passport-size recent photographs
• A nominal charge (usually $20 USD)
• A photocopy of your passport (in some instances, for the purpose of identification)

Some issuing agencies allow you to apply by mail, while some offer in-person or even web-based services.

How long does it take?

If you apply in person, you can typically pick up your IDP the same day you apply. Applications by mail take a little more time, normally 10-20 business days, depending on the delivery and processing.

It’s preferable to submit one month prior to your departure date so that if there are some holdups, you have enough time. It must be your valid, intact driver’s license; they will not accept a broken, expired, or suspended one.

How long does an IDP last?

Most IDPs are valid for one year after the date they were issued. A few nations issue more long-term ones, depending on international accord and national law. In case you’ll be staying for a long time or making multiple visits over a number of years, inquire if you can get a multi-year one or if you’ll have to apply again.

Also remember that an IDP cannot be renewed. Once it expires, you will have to apply again.

Which countries recognize the IDP?

More than 150 countries around the world accept an International Driving Permit, including:

• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Germany
• Australia
• Japan
• South Korea
• Brazil
• South Africa

It is a good idea to ascertain if the nation you are planning to travel to recognizes the type of IDP your nation issues. There are a variety of IDP conventions (most significantly the 1949 and 1968 conventions), and not all nations accept all of them.

It’s easy enough to get the latest information from your country’s automobile club site, or the site for your travel destination.

Driving abroad with an IDP: What to expect

Carry your IDP as well as your valid original driver’s license when you travel. Some people think that the IDP takes the place of their license—it does not. Both will be required when you are pulled over by the authorities or when you are renting a vehicle.

Most frequently, possession of an IDP will make your journey smoother. Car rental organizations know this, traffic police officers can easily read it, and in the nations where your own language isn’t normally spoken, it prevents confusion.

Also, in the event of an accident, an IDP will be useful. It verifies that you were qualified to drive, and this can make exchanges with police or with your insurance company easier.

Can you drive without an IDP?

Technically, yes—in the countries where your license is valid. However, when getting asked for one when you don’t have it, you may be fined, have your rental agreements terminated, or even be banned from driving.

If the police pull you over and are unable to read your license, they may refuse you permission to drive until they get an official translator. Not only will this cost more of your time but potentially some money as well.

In short, the IDP is a portable document that provides great peace of mind.

IDP for digital nomads and expats

For those travelers who are staying over the average time away on vacation, such as digital nomads and expats, an IDP will frequently provide the ideal short-term solution. Until you get your local license, and this can take the form of testing, forms, and bureaucracy, your IDP will keep you covered both conveniently and legally.

A few nations provide you with a grace period for which you can utilize your IDP, but you’re then expected to apply for a local license. It pays to check in advance on time limitations and regulations.

Renting a car with an IDP

You might be asked to produce an International Driving Permit in addition to a local license by car rental companies in the majority of countries, especially if road regulations are more stringent or licenses are in a non-native language.

It’s a good practice to clarify precise requirements with your rental supplier beforehand in order to avoid problems at pick-up. For example, platforms like Europcar offer clear guidance on documentation depending on the country you’re booking in. Ensuring your paperwork is in order helps streamline the process so you can get on the road without delay.

Tips for a successful IDP application

• Start early: Avoid waiting until the very last minute. Plan in advance and allow time for obtaining documents and anticipating delays.
• Not all IDPs are alike. Verify what convention your country adheres to.
• Renew your license: Renew your national driving license, if it’s up for renewal, prior to applying for an IDP.
• Carry both documents with you. Keep your original license and the IDP together.
• Make a digital backup: Scan your IDP and license in the event that they get lost or stolen..

Wrapping up

It’s an uncomplicated but rewarding step to get an International Driving Permit so you’re well equipped to drive when overseas. It not only places you on the right side of local laws but grants you greater freedom and ease of movement around your host country. If you’re visiting a metropolis as part of studying overseas for the semester, taking an international road adventure, or transferring to an expat assignment, an IDP provides you with a sense of security in the knowledge that your driving credentials are accepted.

It might be a seemingly small item in the sea of global travel, yet the IDP can avert big headaches—including lengthy lines at rental car counters, misunderstandings at roadside stops, or complications when filing an insurance claim. Obtaining it in advance is a smart decision that saves you time and aggravation when traveling abroad. Regardless of whether you drive for a week or a month, being in possession of all the proper documents simplifies your trip, makes it more secure, and a lot more enjoyable.