You booked the flight, reserved the rental car, printed the confirmation — and then the agent at the counter asks for a document you've never heard of: an International Driving Permit. Every year thousands of travellers are turned away at rental counters for exactly this reason.
What an IDP actually is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardized translation of your national driving licence. It presents your licence details in multiple languages so that police, rental companies and insurers abroad can read and verify them instantly. It is recognized in 175+ countries and must always be carried together with your original licence.
When you need one
You should carry an IDP whenever your licence is not in the local language of the country you're driving in. In practice, three situations account for almost all IDP checks:
1. Rental counters. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise and Sixt branches in countries like Italy, Greece, Thailand and Japan routinely refuse cars to drivers without an IDP.
2. Police checkpoints. In many countries driving without a recognized translation of your licence risks on-the-spot fines.
3. Insurance claims. After an accident, insurers may reject claims if the driver wasn't properly licensed for that country — an IDP removes the ambiguity.
Countries where it matters most
Requirements vary, but travellers most often need an IDP in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Vietnam, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, the UAE and South Africa. See the full list on our destinations page.
How to get one in minutes
Getting your IDP through GetIDPermit takes three steps: choose a plan and pay securely, upload your licence details and photo, and receive your digital IDP by email — usually within minutes. Choose your plan here →
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Get my IDP now →FAQ
Do I need an IDP if my licence is in English?
It depends on the destination. Many countries — including Japan, Thailand, Italy and Spain — expect an IDP even from English-language licence holders, because the IDP is the standardized translation local authorities and rental desks recognize.
Is an IDP the same as a driving licence?
No. An IDP is a translation of your national driving licence. It is only valid when carried together with your original licence — it never replaces it.
How fast can I get an IDP online?
With GetIDPermit you choose a plan, pay securely, upload your licence details and photo, and receive your digital IDP by email — typically within minutes.