Do You Need an International Driving Permit?

You’ve got your home license, you’ve booked the car, but now you see one more mandatory field: International Driving Permit, or IDP. What is the problem? Many travellers skip this cheap document, only to be hit with fines or even denied the rental car. I experienced that just last year.

In this guide, I’m going to tell you exactly what the IDP is, why you often need it even when you think you don’t, and why carrying it protects you from the police and, most importantly, rental company scams.

But let’s dive in

DISCLAIMER: I am not a legal or government advisor. All of this is based uniquely on my experience renting cars in dozens of countries. Always check the fine print and rental conditions for your specific destination.

What the IDP Actually Is

What is actually an IDP? It is not a license. It is simply an official, United Nations-sanctioned translation of your existing driver’s license into nine different languages.

It is usually valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and you must carry your valid, physical home country license with it at all times when driving. If you don’t have your home license, the IDP is basically worthless.

And let me add my personal tip.

Also, carry your passport with you. Many countries require it. Or at least ask your car rental company when you pick up the car what the requirements are.

The Legal Requirement Trap on an IDP

Now, the tricky part: Is it legally required? The quick answer is sometimes yes, but not always. 

Countries that don’t use the Latin alphabet, like Japan, often mandate it by law. The same can be said when you rent a car in Thailand.

But here is the trap: Even in countries where your license is technically valid—like many in Europe or South America—the local police or a specific rental company can, and often will, demand it. 

Why? Because it’s the easiest way for them to confirm your credentials. 

The local police may actually require it even if not officially needed. It happened to me on a recent road trip in Morocco, and I do really wonder if it’s just an excuse to cash in some “extra” money. Luckily, I had mine.

Finally, a warning about also a potential financial risk. Your rental car insurance policy, even if you bought Full Insurance, may contain a clause that voids your coverage if you are driving illegally.

And in some countries, driving without a required IDP is considered driving illegally. This means that your protection suddenly disappears, and you will pay for everything in case of an accident or car damage.

My advice? The IDP is cheap, it’s valid for a year, just get it.

The IDP Rental Desk Scams

The IDP, or better say the lack of it, is often used as a scam, and let me explain how.

A few rental companies have added the IDP as a mandatory requirement in their contract, regardless of the law. Of course, they do this to create leverage. 

If you show up without an IDP, they can legally refuse to give you the keys, and they will force you to buy one of their expensive Super Ultra Full Insurance policies, if you want the car, or otherwise pay penalties.

How can you understand when an IDP is actually required? Read the rental conditions during your booking.

For example, over the past five years, I have been booking my cars through a comparison website called DiscoverCars that works like an Airbnb for car rentals, where each provider is rated between 5 and 10 stars based on genuine customer feedback (exactly like Airbnb). 

I usually filter for ratings above 8 or even 9 stars to have the most trusted operators, and I book my car from that shortlist.

In doing so, I also make sure to check the rental conditions for driver requirements, where it’s stated if an IDP is required.

So, very important, always read the Rental Conditions before you book the car.

Real life example

Now I want to share a couple of real examples of incidents that happened to me. 

First, during my last visit to Andalucia, I rented a car in Malaga. A US citizen next to me, unfortunately, did not read the driver requirements properly, and he showed up without an IDP.

The rental company refused to provide him with a car unless he purchased an expensive custom Super Insurance for over 50 Euros a day. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to accept. 

Moving on to my road trip, when I rented a car in Morocco last year. I booked with a rental company that did not require an IDP, even though the government website stated otherwise. I decided to organise my IDP anyway.

Guess what? The rental company never asked for it; however, it was the first document requested at a police check.

Personally, with an Australian driving license, I always do the IDP even when not required by the car company, just to avoid possible issues with the local police and the insurance too.

How and Where to do an IDP

So, how do you get an International Driving Permit?

Well, you can get it from the official motoring association in your home country, like the AAA in the US or the RACV/NRMA in Australia or any other association in Europe and the rest of the world. 

You can also do it online, and this is quite handy if you are located far from your official motoring association or you just don’t have the time to go down to the office. 

One important tip here: Beware of fake websites that charge a fortune for a useless laminated card. The official IDP will always look like a little booklet and reference a UN Convention on the cover. 

And most importantly, get it online or in person a few weeks before you travel, and not when you are already overseas, because things may get complicated if you don’t have a fixed address.

Key takeaways

To wrap it up: The IDP is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a cheap form of travel insurance that saves you from insurance hassles, police questions, and rental counter scams. 

The most important key takeaways of this guide:

1. The IDP is an official translation of your license in nine different languages.
2. Carry your original physical license with the permit always.
3. Lack of the IDP can void your rental car insurance.
4. Make sure to have an IDP to prevent rental desks from forcing expensive insurance upgrades.
5. Check “Rental Conditions” before booking to see specific requirements.