TL;DR – The Essentials in 60 Seconds
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your national driver’s license — not a replacement.
- It’s mandatory in many countries outside your home region, such as 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 parts of the USA.
- Travel insurance may reject claims after an accident if you were required to carry an IDP but didn’t.
- There are official IDPs issued by national authorities and unofficial translation services — the legal difference matters.
- We’ve personally used private IDP alternatives for years with good results — more on that below.
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document that translates your national driver’s license into multiple languages. It’s not a stand-alone license, but a supporting document — you must carry it together with your original license.
The IDP makes it easier for police officers, rental agencies, and border officials to understand your license abroad, especially in countries where your original license may not be readable or accepted.
Do You Need an IDP to Drive Abroad?
In many countries, an IDP is legally required to drive — even if you’re just renting a car or scooter for a day.
Common examples of countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP:
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇹🇭 Thailand
- 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇪🇬 Egypt
- 🇺🇸 Some U.S. states (especially if your license is not in English)
🗺️ Tip: U.S. travelers can check the State Department’s guide on International Driving Permits to see if an IDP is legally required in their destination country. For those in the U.S., IDPs are officially issued by AAA or AATA, and are recognized under the 1949 convention in most major travel destinations.
No IDP = No Insurance Coverage (In Some Cases)
Here’s the real danger: Travel and health insurance providers may deny your claim if you’re involved in an accident but weren’t carrying a valid IDP in a country where it’s required.
Even if you hold a valid driver’s license in your home country, you could be considered as “driving without a license” abroad — leading to:
- Denied hospital bills
- Voided rental agreements
- Fines, liability issues, or even legal trouble
Especially common in motorbike accidents in Southeast Asia — like Thailand, Vietnam or Bali — where IDPs are often overlooked by travelers.
🧾 Real-World Example:
A traveler from Europe had a motorbike accident in Bali. Though he had a valid motorcycle license, his insurer refused to cover over €6,000 in medical bills — because he didn’t carry an IDP as required under the Geneva Convention.
👉 Bottom line: An IDP is cheap and easy to get, but skipping it can be very expensive.
Not All IDPs Are the Same: 1926, 1949, or 1968?
There are three international conventions that define which version of the IDP a country accepts:
| Convention | Validity | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| 1926 (Paris) | 1 year | Rare – e.g., parts of Mexico |
| 1949 (Geneva) | 1 year | Japan, USA, Thailand, Australia |
| 1968 (Vienna) | up to 3 years | Most of Europe, parts of Asia & Africa |
Always check which version your destination country recognizes — most only accept one specific type.
How to Get an Official IDP
If You Still Have Residence in Your Home Country:
You can usually apply for an official IDP at:
- Your national automobile association (e.g., AAA, RAC, ADAC)
- Local government office or licensing authority
What you’ll need:
- Valid national driver’s license
- Passport photo
- ID or passport
- Small fee (typically $15–30 USD or equivalent)
Processing time: Often same-day or within a few days.
What About Online or Private IDP Services?
If you’ve searched online, you’ve probably seen private companies offering “International Driving Permits” for a fee — even without a local address.
Here’s the truth:
- These are not official IDPs under the 1949 or 1968 conventions.
- They are unofficial license translations — sometimes helpful in practice, but not legally guaranteed.
- They may or may not be accepted by rental agencies or traffic police.
- In some countries, they could even be mistaken for forged documents.
⚠️ Use with Caution
While unofficial documents can work in real life, especially for renting a vehicle, they don’t offer the legal protection of a true IDP. You assume the risk if you rely on them.
Our Experience: Why We Chose a Private IDP Alternative
We’ve been traveling internationally for years — renting scooters in Southeast Asia, cars in Latin America, and more. After several frustrating attempts to get official IDPs while abroad, we opted to use a private IDP-style license translation service instead.
Why it works for us:
- ✅ Much faster to obtain while traveling full-time
- ✅ No need to return home or visit an office
- ✅ Always accepted by rental companies so far
- ✅ No issues in traffic stops or border crossings
We fully acknowledge this isn’t a legally recognized IDP — and we accept the legal risk. For us, it’s a practical workaround while living abroad.
⭐ Our advice: If you’re a digital nomad or don’t have a fixed residence, a private translation might work — but for safety, always check local laws before driving.
When Should You Use an Official vs. Private IDP?
| Situation | Best Option |
| Short vacation abroad | Official IDP from your home country |
| Driving in Japan, Thailand, or USA | Official IDP absolutely recommended |
| Digital nomad without home address | Private translation may work — at your own risk |
| Scooter/motorbike rental in Asia | Either — but IDP is safest with insurance |
Practical Tips Before You Drive
- Always carry both your original license and the IDP
- Make digital copies (e.g. in Google Drive)
- Double-check with rental companies before pickup
- If in doubt — don’t risk it. Confirm with the embassy or a local lawyer
Final Thoughts
The IDP might seem like just another bureaucratic formality — but in reality, it can make or break your trip.
Whether you go for the official version or a private workaround, the key is awareness and responsibility. Know the local laws, check your insurance, and make a conscious decision.
Drive safe, stay covered — and enjoy the ride.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the IDP
Is an IDP valid everywhere?
No. It’s only valid in countries that have signed the 1926, 1949, or 1968 conventions. Each country accepts different versions.
Can I get an IDP online?
Only from your official national authority — not from third-party websites. Online services offering instant IDPs are unofficial.
What happens if I drive without an IDP where it’s required?
You could face fines, have your insurance denied, or be treated as driving without a license.
Do I need an IDP if I already have an EU or US driver’s license?
In many cases, yes — particularly if the destination country requires a translation or doesn’t recognize your license format.
What if I live abroad and can’t get an official IDP?
You may use a private translation service at your own risk — or consider converting your license locally if staying long-term.