International Driving Permits (IDP) and Driving Licences
The International Driving Permit/International Driving Licence/IDP is a grey booklet, a bit like a passport, which allows you to drive in a foreign country with your own national photo licence. (If you don’t have a photo ID licence I’d advise getting one- you may have problems renting a car with only a paper licence).
The document is about the same size as a standard passport and is essentially a multiple language (usually English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian). translation of the permit-holder’s normal driver’s license, and includes a photograph and stamp from the issuing office. It is not a license to operate a motor vehicle on its own.
The IDP is available from a variety of sources –
In the UK, from the AA, RAC and larger post offices.
In the USA, from the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance’s National Automobile Club
In Canada,from the Canadian Automobile Association.
In Australia from the Automobile Association of your home state
In most other countries, the IDP is available from the national Automobile association or Automobile or touring club
The IDP Costs $5.50 in UK, $15 in USA. In Europe the cost is usually around 10 Euros.
The IDP is usually valid for one year and can only be applied for up to 3 months before your date of travel.
There are two types of IDP, one relating to the terms of the 1949 Geneva convention on traffic and one relating to the 1926 convention. There are also numerous other rules by country which are varied, often complex and also, in my experience, not enforced! If driving in an unfamiliar country , my advice is to check with the rental company on whether you’ll need an IDP. Rules per country are as follows, those with no letter in brackets should allow driving on most photo ID licences for up to 12 months with no IDP. The key to the letters is at the foot of the section.
Countries recognising 1926 Convention IDP
Brazil (E, P)
Burundi (E)
Iraq
Somalia
Countries recognising 1949 Convention IDP
Afghanistan
Albania (E)
Algeria (L)
Angola (L)
Argentina
Armenia
Australia (E)
Bahamas (I)
Bahrain (A, M)
Bangladesh
Belarus
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia (L)
Botswana (A, E)
Brunei (A, E)
Bulgaria (D)
Burkina Faso (E)
Cambodia (K)
Cameroon (E)
Canada (E)
Cape Verde (E)
Cayman Islands (C)
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile (L)
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Congo (Republic of)
Cook Islands (G)
Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Croatia (A)
Curaçao (Netherlands Antilles)
Czech Republic (D)
Djibouti (C)
Dominica (C)
Ecuador (E)
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea (E)
Ethiopia (C)
French Guiana (E)
Gabon (E)
Georgia (A,E)
Ghana (E)
Grenada (C)
Guadeloupe (E)
Guatemala (E)
Guam
Guinea Bissau (C)
Guinea Republic (E) Guyana (E)
Haiti
Hong Kong (E)
Hungary (F)
Iceland (E)
India
Indonesia
Iran
Israel (A, E)
Italy (F)
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya (E, I)
Kiribati
Korea (South)
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan (E)
Laos (E)
Lebanon (A, M)
Lesotho (E)
Liberia (C)
Macao (Macau)
Macedonia (E)
Madagascar (E)
Malaysia (E)
Mali (E)
Mauritania (E)
Mauritius (C)
Mexico (E)
Montenegro (E)
Morocco (E)
Mozambique (E)
Myanmar (Burma) (K)
Namibia (L)
Nepal (H)
Nicaragua (E)
Niger
Nigeria
Oman (G)
Pakistan
Peru (E, Q)
Philippines (A, E)
Portugal (F)
Qatar (A, C)
Reunion (E)
Romania (F)
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Sabah (Malaysia)
San Marino (F)
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia (A, B, E)
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles (E)
Sierra Leone
Singapore (A,E)
Slovenia (D)
South Africa (D, J)
Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) (F)
Sri Lanka (N)
St. Kitts & Nevis (G)
St. Lucia (G)
St. Vincent (G)
Sudan (C)
Surinam
Swaziland (L)
Syria
Taiwan (M)
Tanzania (A, C)
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad & Tobago (I)
Tunisia (L)
Turkey (I, L)
Uganda (I)
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
USA (J)
Vietnam (G)
Yemen (C)
Zambia (E)
Zimbabwe (L)
Key -
A – IDP Required for car hire.
B – Women not permitted to drive.
C – IDP recommended. Temporary local licence may be obtained on production of your home country licence, but this may be time consuming and more expensive.
D – Driving licences that do not incorporate a photograph must be accompanied by an IDP.
E – IDP recommended.
F – Most Photo ID driving licences should be accepted . Acceptance of driving licences that are not of the European Communities model cannot be guaranteed
G – National licence or IDP should be presented to the police who will issue a visitors licence.
H – IDP valid for 15 days – local licence must then be obtained.
I – Most countries photo ID licences valid for 90 days.
J – IDP recommended as, in the event of an accident, some insurance companies will insist on seeing one. Non Photo ID licences will need an IDP
K – IDP must be exchanged for a local driving licence. A small charge will be made.
L – An IDP is compulsory for holders of driving licenses not incorporating a photograph and also recommended for photocard licence holders.
M – IDP compulsory and must be certified by the local authorities on arrival.
N – IDP must be accompanied by a recognition permit available for a small fee from the AA of Ceylon in Colombo.In my experience your car hire company can usually arrange this for a fee before you arrive
P – Officially a certified translation is required from the Consulate.
Q – For stays longer than 30 days.
The main benefit of the IDP is to overcome language difficulties, particularly if your home country licence is written in a different alphabet to the country you’re visiting. Many of the ‘official’ rules above seem to be ignored in many countries. If you’re using a local car rental company, my suggestion would be to ask them whether you really need an IDP. If you use one of the big multinationals or a brokers site, unless you manage to get the email address of the actual supplier, its unlikely you’ll be able to find this out. In my experience, given the low cost of an IDP its generally wise to obtain one before you travel if you don’t speak the language or if you’re visiting a country where you’re likely to be stopped often by the police/army (Eastern Europe/Africa/Asia).
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Dear sir/madam,
I am Mohammad Yasin Arafat. I am from Bangladesh and last week I got Australian student visa. so that i have bangladeshi original driver license which publish from BRTC and now I would like to know, Is this beneficiary in Australia for driving or driving license?
Where i can get enough information about International license?
Best regrets,
Yasin
Hi Mohammed
I don’t believe you need an IDP to drive in Australia but you do need to get your Bangladesh licence verified.
This is from the Bangaldesh Commission site – http://www.bhcanberra.com/other_consular_matters.php
Verification of Bangladesh Driving License (No fee is charged)
Please note that the High Commission needs to verify the authenticity of driving license with the issuing authority in Bangladesh. The verification process generally takes two/three months. Upon receipt of a positive response from the issuing authority in Bangladesh, the High Commission can issue a certificate in this regard. Please send the following documents to the High Commission for verification of Bangladesh Driving License:
Copy of both sides of Bangladesh Driving License.
Copy of first seven pages of valid Bangladesh Passport.
Self-addressed pre-paid registered return envelope or pre-paid return courier.
I’d suggest asking their advice on whats needed.
Good luck!
Hi
I am Shirish Agarwal, your website is very informative and useful. I am planning a Road Trip from Delhi in India to Hamburg in Germany driving through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria Serbia, Croatia Austria and finally reaching Germany.
Please advise if you know what all permits are required from different Embassies to Drive my own Car from India to Europe and Back.
I really look forward to your answers.
Regards Shirish
Shirish.agarwal@hotmail.com
Hi Shirish
Have you checked my page on driving your own vehicle abroad -
http://www.driverabroad.com/self-drive/driving-your-own-vehicle-abroad/
Hopefully you will find some useful information there!
Good luck and I’d be interested to hear how you get on -perhaps send me some Roadtrip Tales of your adventures!
Matthew
Hi l have international driving permit from Kenya and l want to drive in Germany. Please some body help
i am from nepal…i want to get this IDP,,i dont know how to get this out,,,i am in potugal now,,can you help me to get this IDP,,,i want to get european international license so i want to know how i can get this,,,,need a help,,
Hello Ishwor -I would suggest you visit the Post Office in Portugal and ask them. It may be that if you’ve passed your driving test in Nepal they require you to set an additional test to get an IDP which gives you full authority to drive in Europe, but if you ask them they will be able to advise.
Good Luck
Matthew
Do I need an IDP if I have a Cayman Islands Drivers License?
Sorry – that IDP question was for if I am driving in Italy, do I need an IDP if I also carry a Cayman Islands driving license. Thank you.
Hi Jenn
My understanding is that most of the bigger car rental companies will require an IDP for drivers from non EU Countries. With smaller companies, they may not ask for it if your own countries licence is written in Roman alphabet, which yours obviously will be. However, you may find that you leave yourself open to a fine, official or otherwise, if you get stopped by the police and don’t have an IDP. My advice would be to get one before you travel.
Matthew
Hi,
I have a spanish driving license and I will go to Canada. Does anybody know if I need and IDP? According to the list it is “recommended”…
Any experience?
Thanks
Hi Christian- the rules in Canada vary by state so it depends where you’re going. This website gives some useful info the rules and regulations in force through the country -
http://idlicense.com/IDLNews/post/Canadian-driving-licence.aspx
Apparently there is no info for the province I am going to, Yukon
Thanks anyway!
hiiii… I am anwar ali from India but currently i am staying in Seychelles and i want to make a driving licence from Seychelles before that i want to know whether i can use this driving licence in India permanently in future or not? or what would be next process to change my driving licence in India ?
Thanks & Regards
Hi Anwar
So you’re an Indian citizen want to take a driving test and get a licence in the Seychelles then use the licence in India? I’m not entirely certain on the rules around that, but generally most countries only allow you to drive on a foreign licence for a limited period of time. You then need to take a test in that country. It may be worth asking the Indian Embassy in the the Seychelles for advice on the definite rules.
Good luck
Matthew
Hi Matthew,
I am an Indian citizen, planning to visit Australia next month. I am planning on driving in Australia. I am trying to get my IDP done, but there are chances that it will not come through (a mix of red tape and corruption) in time for my travel.
What are my chances of being able to drive in Australia for a week, with my Indian DL (card with everything written in English)?
Thanks,
Pravin
Hi Pravin
I think you’re OK in most states for up to 3 mths as long as your licence is written in English – this is from the New South Wales traffic authority website -
As a temporary overseas visitor, if you hold a current driver licence from another country, you are allowed to drive in NSW on your overseas licence as long as:
You remain a temporary overseas visitor
Your overseas licence remains current
You have not been disqualified from driving in NSW or elsewhere and
You have not had your licence suspended or cancelled or your visiting driver privileges withdrawn.
You are not required to obtain a NSW licence if you comply with these conditions and can continue to prove your genuine visitor status to NSW Police if required.
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/visitorstonsw/overseaslicence.html
Full details by state can be found here -
http://australia.gov.au/faq/existing-licence-driving-in-australia
If you are going to be renting a car though I would suggest you get clarification from the rental company before you leave. They may have different rules to the state law.
Good luck
Matthew
Hi there!
I am planning for a trip in the middle of June to US-Canada and i am thinking to rent a car in NY and from there drive to Canada. Beside i do have a valid European Licence drive i also request IDL and the ESTA form. My question is that is legal or do i need to get any other permit so that i can use a rental car when i am driving from US to Canada and back around with a portuguese license drive?
Looking forward to read from you.
Best regards,
JT
Hi Joao
Check with the rental company to make sure but you should be fine driving with a European photo ID licence for up to one year. The only countries which are an exception to that are those which are not party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic – see list on my IDP Page. If your licence isn’t written in English, its wise to carry an IDP too but thats not a legal requirement.
Safe travels
Matthew
hi.
I just wanna ask if the IDP from the philippines is honored here in Bahrain.
Most countries allow foreign visitors to drive for up to one year on an IDP or their own countries photo licence Rio. I’m not aware of that being different in Bahrain. Maybe check with the Philippines embassy in Bahrain just to be 100% certain. Please let me know if you find that Bahrain has different rules too!
Matthew
Following website has procedures from around the world.
website : wikiprocedure.com
Hi,
I am Indian citizen, but residing in USA and I have USA driver licence, I am planning to visit India for couple of months, can I drive the car with USA licence, if not what should I do.
Thanks for your information.!
Hi Varsha
As far as I know, you will need an international driving permit obtained in USA using the USA licence and that will enable you to drive in India. In this case, I don’t think the fact that you’re an Indian citizen should have any bearing on the driving licence.
Matthew
I am an Indian staying in Sâo Paulo, Brazil with a IDP issued by Indian Govt from Mumbai valid for one year. Its a 1949 Geneva convention.
Need to know if, this IDP is permitted to drive in Brazil.
Hello Gautam
To drive in Brazil you need a 1926 convention IDP and thats the one you should have had issued in India. Having said that, I’ve driven in Brazil without being asked for an IDP (though I wasn’t stopped by the police). If you already have the IDP and are planning to rent a car, I suggest checking with the rental company. Many may not even ask to see the IDP.
Matthew
Hi Sundy
The published info states -If you are just visiting Western Australia (WA) you can drive on your current overseas licence. (It makes no reference to needing a photo ID licence but if you don’t ahve one I think an IDP with a photo is a good idea). It also states -
Do you need to provide verification of your overseas driver’s licence?
If you hold a drivers licence issued in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia,or Pakistan you are required to:
Obtain a ‘letter of verification’ from the relevant High Commission / Consulate regarding the authenticity of the driver’s licence; and
Contact the High Commission / Consulate to ensure that they have forwarded details of the ‘letter of verification’ to Licensing and Compliance Services before you attend a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Centre or regional DVS Agent.
Please refer to the list of consulate contacts below.
If your driving licence is from the Republic of Ireland you do not need to obtain a verification letter from the Consulate. The Department of Transport will contact the Road Safety Authority in Ireland on your behalf to verify your licence details.
Hope that helps
Matthew
Hi Matthew,
If I only have an IDP from Philippines and no photo ID license would I be able to legally drive a car in Australia (WA) ?
Thanks,
Sundy
Sorry for the delay in replying – just noticed your question! Heres the answer from the Australian Government website-
Using your overseas driver’s licence in Western Australia
If you are a visitor to Western Australia (WA), you may drive only those vehicles that you are authorised to drive on your overseas licence, for as long as it remains valid in the country of issue. If your overseas licence ceases to be valid, you must apply for a WA licence if you wish to continue driving.
If you hold a permanent resident visa, you can drive on your overseas licence until you have resided in WA for 3 months. After this time you will need to apply for a WA driver’s licence.
To be able to drive on WA roads with your overseas driver’s licence (and International Driving Permit, if applicable), you must:
Carry your licence (and International Driving Permit, if applicable) with you at all times while driving and show it to a police officer if asked to do so.
Comply with any other conditions of your licence.
Drive only those vehicles that you are authorised to drive.
Hold a current licence that is not suspended or cancelled (you cannot drive on your overseas licence if you are disqualified from driving or your driving privileges are withdrawn).
If your overseas licence is not in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit or an approved English translation of your licence (if you have either of these) with you when you drive. For information on translation services please refer to our web page on other languages.
If your overseas licence ceases to be valid, or expires during your visit, you must apply for a WA licence. Refer to Apply for a WA driver’s licence for information on what steps you need to take to continue to drive in WA.
Hi Mathew,
I am a citizen and permanent resident of India with my License Issue from India. I am traveling to Czech Republic for a period of 15 days. Do I need to get an IDP for driving in Czech or my existing Driving License will work there. The license is of card type issued in English Language.
Thanks & Regards,
Arvind Rishi
Hello Arvind
Yes you will need an IDP which you should carry along with your own country’s licence. EU citizens can drive using only their own licence, but if you’re not from the EU will need an IDP.
Matthew
hello,
we will immigrate soon to Canada (Quebec or/Ottawa) from Lebanon, my husband have a Lebanese driver license as a heavy weight machines driver (over 10 tonnes) as he works as a Mechanic supervisor for hydrolic and diesel machines, and he holds a motorcycle and passenger car Lebanese driver license so the question is : if he made an IDP what can he drive in Canada and for how long? and how long it will take him to have the same driver license as the Lebanese ones? thxxxxx
Hello Hiba
The rules in Canada vary by state but most states allow you to drive on your own country’s licence for up to 90 days. This website should help -http://idlicense.com/IDLNews/post/Canadian-driving-licence.aspx
Hope you get it sorted and enjoy your time in Canada
Matthew
Hi Admin,
I am Indian citizen living in Germany since last 20 months. I have valid Indian Car Driving License with valid IDP. But here, in Germany its rule that, foreigner can’t drive car in Germany after initial 6 months from entry into EU.
But now I’m planning for road trip in Belgium, Netherlands & Italy.
So, can I drive car in these countries after living for 20 months in EU?
Hello Vikas
Most EU Countries allow foreign visitors to drive on their own countries licence for a limited period (usually 6 mths to one year). My understanding is that, although you live in Germany, you will still be classed as an Indian Citizen so can drive as a visitor in each country for that limited period. If you don’t have a photo ID licence or one written in the language of the country you’ll be visiting, it is advisable to also take an IDP with you.
Matthew
I am an Indian, visiting Denmark for 2 weeks. I have a driving license. Can I use it to drive the car in Denmark too?
Hello
You can drive in Denmark on your Indian Licence for up to 6 months. If your licence is not a photo ID or isnt written in English or Danish it would be advisable to also carry an IDP which you should acquire in India before you set off. Hope that helps
Matthew
I plan to drive from India by motor cycle through all the countries starting from from Pakistan to Afghanistan…
Which are the documents that I should carry and what type of driving permits and CPD. I have an Indian driving licence for motor cycle and car.
Martin
Hi Martin- check out my page on driving your own vehicle abroad http://www.driverabroad.com/self-drive/driving-your-own-vehicle-abroad/.
Also this site has a lot of useful info regarding international travel by motorbike -http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/
Good luck!
Matthew
I am travelling to Lebanon and will be taking a International driving permit. It says at M: it must be certified by the local authorities on arrival. Is this done at the airport by customs or is there some other process?
Thanks for any help in advance
I was intrigued by this one Steve as I’ve driven in Lebanon on an IDP and never got it certified. I’ve looked into it and this seems reliable -
Any foreigner is allowed to drive a vehicle in Lebanon , provided that he is in possession of either of the following licenses :
1.
– An international driving license for the categories of vehicles specified in the said license . (IDP)
2.
– A driving license of the specimen figuring on the 9th annex of the International Convention on the Roads Transportations concluded in Geneva on 19-SEPT-1949.
3.
– A driving licence issued by his country of origin (checked and paraphed ) by the “Vehicle Service” Registration Office in Lebanon and that only when the foreigner is on vacation or on a touristic visit in Lebanon . (THIS SOUNDS TO BE THE VALIDATION YOU MENTION)
4.
– A driving licence issued by his country of origin when this country and Lebanon are bound with a special treaty such as : Jordan – Syria – Saudi Arabia – Iraq – The United Arab Emirates etc…
However , it is noted that the International driving licence , as well as the driving licence figuring on the 9th annex of the international convention on Roads Transportations could be exchanged into a Lebanese driving licence .
In general you can drive for the categories of vehicles mentioned in the IDP and once your IDP is expired you can produce your Original License (issued in your home country) and get a Lebanese license from “Vehicle Service Registration office ” in Lebanon, (near “Dekouane” in Beirut) This license will be valid for six months and can be renewed after the expiry.
Hope that helps
Matthew
I am visiting USA in New York, I have driving license from Nepal can you please tell me how can I get a driving permit in New York from my Nepal license
Hello Aayam-if your licence is in English language you will be Ok to drive in New York State-if its not its best to get an IDP before you travel. There is more info on the site on rules for Foreign visitors wanting to drive in NY
http://www.dmv.ny.gov/license.htm#driversfromothernations
And the same info for other American states via this link
http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Foreign-Visitors-Driving.shtml
Matthew
Hi.
I am Afghanistan citizen living in Germany since last 14 months. I have valid car driving license with valid IDP. But here, in Germany it’s rule that, forginer can’t drive car in Germany after intial 6 months in from entry into EU.
But now I am planning for road driving in Germany.
So can I drive car in this country after living for 14 months in Germany
Hi Shaker
As you say, you can only drive on your own licence for 6 months, After than I guess you may need to take German driving test. Heres what it says on this site -http://www.bund.de/EN/Living-In-Germany/Driving-Licence/Driving-Licence_node.html
If you hold a driving licence from a state that is not a member of the EU or the EEA, this licence will be valid for six months after you have established your normal residence in the Federal Republic of Germany. After this period, your driving licence will no longer be recognized.
If you wish to continue driving or riding a vehicle on domestic roads, you will then require a driving licence issued in the Federal Republic of Germany. The conditions governing the issuing of a German driving licence vary depending on which country you obtained your licence in. For more information on how to obtain a German driving licence, and the conditions that have to be met, you should contact your local driver licensing authority in good time. In exceptional cases, the driver licensing authority may, upon request, extend the deadline by up to six months if you can prove to their satisfaction that you will not have your normal residence in the Federal Republic of Germany for longer than 12 months.
Therefore sounds like you need to contact the licencing authority in the town you live in in Germany
Matthew
Hi there,
I am Ali and I am residing in Oman for nearly a year. Originally, I am from Uzbekistan and I passionately would like to drive in Oman. My Uzbek driving license here in this country can not be verified, so I wonder whether I can drive here in Oman with an International Driving License which is issued in Ukraine. I could not find any information here and could not ask about it to anyone, bearing a doubt that it won’t be accepted here. You might know international traffic and road legalities better than anyone else so would you please kindly inform me about my case?! If an IDL is valid here, how long would it keep its validity?!
Thank you very much in advance.
Regards,
Ali
Hello Ali
Thats an interesting question! As far as a I know you are able to drive in Oman for 3 months with your own licence plus an IDP/IDL -which is usually issued in your own country. I’m not sure whether an IDP issued in Ukraine would be valid with your Uzbek licence. Thats somewhat irrelevant anyway as if you’re resident in Oman you need to get an Omani licence. How you get that depends on which country you passed your test in, and how long you have had a licence. For some countries you can get a licence without taking a test if you’ve had your licence for over a year. For others you will need to take a test. The best place to check is the Uzbek embassy (or nearest other country embassy you could use) and they should be able to advise
If you need a test, here is a useful links with tips on what to expect -
http://muscatdl.blogspot.co.uk/
Good luck!
Matthew
Thank you very much Matthew! You have been really helpful!
hello!
i have a sri lankan valid driving licence, now i am living in german, but can convert in german this licence.
Hello Jegan- you can drive using your own licence plus IDP in Germany for six months after settling in the country. And if you’re certain you’ll stay for less than a year, you can petition at your local Führerscheinstelle to extend that period to cover your stay. Just bring a certified translation of your home license and proof of your intended length of residency; like a plane ticket, or a work contract.
If you intend to stay for longer than a year you will need a full German licence. For some countries, transferring your home licence to a german one is easy, for others its more difficult and you may need to take a full driving test. See the site below for details -
http://www.bmvbs.de/SharedDocs/EN/Artikel/LA/validity-foreign-driving-licences-in-germany.html
Good luck
Matthew