International Driving License Guide: Tips 2026

You’ve booked the flights, picked the destination, and decided to rent a car. Smart move. But before you pull up to the rental desk, there’s one question worth asking: does your license actually work here?

In many countries, your regular driver’s license isn’t enough. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Here’s exactly where you need one, how to get it, and why skipping it is a bad idea.

Which Countries Require an International Driving Permit?

Within the European Union, you’re covered. An EU license is valid in all member states, plus Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. No extra paperwork needed.

Outside the EU, things change. These are the destinations travelers most commonly run into trouble with:

USA: The rules vary by state. Some accept a foreign license directly. But virtually every car rental company will ask for an IDP alongside your national license. No IDP often means no car.
Japan: An IDP under the Geneva Convention is legally required. There’s no workaround. Without it, you cannot legally drive.
Thailand: Same situation. Renting a car without an IDP is illegal, and police checkpoints are common throughout the country.
Australia: Technically, a German or British license with a certified translation can work. In practice, rental companies almost always request an IDP. It’s the simpler option.
Egypt and Morocco: Both countries require an IDP for foreign drivers. Fines for driving without one are steep, and cars have been confiscated at checkpoints.

The rule of thumb: if you’re renting a car outside Europe, get the IDP before you leave. It’s cheap, fast, and removes all uncertainty.

How Do You Get an International Driving Permit?

The process is quick. In most countries, you apply through an official motoring organization or licensing authority.

In Germany: Go to any ADAC branch or your local Führerscheinstelle. Bring your valid driver’s license, a passport or national ID, one passport-sized photo, and 15 euros. The permit is issued on the spot. You walk in, you walk out with it. The ADAC International Driving Permit page has all the current details.

In Austria: Same process via ÖAMTC or the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde. Cost is 20 euros.

In the UK: Apply through the Post Office or AA. Cost is around £5.50, issued immediately at most Post Office branches.

In the US: Apply through AAA or the National Auto Club. You’ll need two passport photos and proof of a valid license. Costs around $20.

What you’ll always need:

Valid national driver’s license
Government-issued ID or passport
1-2 passport-sized photos
The applicable fee

How Long Is an International Driving Permit Valid?

One to three years, depending on the issuing country. German IDPs are valid for three years. US permits issued by AAA are valid for one year.

One thing many travelers forget: the IDP is never valid on its own. It only works together with your national license. Both documents, always. Leave your national license at the hotel and the IDP is worthless.

Pack both together with your passport and travel insurance card. Do it the night before departure, not at the airport.

What Happens If You Drive Without One?

The answer depends on the country, but none of them are good.

In Thailand, fines for driving without a valid IDP regularly run into the hundreds of dollars. In Egypt and Morocco, roadside confiscation of the vehicle isn’t unheard of. The car sits impounded while you sort out the paperwork. That’s a vacation destroyed.

There’s also an insurance angle. Some rental car companies include clauses that void your coverage if you’re involved in an accident without a valid IDP. You’re on the hook for the full damage, regardless of who caused it.

The IDP costs between 15 and 20 euros. It takes ten minutes to get. The math here is easy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

In Germany, at any ADAC branch or local Führerscheinstelle. In the US, through AAA. In the UK, at the Post Office. All issue it immediately on the day you apply.

Which countries require an International Driving Permit?

The most common travel destinations that require one are the USA (for rental cars), Japan, Thailand, Australia, Egypt, and Morocco. Within the EU, your regular license is sufficient.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid for?

Typically one to three years. German permits are valid for three years. Always check the expiry date before travel, since a expired IDP is as useless as no IDP.

What happens if I drive abroad without an International Driving Permit?

Fines, vehicle impoundment, or voided rental car insurance, depending on the country. In Thailand and Egypt especially, police checkpoints are routine and the consequences are serious. It’s not worth the risk.

Keeping your travel documents organized before a trip saves real stress at the airport. See our Travel Documents Guide for a complete checklist.

International Driving License: Do You Actually Need One?