Are you heading out on a vacation that will require you to drive a rental car? Are you going to a country where English is not the primary language? If you're going to need to drive in a foreign country, you may or may not need an international driving permit. Here's what you need to know about renting a car abroad.
What Is an International Driver's Permit?
An IDP is proof that you hold a valid driver's license from a competent issuing authority in your home country, as well as a translation of your regular driver's license into roughly a dozen of the most common languages used by police officers around the world. IDPs are printed in the five official languages of the United Nations (English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), as well as German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. IDPs are valid in all countries that are signatories to the various conventions on international driving, and are further recognized by many other countries.
Do I Need an IDP?
In countries where English is the primary spoken language (such as the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand), an IDP is not required, though it is recommended. Having an IDP is more necessary in some European countries than in others, but is recommended for most. In more than 40 countries, you cannot obtain a rental car without one. Note: an IDP is not a substitute for your normal driver's license, and you must carry your normal driver's license and passport alongside your IDP for it to be valid.
How to Get an IDP
In the United States, there are only two authorized issuers: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Club (via the National Automobile Club). In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the only authorized distributor. The bottom line: it's better to have an IDP and not need it than to need it and not have it. Only buy from reputable, authorized sources—there are plenty of scammers targeting unsuspecting travelers.
- You must be 18 or older
- You must have a valid, recognized driver's license
- You must submit two passport-type photographs
- Applications must be made through an authorized issuing authority
Having an IDP will make your life significantly easier when trying to obtain a rental car overseas. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
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