Do I need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)?
You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on where your driver’s license was issued and where you are travelling.
An IDP is always required if your license is not printed in the Roman alphabet or if the destination country legally requires it for foreign drivers.
Step-by-Step Guide:
If your driver’s license uses a non-Roman alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic), an IDP is mandatory so the rental agent can read your details.
Even if your license is in English, some countries (such as Japan or South Korea) require an IDP for all foreign drivers.
The “Driver Requirements” section in your booking details shows the exact rules for your rental.
An IDP works as a certified translation of your driver’s license. At the rental desk, you will present your original physical driver’s license together with the physical IDP booklet.
If you only bring the IDP, the supplier will deny you the car.
Rental suppliers strictly require original, physical documents at the rental desk.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid purchasing “digital IDPs” online, as QR codes or photos shown on a phone are usually not accepted.
Rental agents will ask to see the official printed IDP booklet issued by an authorised authority, together with your valid driver’s license.
"My license is in English, so I can legally drive anywhere in the world."
English licenses are widely accepted in North America and Europe, while several countries in Asia or the Middle East require an IDP under local regulations for foreign drivers.
Without one, the rental supplier may record the booking as a “No-Show” - the vehicle will not be released, and the reservation becomes non-refundable according to the rental terms.
"I have my IDP, so I don't need to bring my home country's driver's license."
The IDP functions as a certified translation, which means it is always presented together with your original driver’s license. It is completely invalid on its own.
💡 Did You Know?
You need to obtain your IDP in your home country before you travel!
You cannot get one at the rental desk or after you arrive in your destination country.
What To Do Next:
International Driving Permits (IDPs) are issued in your home country by an authorized organization before you travel. Travelers usually obtain them from their local automobile association or driver licensing authority prior to departure.
The IDP must be arranged in advance, as it cannot be issued at the rental desk or after you arrive in your destination country.
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