Who is eligible to get an International Driving Permit?
We often get asked from travelers about eligibility for International Driving Permits (IDPs). This post will help clarify what an IDP is, who can get one and how, and where it gets used.
Who can get one? Are only US citizens eligible?
Anyone with a valid driver’s license issued by a country that signed the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and/or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic may obtain an International Driving Permit. Important note: your IDP must be issued by the same country that issued your driver’s license. Your citizenship status doesn’t impact your eligibility.
PriorityIDP currently expedites IDPs only for holders of valid driver’s licenses issued in the United States.
If your driver’s license was issued in the US and you would like help obtaining an IDP, please contact us or apply on our website.
If your driver’s license was issued in a different country, please refer to the official International Driving Permit website to find authorized issuers in your country.
What is an international driving permit anyways and why does it exist?
In short, an IDP is an official translation of your domestic driver’s license to be used abroad. They exist to help standardize license information for rental companies or authorities (e.g., local police). Not all licenses across US states are formatted the same way, but all IDPs are – this helps clarify any confusion on certain state-specific information on your license. International driving permits are not licenses themselves, but must be used in conjunction with your actual valid US driver’s license (not a learner’s permit).
How do I get one?
You can obtain an IDP a few different ways:
From PriorityIDP – apply online and get your IDP in the mail as quickly as next-day for domestic or 2 days for international
Directly from an authorized issuer – can be slow and cumbersome, especially if you’re already abroad or operating on a tight timeline
Through PriorityIDP: The fastest and most convenient way to get a legitimate IDP online is through us – we are expert expediters! We will help you through an official AAA IDP application, take that to a AAA office to obtain a physical IDP, and then ship it to you immediately anywhere in the world! Many of our customers are either already abroad or need an IDP urgently but are unable to travel to a AAA branch themselves. We can process same-day and ship your IDP to you by next business day for domestic or as quickly as 2 days for international. If you live near our offices in MN, we may even be able to deliver it in person!
Through issuers directly
You can obtain an IDP in-person at your local AAA branch. Check beforehand that they issue IDPs (not all location do) and that they have them in stock. Bring passport photos with you or have them taken at the AAA branch for a fee. The cost of the IDP from AAA is $20 plus $10-20 for passport photos.
You can also apply by mail or online, though be warned that both options will take a minimum of one week for domestic and up to eight weeks for international. The cost is $20 for the IDP plus $7-10 for passport photos. Shipping is charged separately and can be well over $100 for international shipments.
International driving permit requirement and eligibility checklist (U.S. license holders)
Feel free to reach out to us if you need help determining eligibility!
Do I need an IDP in the country where I’m planning to drive?
Do I need the IDP before I rent the car? Some countries like Japan are very strict about this
Do I have a fully valid U.S. driver’s license (e.g., not expired, provisional, or learner’s permit)?
Am I at least 18 years old?
Does my license classify the vehicle category properly?
Some case studies to clarify IDP eligibility requirements
A US citizen with a California license
A UK citizen with a New York license
A Dutch citizen with a Dutch license
A Dutch citizen with a German license
In conclusion, International Driving Permits are not restricted to Americans.
The key is having your IDP issued from the same country as your license. For US license holders, apply today to ensure you’re legally ready to drive abroad!