Frequently Asked Questions

What is IDA?

International Driving Authority (IDA) is a private company that prepares translations of national driving licenses. Our document follows the layout of the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna road traffic conventions — size, color, and contents — and comes as a printed booklet with an ID card and as an electronic version. We are not a government agency, and we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United Nations or any other authority. IDA provides driving license translation and localization services and ships worldwide.

Is IDA connected to internationaldrivingauthority.com or other similarly named sites?

No. Our only website is idaoffice.org. International Driving Authority LLP has traded under this name since 2017 and is registered in the United Kingdom under company number OC418927 — a public record anyone can check.

internationaldrivingauthority.com is run by a different, unrelated company that started years after us and imitates our name, our abbreviation (IDA), and our product name (IDD). We do not own it, we do not supply it, and we are not responsible for anything ordered there. A document bought from that site cannot be checked in our database, and we cannot help with its orders, refunds, or delivery.

If you are not sure whether a site is ours, look at the address bar: it must say idaoffice.org. When in doubt, contact us before you pay.

What is the International Driver's Document?

Our international driving document (IDD) is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. No test is required, and the IDD is valid for up to three years. This document is used in conjunction with, but does not replace, your valid national license; it is a translation of your driver’s license in three formats:

1) a plastic ID card;
2) a translation booklet that follows the 1949 and 1968 convention layout for document size, color, and format, with translation into 29 languages;
3) and a mobile phone app. The mobile app has a digital copy of your valid driving license and translation into 70 languages in your smartphone, so no internet connection is required.

IDP, IDL, IDD — why do you use several names?

They are English names for one and the same thing. In English, a “permit” is an authorization and a “license” is the document that proves it, so the road traffic conventions use “International Driving Permit” (IDP), everyday speech says “International Driver’s License” (IDL), and we call our product an “International Driver’s Document” (IDD). Each language has its own established name for the document, and all of these labels refer to the same thing: a translation of your national driving license, prepared by us as a private company — not a permit issued by a government.

What are the benefits of having an International Driver’s License?

Our IDD is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. This non-official document will help you, in conjunction with your current valid driver’s license, to register or rent a vehicle in many countries. Benefits of an IDL from IDA:

• Money back if your document is refused and you can show us proof — see our acceptance guarantee;
• Accepted by all major car rentals;
• Takes only 10 minutes to apply online;
• Instant approval and worldwide delivery;
• Translated to 29 languages in a hard copy and 70 languages in a printable digital version.

How can I use my International Driving Permit?

Imagine a situation: while staying abroad, your driving license is not considered legal due to non-compliance. It may really spoil your journey. However, if you decide to get an International Driving License (IDL), it will help you save time, money, and nerves.

One of the outstanding benefits of IDL is that it may help when renting a car abroad and when dealing with local authorities, though acceptance always depends on local law and on the party in front of you. Nevertheless, in case the police stop you, do not worry and show your International Driving License and a language translation upon immediate request. Police officers may also ask you to show your valid national driver’s license.

International Driving Authority keeps a secure database of every document we have issued. A special mobile app helps you scan the QR code on each card to find out the validity, status, and any other information concerning your International Driving Permit, no matter if you are online or offline. The data is available in 70 languages.

Is this document a valid form of identification or does it replace my state-issued driver's license?

No. Our document is not an official document and is not issued by any government, and it does not replace your state-issued driver's license or photo ID. It is a supplementary document: a standardized translation of your valid national driving license, which you can also carry in electronic form.

Can I exchange my National Driver's License with the International Driver's Document?

No, the International Driver's Document doesn't replace or change your national driver’s license. It is just a standardized, non-official translation of your national driver’s license. You still must use your national driving license to drive outside of your country. Always carry both while driving abroad.

Can I get a national driving license from your company?

Unfortunately, we don't issue national driving licenses. We advise you to contact a local organization, such as a driving school, to obtain a national driving license.

I have a national driving license from one country. I need a new one from another country. Can you help?

We don’t handle license exchanges. Please contact the local authorities in the country where you need the new license, as most countries offer an exchange option. If you need a document from scratch, you need to contact a local driving school. If you require an International Driving Permit, we can issue one for you.

I want to buy a driver's license, so what should I do?

We don’t issue national driving licenses. Please contact a local driving school.

Are there any exceptions regarding the acceptance of the IDD internationally?

The document is not accepted in China, Georgia, Japan, and South Korea. We recommend that you check the requirements for each destination, because they differ between countries and, inside some countries, between states or regions:
- https://idaoffice.org/countries/

Is the document only applicable to the destination I’m getting it issued for, or does it work globally?

You don’t need separate documents for each destination — one document works across the globe, except in China, Georgia, Japan, and South Korea, where it is not accepted.

I want to get an IDP that is accepted in China/Georgia/Japan/South Korea. How can I do this?

Unfortunately, our document is not valid in China, Georgia, Japan, and South Korea. For these countries, you need to obtain an international driving permit in your home country.

My driver's license will expire this month. May I still apply for the IDP?

No, unfortunately not. In order to apply for the IDP, you must present a national driving license valid for 30 days or more from the IDP's issue date.

Can I rent a car with this document?

In most cases, yes. Requirements differ from place to place, so we recommend checking directly with the car rental company.

Can I purchase car insurance with the IDD?

In most cases, yes. Requirements differ from place to place, so we recommend checking directly with the insurance company.

Can I register a car with this document?

In most cases, yes. Requirements differ from place to place, so we recommend checking directly with the local registration authority.

Can I use my IDD to work as a driver in a foreign country?

This depends on local regulations, laws, and exact employer policies. Some employers will hire a foreign driver who holds an international driving document. Other employers, such as taxi companies, require a local driving license.

Do I need an International Driving License for a particular country?

Please check our Countries and Travel Guide sections:
- https://idaoffice.org/countries/

Can I drive in another country with my license?

Please check our Countries and Travel Guide sections:
- https://idaoffice.org/countries/

Can an American/Canadian/Mexican citizen drive abroad?

To drive abroad with your US/Canada/Mexico driving license, you will usually need an International Driving Permit (IDP); the requirement depends on the country you are visiting. In the US/Canada/Mexico, each state/province has its own vehicle classification, which does not meet any international standards. Additional information for traveling can be found on the government websites.

Can you translate my national driving license into X language?

We will translate your national driving license into 29 languages in a hard copy booklet, and 70 languages in a digital version.

How many languages do you translate driving licenses to?

We have 29 languages in a hard copy booklet: Afrikaans, Arabic, Belarusian, Bengali, Chinese, Dutch, English, Filipino, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Mongolian, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese.

And 70 languages in the mobile app and PDF-booklet: Afrikaans, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Bengali, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Burmese, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Filipino, Finnish, French, Georgian, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Kazakh, Khmer, Korean, Kyrgyz, Lao, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Malay, Maltese, Mongolian, Nepali, Norwegian, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Sinhala, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Tajik, Tamil, Thai, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese.

I need an apostille or notarized translation of my driving license. Can you help?

Unfortunately, we cannot assist with this. We issue International Driving Permits (IDPs), which are strictly standardized documents. If you require a general translation with an apostille or notarization, we recommend contacting a local notary or the relevant authorities that can provide an apostille stamp for your document.

What is an electronic International Driving License?

The electronic International Driving License, or eIDL, includes a PDF booklet that you can print and a mobile app for Android and iOS, with translations into 70 languages.

How to use my electronic IDL?

Within 24 hours after completing the application and making payment, you will receive an email from us including a PDF booklet with the translation of your national driving license into 70 languages, and images of a plastic ID.

Right after that, you will be able to use your eIDL in our IDA Keeper mobile app for iOS and Android.

If necessary, you can also print the desired pages from the PDF booklet and plastic ID images, but usually it is enough to have them on hand digitally.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

• Cancellation and refund are possible only until your order is processed. Once an order is processed and the email with your eIDL has been sent, our service is complete and the PDF file can no longer be refunded.

Can I get both the printed and the electronic version at the same time, or do I have to order them separately?

The standard version includes the electronic one. The electronic version is always ready within 24 hours. The printed booklet is produced and shipped within 1 business day. You can start your application here: https://idaoffice.org/apply-now/.

Is the electronic license a driver's permit? Will it be accepted by road police officers/rental companies?

The road traffic conventions describe a printed document only — an electronic version is not something they recognize. In practice, our clients have used the digital version many times, and road police and car rental companies accept it. Still, if you have enough time for delivery, we recommend the printed booklet.

Can you give me instructions on how to print the PDF IDP booklet?

The booklet should ideally be printed in A6 size. For your convenience, we provide two versions: A5 and A6.

Many printers support booklet mode, which allows you to print and fold the document into a booklet format. You can refer to this guide for detailed instructions:
https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/kb/print-booklets-acrobat-reader.html.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us for assistance.

I need an IDP. What should I do?

You can start your application here: https://idaoffice.org/apply-now/. The process is simple, and every step is explained on the page.

What documents do I need in order to apply?

1) Photocopy of both sides of current valid driver's license (valid for 30 days or more);
2) Applicant's photo in color against a plain single-color background (should not be the same photo used in your current driving license);
3) Completed and signed online application form. We review all unpaid application forms within 48 hours. Once a form has been reviewed, we will send you an email. Paid application forms are reviewed within 24 hours (usually much faster).

How can I apply for an International Driving Permit?

Our application process is fast, simple, and straightforward. To apply, complete the online application form, attach a copy of your valid national driver's license, your handwritten signature, and a passport-sized color photograph. Once you've submitted these documents, make a payment for the International Driving Permit and delivery (if applicable). You can start your application online here.

How do I get an International Driver's License in my country?

We offer worldwide delivery, including fast delivery options. Regardless of your location, you can apply online and receive your document almost anywhere.

I have several citizenships. Which one should I choose for the application?

You can choose any of your citizenships in your application. This is up to you. Please note that you cannot use an IDP in your home country; this is a document for driving abroad.

I have several driving licenses issued by one country or by different countries. Should I submit a separate application form for each?

Licenses from one country: If you have multiple driving licenses with different categories issued by the same country, you only need to apply once. We will combine all your vehicle categories into a single IDL.
Licenses from different countries: If your driving licenses were issued by different countries, you will need to submit a separate application form for each of them, because we cannot combine them into a single international document.

What do I have to prepare to get an International Driver’s License online?

The procedure of obtaining the International Driving License is pretty simple. All you need is to provide the following:

• A photo of your valid national driving permit;
• Relevant driver information;
• A recent passport-size selfie photograph;
• Your signature (scanned copy or a photograph);
• Payment for your International Driver's License of your choice.

I've lost my national driving license. Can I use the photo I have on my phone?

We don't recommend driving in a foreign country without your physical national driving license, because you must show the original to the road police or to the rental company. We advise you to contact the authorities in your country to have your national driving license reissued or renewed. Then, you can proceed with the application for your IDL.

Which category should I choose?

The categories you select should match those listed on your national driving license. During the approval process, we will double-check your chosen categories. We can only include the categories that already appear on your national driving license.

What about a motorcycle driver's license?

The International Driving License includes information about the right to operate vehicles of specific categories. If you are licensed to drive a motorcycle, simply indicate this during the application process, and we will ensure it is marked on your International Driving License. Please note that we will verify your categories during the approval process, and we cannot add motorcycle categories if they are not listed on your national driver's license.

Will my full name be specified on the International Driving Permit?

Yes. The document normally uses your name exactly as it appears on your national driving license, because it is a translation of that license. If the spelling of your name on your driver's license differs from that on your passport, you can provide a passport photo as well. This will allow us to include your name as it appears in your passport.

What if my license has no expiration date?

If your national driver's license does not have an expiration date, you can select the corresponding option in the application form. We maintain an updated list of countries that issue permanent driver's licenses. Please note that we can only accept licenses without expiration dates if they were issued by these specific countries.

What if the birth date specified in my national driving license is incorrect?

If your birth date on your national driving license is incorrect, please provide an additional identification document (such as a passport) that displays your correct birth date. You can upload up to 5 additional files when completing our application form.

How can I upload or attach the required images?

You can upload them when completing our application form or send them to us via email later.

Can the document start on a date in the past?

Unfortunately, the start date cannot be earlier than the day we issue the document. The start date can be later: you may choose any date within the next 6 months. Please note that your national driving license must remain valid throughout this period.

The online application form is not working or is too slow. What can I do?

This issue usually occurs if the images or files you are uploading are too large. To resolve this, please try reducing the file size before uploading. If you’re unsure how to reduce the size, you can complete the online application form without attaching the images and then email the files to [email protected]. Be sure to include your name and the email address you used to apply. Additionally, ensure that all fields in the application form are completed and that your email address is correct.

How long is an International Driver's License valid?

When you get an International Driver's License with us, you choose your own validity period between 1, 2, and 3 years.

Can I get the IDL for more than 3 years?

Unfortunately, the maximum validity period we offer for an International Driving License (IDL) is 3 years. The road traffic conventions cap an international driving permit at three years, and never longer than your national license stays valid. Any international driving documents offered online with validity periods exceeding 3 years are not legitimate.

Can I get an international license for 10 days?

Unfortunately, no. The minimal term is 1 year.

What payment options do you offer?

We support a wide range of currencies and payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, Binance Pay in USDT, and bank transfer on request. The available payment methods may vary depending on the currency you select. If you don’t see your preferred method, we recommend switching to USD, which offers the widest variety of options. We do not accept cash, cheques, money orders, or money-transfer services such as Western Union or MoneyGram — if anyone asks you to pay for our service that way, it is not us.

Please note: If you make a payment without signing in, ensure that the email address you provide is valid. Otherwise, you will not receive an email confirmation with your receipt.

What is the cost of the service?

1) Our general price list is available here: https://idaoffice.org/prices/. Please select your shipping destination to view the available options, including delivery times and costs.
2) Express processing (within 5 minutes): $25.
3) Hard copy document reprint: $25.

Do you support cash on delivery (payment on delivery)?

Unfortunately, we do not offer cash on delivery. We require full payment before processing any application. Each issued and printed document is unique and contains your personal information, making it impossible to resell.

Can I pay on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can, but in order to proceed with processing the document as soon as possible, please make sure to send us an email to [email protected] with the first name, last name, and email address of the person you paid for.

Can I use someone else’s credit card to make a payment?

Yes, you can use someone else’s credit card, but the card owner must be aware of and consent to the transaction. Please note that if a chargeback is filed, the documents issued for that order stop being valid while the dispute is open and cannot be checked online. If the chargeback succeeds, they are cancelled permanently. If the dispute is withdrawn or decided in our favor, they are restored, and you do not need to reorder.

Can I pay via local bank transfer?

Yes, we accept local bank transfers in Australia (AUD), Canada (CAD), Eurozone (EUR), Georgia (GEL), Hungary (HUF), New Zealand (NZD), Russian Federation (RUB), Singapore (SGD), Turkey (TRY), United Kingdom (GBP), and United States of America (USD).

I'm no longer interested in receiving the IDL. Can you cancel my application/make a refund?

If your order has not been shipped or processed, you can cancel it for a full refund.

If you are a consumer in the European Union or the United Kingdom, you have 14 days from the day you receive your order to cancel it, without giving a reason. Elsewhere, our own policy gives you 7 days from delivery. Physical documents must be in their original condition and include all original items and packaging. Return shipping costs are non-refundable unless the issue was our error.

For electronic IDLs, cancellations and refunds are only possible before the order is processed. Once the eIDL is sent to your email, the service is considered complete and non-refundable.

Please note that express processing fees are non-refundable if the order is processed within 5 minutes. If we missed that window, the express fee comes back to you — just ask.

For more details, please check our Refund & Cancellation Policy here: https://idaoffice.org/return-policy/. Feel free to contact us.

I need to renew my international document online, what is the document number?

The International Driver’s Document number is 10 digits long, under the barcode of your card and booklet, usually starting with 1027…

I need to renew my international document online, how can I do it?

If you received a renewal notification by email, please login here: https://idaoffice.org/login/, and click the “Renew” button next to your previous application.

Make sure to review all the information and update it if necessary:

• Your residence and shipping address (if they have changed)
• New images (if you want an updated photo on your new license or if your previous national license has expired)

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us.

My International license issued by you was lost/stolen, do I have to apply again?

No, you don’t need to apply again. You can contact our customer service via chat or email to request a reprint of your current International Driver’s License. Please confirm your shipping address to ensure the document is delivered securely. The cost for the reprint is $25 (excluding shipping).

I previously ordered only the electronic version. Can I add the printed booklet?

Yes, you can add the printed booklet later. Please contact our customer service by chat or email to request it. We will ask for your shipping address and send you a link for the additional payment. You will not pay the full price again — only the difference between the price of the electronic version and the price of the printed one, plus the shipping cost.

My document was sent back by the postal service. What should I do?

If your document is returned to our office, we will notify you via email. Once we have it back, we can arrange for it to be resent. Please note that if the document was returned due to an incorrect or incomplete address provided in the application, or because it wasn’t collected in time, an additional shipping fee will apply.

When will I receive my IDL?

The electronic version is ready within 24 hours (5 minutes with express processing). Printed documents are produced within 1 business day. Delivery depends on the shipping method you choose. You can check delivery options here: https://idaoffice.org/prices/. Please select your shipping destination to view the available options, including delivery times and costs.

What is the cost of shipping?

The shipping price depends on the method chosen. You can find all shipping options here: https://idaoffice.org/prices/. Please select your shipping destination to view the available options, including delivery times and costs.

I want to change my shipping address. How can I do it?

If the document has not been sent out yet: please contact us to provide your new shipping address.

If the document is already in transit: we cannot update the address.

If the new address is in the same city: we recommend contacting the courier or postal service in advance to arrange for pickup when the document arrives in your city.

If the new address is completely different: we can arrange a reprint once the original parcel has completed its journey or been returned to us. The reprint fee is $25, plus the shipping fee. Please contact us to arrange the reprint.

Can you send my IDL with a document of another client in one shipment?

Yes, sure. Please contact us to specify the order numbers that should be shipped together.

Can you ship the document to a P.O. Box or a U.S. military address (APO/FPO)?

The postal service USPS can deliver to a P.O. Box and to U.S. military addresses (APO/FPO). The courier companies FedEx, UPS and DHL cannot.

Can the shipping estimate time vary?

Yes, shipping times may vary due to factors such as customs restrictions in certain regions, weather conditions, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances that could delay delivery.

What happens if a USPS package is lost?

Please contact us. For trackable methods we open an enquiry with the carrier, and once a parcel is confirmed lost we reissue and ship your document again at our cost. For free airmail and USPS 1st Class there is nothing to trace, so if the parcel has not arrived after the maximum time shown in our Shipping Policy, contact us and we will reissue the document. We still recommend courier services for a faster and more predictable delivery.

Can you send more than one document in the same package?

Yes, you can add multiple applications. If all documents are being sent to the same address, you only need to pay one shipping fee.

I haven't received my IDL. Where is it?

Please check the tracking link we sent you after your order (if you chose a trackable option). In all other cases, please contact us so we can check with the shipping service.

Can you send my IDL to another person?

Yes, sure. Please don't forget to specify the recipient's name and phone number in the shipping address section of your application.