How to Get an International Drivers License: Complete Guide

Introduction

Planning to drive abroad? An international drivers license is an essential document for travelers intending to drive in foreign countries. This comprehensive guide will explain the importance of an international drivers license, the application process, and how to obtain one seamlessly.

What is an International Drivers License?

An international drivers license, also known as an international driving permit (IDP), is a document that allows you to drive a motor vehicle in foreign countries. It serves as a translation of your home country's driving license and is recognized in over 150 countries that are part of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.

UN Standard International Driving Permit
Electronic International Driving License

What is IDP?

Your domestic driving license translation to any language is an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is made in compliance with United Nations Conventions on road traffic standards for document size, color, format, etc.

You get:

Translation booklet and mobile application

Where your driver license is translated into 70 languages (29 in a booklet and all 70 in a mobile app).

With residence address and date of birth

You may take or rent a car and drive it using the IDP and your domestic driving permit.

Translate your driving license and express all the information from your application and other obtained information, according to all the national language peculiarities and foreign official requirements.

Notice:

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation of a driver's license and not a regular driver's license. Without a currently valid national driver’s license the International Driving Document (IDD) is not a useful or valid document to present to any authority.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an international drivers license, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Hold a valid driving license from your home country

How to Apply for an International Drivers License

Simply and Quickly: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Complete the application form, either online or in-person
2. Provide the required documentation, including an application, a copy of your valid driving license, passport-sized photos, and photo of your handwritten signature
3. Pay the applicable fees via an accepted payment method
4. Submit your application and wait for processing

Required Documentation

When applying for an international drivers license, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. A photo of your valid domestic driving license
2. Your personal data
3. A photo of yourself
4. Your signature (scan or photo of it)

Fees and Payment Options

Fees for obtaining an international drivers license vary depending on the issuing agency and country. An average cost is about $50. You can check our prices . Accepted payment methods include credit or debit cards, payment wallets, and sometimes cash for in-person applications.

Our services will not cost you a fortune.
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) now and travel easily.

Apply

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit

Differences between a License and a Permit

An international drivers license (IDL) and an international driving permit (IDP) are often used interchangeably. The official term is international driving permit, this is how it is written in the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic. An international drivers license is more colloquial. However, they both refer to the same document that enables you to drive legally in foreign countries.

Application Process and Requirements

The process for obtaining an IDP is the same as applying for an international drivers license. Follow the step-by-step guide and provide the required documentation mentioned earlier in this article.

Online vs. In-person Application

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Online applications offer convenience and can save time, as you can complete the process from the comfort of your home. However, you may need to scan, or make photos, and upload documents, which can be time-consuming if you don't have the necessary equipment. In-person applications require visiting an authorized issuing agency, but you can receive assistance from agency staff and have documents photocopied on site. Consider your personal preferences and circumstances when choosing a method.

Trusted Platforms and Agencies for Online Application

Ensure you use a trusted platform or agency for your application. For example, our service is trusted by tens of thousands drivers all across the globe.

Processing Time and Validity

How Long It Takes to Receive the License/Permit

Processing times for international drivers licenses vary depending on the issuing agency and your location. Generally, it takes 1 to 4 weeks for the license to be processed and delivered. Expedited services are available for an additional fee.

We process all our applications within 24 hours. We also offer a 20-minutes fast processing option for an additional fee. Which is very convenient if you already stay at a car rental office or in front of a road police officer.

Duration of Validity

An international drivers license is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. However, it cannot be used beyond the expiration date of your home country's driving license. Ensure you check the validity period of both licenses before driving abroad.

Driving with an International License or Permit

Rules and Regulations

When driving with an international drivers license or permit, you must adhere to the traffic laws and regulations of the country you are visiting. Carry both your IDP and your home country's driving license with you at all times, as you may be required to present them to law enforcement or rental agencies. Remember that an IDP does not replace your home country's driving license but serves as a supplementary document and translation of your national license.

Potential Limitations

Some countries may have additional requirements or restrictions for foreign drivers, even if you possess an international drivers license. These may include age restrictions, mandatory vehicle insurance, or a temporary local driving permit. It is essential to research the specific rules and regulations of your destination country before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address any common queries related to international drivers licenses in this section.

Why do I need an IDP?
As long as there are many countries that speak different languages, you may find that you are not allowed to drive a car abroad even if you can drive in your country. This can be caused by misunderstanding a foreign document or the requirements of the driving license forms, which differ in different countries. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is intended to overcome the difficulties you might have while driving a vehicle in another country.

Being a tourist anywhere in the world, you can rent a vehicle and drive a car taking the International Driving Permit (IDP) and your original valid driving license to ease the language barrier of your original license to local authorities. Show your International Driving Permit (IDP) and a translation book on request if you're stopped by the police while driving abroad. You should also show your valid domestic driving license to the police upon request.
Can I use my international drivers license to drive in my home country?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone document or a license on its own. It is only a translation of your existing driver's license in multiple languages and serves as proof of your driving credentials in foreign countries where your license may not be recognized. Therefore, you cannot use an IDP to drive in your home country.

To legally drive in your home country, you need to hold a valid driver's license issued by the local authorities. It's important to note that if you have obtained a driver's license in a foreign country, you may need to go through a process of converting it to a local driver's license, depending on the rules and regulations of your home country.

In summary, an International Driving Permit cannot be used to drive in your home country, and you must hold a valid driver's license issued by your local authorities to drive legally.
What should I do if I lose my international drivers license while traveling?
If you lose your International Driving Permit (IDP) while traveling, the first thing you should do is report the loss to the local authorities in the country where you are staying. You may need to file a police report or obtain a written statement from the local authorities, as this can help you in case you need to apply for a replacement IDP in your home country's embassy.

Next, you should contact your home country's embassy or consulate in the country where you are staying. They can provide guidance on how to replace your lost IDP, including what documents you need to provide and where to submit your application. The embassy or consulate may also be able to issue a temporary document that allows you to drive legally in the meantime.

It's important to note that the process of replacing a lost IDP can vary depending on the country you're in and your home country's requirements. Therefore, it's a good idea to keep a photocopy of your IDP and your driver's license as a backup in case of loss or theft. Holders of IDPs issued by International Driving Authority have copies in a mobile application.

If you lost our IDP, please contact us , and we will help you with a reprint. Please note that the reprint fee is $25 + shipping.
Can I renew my international drivers license?
Yes, sure. You can apply for a renewal as soon as your national driving license is valid. The process is simple: you need to click the Renew or Copy button near the previously issued document on the My Orders page of your profile. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Does an international drivers license allow me to drive all types of vehicles?
No, an International Driving Permit (IDP) only allows you to drive vehicles that are covered by the category of license you hold in your home country. For example, if you have a license to drive a car in your home country, your IDP will only allow you to drive cars in foreign countries where your license may not be recognized.

If you want to drive other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, trucks, or buses, you will need to obtain additional licenses and permits that are specific to those types of vehicles.

It's important to note that driving laws and regulations vary by country, and some countries may have additional requirements for driving certain types of vehicles. Therefore, it's a good idea to research the specific requirements for driving in the country where you will be traveling and plan accordingly.
Can I get a digital copy of International Driving License?
Yes. Every electronic International Driving License (eIDL) issued by International Driving Authority is stored in our secured database and can easily be accessed by scanning the QR code on each card using our mobile app, with which you can check validity, status and information online or offline in 70 different languages: 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. The whole world is covered!

Conclusion

Obtaining an international drivers license is a crucial step for travelers planning to drive in foreign countries. By following the step-by-step guide, providing the required documentation, and understanding the rules and regulations of your destination country, you can ensure a hassle-free driving experience abroad. Don't forget to research and adhere to the specific driving requirements of each country you visit to stay safe and compliant on the road. Get your international drivers license today and enjoy the freedom to explore new destinations behind the wheel!

Apply now