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International Driving Permit — FAQs
20 expert answers to the most common IDP questions. Everything you need to know before applying.
20
Expert Answers
150+
Countries Covered
8 Min
Apply Online
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1
IDP Basics
What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official, multilingual translation of your national driving license. It is printed in multiple internationally recognized languages and accepted by traffic authorities and car rental companies in 150+ countries worldwide.
- Governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic
- Must be carried alongside your original driving license at all times
- Does not replace your national driving license — it supplements it
- Available in digital (instant email) and physical booklet formats
💡 IDP alone is not valid for driving. Always carry both your IDP and original license together.
2
IDP Basics
What is the difference between an International Driving License and International Driving Permit?
This is one of the most important distinctions in international driving.
- International Driving LICENSE — Does not legally exist under international law. Websites selling this document are selling an invalid document that will be rejected abroad.
- International Driving PERMIT (IDP) — The correct, legally recognized document. Governed by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Accepted in 150+ countries by car rental companies and traffic authorities.
⚠️ Always apply for a Driving PERMIT — not a License. If a website calls it an "International Driving License," be cautious — it may be a fraudulent service.
3
Country Guide
Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Dubai / UAE?
Yes. UAE law requires all international visitors to carry a valid IDP alongside their original driving license to rent and drive a car.
- All major car rental companies at Dubai Airport — Hertz, Budget, Avis, Enterprise — require IDP
- Both Digital IDP (on phone) and Physical Booklet are accepted in UAE
- Drive on the RIGHT side of the road in UAE
- UAE has zero tolerance for traffic violations — always carry IDP
💡 Digital IDP works in UAE — you can apply and get it instantly for a last-minute Dubai trip.
4
Country Guide
Is digital IDP accepted in Thailand or do I need the physical booklet?
Thailand requires the PHYSICAL printed IDP booklet. A digital copy shown on your phone will NOT be accepted.
- Car rental companies in Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui strictly require the physical booklet
- Traffic police checkpoints in tourist areas verify the physical document
- Left side driving in Thailand — easy to adapt for most visitors
⚠️ Always choose Digital + Physical IDP if going to Thailand. Apply at least 10 days before your trip to allow time for booklet delivery.
5
Country Guide
Can I drive in the USA with a foreign driving license?
Your foreign national license alone is not sufficient in most cases. You need a Physical IDP booklet alongside your original license for the USA.
- All major US car rentals — Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, National — require Physical IDP
- Digital IDP alone is NOT accepted in USA
- IDP is valid for tourists for up to 1 year from date of entry
- Drive on the RIGHT side of the road in USA
💡 Planning Route 66 or Pacific Coast Highway? Apply for Physical + Digital IDP at least 2 weeks before your flight.
6
Country Guide
Does one IDP cover all European countries?
Yes. One IDP covers all European countries — you do not need a separate permit for each country.
- Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal, Greece — all covered
- All Schengen countries covered with a single IDP
- Drive on the RIGHT side across continental Europe
- UK drives on the LEFT side of the road
💡 Planning a multi-country Europe road trip? One Digital IDP covers all Schengen countries — no need for separate permits.
7
Country Guide
How long can I drive in Australia with IDP?
For tourists, IDP is valid for the full duration of your tourist visa in Australia. For new residents and students, IDP is valid for 3 months from arrival, after which a local state license is required.
- Australia drives on the LEFT side of the road — one of the easiest countries for foreign drivers to adapt
- IDP accepted in all states — NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania
- Digital IDP accepted in Australia — physical booklet not mandatory
8
Country Guide
Can international students use IDP in Canada?
Yes. IDP is valid for international students in Canada for a limited period depending on province:
- Ontario — 60 days from arrival
- British Columbia — 90 days from arrival
- Alberta — Generally 1 year for tourists
- After the allowed period, a provincial Canadian license is required
💡 Recommend: 3-year IDP for students going abroad — covers the full transition period and saves significantly vs buying annually.
9
How to Apply
How do I apply for IDP online? What is the step-by-step process?
The entire process takes 8 minutes and is 100% online:
- Step 1 — Visit drivinginternationalassociation.com and click Apply
- Step 2 — Fill in your personal details — name, license number, destination country (2 min)
- Step 3 — Upload your driving license photo (front and back) and passport-size photo (2 min)
- Step 4 — Choose your plan — Digital or Digital + Physical, 1, 2, or 3 years (1 min)
- Step 5 — Pay securely via Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, PayPal, or other available payment methods (1 min)
- Step 6 — Digital IDP arrives in your email instantly. Physical booklet dispatched within 15 business days.
10
How to Apply
What documents do I need to apply for IDP?
Just 3 things needed — all photos can be taken on your mobile phone:
- Valid driving license — front and back photo (must not be expired)
- Passport-size photograph — plain background, full face visible, no glasses
- Government-issued photo ID — National ID card, passport, or any official government identity document (front side only)
💡 No notarization, no attested copies, no office visit required. Mobile phone photos are accepted for all documents.
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How to Apply
Can I apply for IDP from anywhere in the world?
Yes. The application is 100% online and can be completed from anywhere in the world.
- Digital IDP is delivered instantly to your email — regardless of your location
- Physical booklet can be shipped to any address worldwide
- Payment accepted via international credit/debit cards
12
How to Apply
How long does it take to receive my IDP?
Delivery times depend on the format you choose:
- Digital IDP — Delivered instantly to your email after processing. Takes approximately 8 minutes total.
- Physical IDP Booklet — Prepared and dispatched within 15 business days after document approval. Delivery time after dispatch depends on your location and courier.
⚠️ For countries like USA and Thailand that require the physical booklet, apply at least 2-3 weeks before your travel date.
13
How to Apply
Is IDP valid for scooter and motorcycle rental abroad?
Yes — provided your original driving license includes two-wheeler authorization (motorcycle or scooter category). Your IDP reflects the same vehicle categories as your original license.
- If your national license covers two-wheelers, your IDP is valid for scooters and motorcycles abroad
- Always wear a helmet — mandatory in most countries and strictly enforced
- Popular for Bali, Thailand, and Southeast Asia travel
14
Plans & Pricing
How much does an IDP cost? What are the plan options?
All plans include: 100% money-back guarantee, free unlimited reprints, 24/7 support, and valid in 150+ countries.
- Digital IDP 1 Year — $24 (instant email delivery)
- Digital IDP 2 Year — $30
- Digital IDP 3 Year — $36 (best value — saves vs 3 annual plans)
- Digital + Physical 1 Year — $36 (home delivery included)
- Digital + Physical 2 Year — $42
- Digital + Physical 3 Year — $48 (maximum value — saves vs 3 annual plans)
15
Plans & Pricing
Which IDP plan should I choose — 1, 2, or 3 year?
- 1-Year Plan — Best for single international trips or first-time international travelers
- 2-Year Plan — Best for students going abroad for 1-2 year programs, or travelers who go international twice a year
- 3-Year Plan — Best for frequent travelers, digital nomads, students on long programs — saves significantly vs buying annually
💡 For anyone going abroad for studies — always choose 3-year. It covers you through the entire study period without needing to reapply.
16
Plans & Pricing
Does IDP replace my original driving license?
No. IDP is a translation document and companion to your original license — not a replacement.
- You must carry both your original national driving license AND your IDP at all times while driving abroad
- IDP alone is not valid for driving — it has no legal standing without the original license
- Both documents together provide the complete legal documentation required internationally
17
Refund & Policy
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after applying?
Refund eligibility depends on the stage of processing:
- Before processing begins — Cancellation and full refund available
- After digital IDP is generated and delivered — Order is considered fulfilled; refund generally not applicable
- Duplicate payment — Full refund processed
- Delivery delay caused by us — Refund review available
💡 Contact us immediately after placing the order if you need to cancel — the sooner you contact us, the better the chance of cancellation before processing begins.
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Refund & Policy
What should I do if my IDP is not accepted at the car rental desk?
Contact our 24/7 support team immediately. We will guide you through the next steps.
- Ask the rental company to provide written rejection documentation — email, letter, or stamped note
- Contact DIA support via WhatsApp (+66 93 453 1077) or email info@drivinginternationalassociation.com with your order number
- Submit the written rejection proof for review
- Our team will review the case and assist with resolution
⚠️ Verbal refusal without written documentation cannot be processed for refund review. Always request written proof from the rejecting authority.
19
Refund & Policy
What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?
Do not panic — your digital IDP is always recoverable:
- Check your registered email — your Digital IDP is always in your inbox
- Log in to your DIA account to download a fresh digital copy anytime
- Contact support for a free physical booklet replacement — free unlimited reprints on all plans
- Show your digital IDP in countries where it is accepted while waiting for physical replacement
💡 Save your Digital IDP to Google Drive or phone storage before traveling — accessible offline anywhere in the world.
20
IDP Basics
Can I apply for IDP if my driving license is expiring soon?
Yes, but with an important limitation — your IDP validity cannot exceed your driving license validity.
- If your license expires in 4 months, your IDP will also only be valid for 4 months — regardless of the plan purchased
- Recommendation: Renew your driving license first through your local transport authority, then apply for IDP for maximum validity
- You cannot apply with an already expired driving license
💡 Check your license expiry date before applying. If it expires within 12 months, renew it first to get the best value from your IDP plan.
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