Which countries require or accept an International Driving Permit?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

Most countries outside your own recognise an International Driving Permit, but whether one is required, recommended or unnecessary varies by destination and by your licence's language. Many also accept a certified translation in its place. The deciding factors are the country's road-traffic convention membership and whether your licence is readable locally.

At a glance

Require an IDP: Many — esp. for non-Latin-script licences
Accept a translation instead: Much of the EU and most rental desks
1949 Geneva group: US, Japan, Australia, India, and more
1968 Vienna group: Most of Europe, Russia, Brazil, and more
Per-country detail: See our sourced requirement page for each

Trip decision path

Turn this guide into a clean travel plan

Use the guide as context, then confirm your exact license, destination, dates, and vehicle before buying anything.

2 authority sources

1 · Verify the rule

Choose your license country, destination, dates, and vehicle type.

2 · Use an authorized IDP route

If the checker says an IDP is required, get it from your license country's authorized issuer. We do not sell IDPs.

3 · Add a translation companion

Use the translation pack when rental desks, insurers, or checkpoints need to read your license. It is not a permit.

Why there's no single global list

Whether you need an IDP depends on three things: the destination's convention membership, your own licence's language and script, and the rules of the specific car-rental company you use. That's why a flat 'countries that require an IDP' list is misleading — the honest answer is country-by-country. We maintain a sourced requirement page for every destination, each linking to the official government or road-authority source.

Convention groups at a glance

Destinations that recognise the 1949 Geneva Convention include the United States, Japan, Australia and India; those recognising the 1968 Vienna Convention include most of Europe, Russia and Brazil. Many countries are party to both. A small number — most notably China — are party to neither, so a certified translation is the practical route there. Matching your IDP to the destination's convention is what makes it valid.

When a translation is accepted in place of an IDP

Across much of the EU, and at the majority of car-rental counters worldwide, a certified translation carried with your original licence is accepted instead of an IDP — the requirement is really about legibility. Where a country names the IDP booklet specifically (Japan, Thailand), bring the booklet. For everywhere else, a certified translation companion covers the need, and is essential if your licence is in a non-Latin script.

What to prepare

Look up your specific destination's requirement (don't rely on a global list)
Match any IDP to the destination's convention (1949 vs 1968)
Check whether a certified translation is accepted there
Confirm your rental company's own policy
Carry your original national licence everywhere

Check your exact route

License country × destination × vehicle — free, 1 minute.

Need your license translated?

Clearly-labeled translation companion — never a fake permit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a list of countries that require an IDP?

Requirements vary too much for a reliable flat list — it depends on the destination's convention, your licence's language, and the rental company. We publish a sourced requirement page for every country so you get the exact rule for your trip.

Which countries accept a translation instead of an IDP?

Much of the EU and most car-rental desks accept a certified translation carried with your original licence. A few countries require the IDP booklet specifically; check the destination page before you travel.

Do any countries belong to neither convention?

Yes — China is the main example. No standard IDP applies there, so drivers rely on a certified translation of the licence plus any local formalities.

Government and authority sources

Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.

Requirements vary by country. Carry your translation together with your original driving licence and passport; some countries require an official IDP issued by an authorised body in your country of licence. Information provided is general guidance. Always check local regulations for your destination.