International Driving Permit vs translated license — what's the difference?
Updated 15 May 2026
Direct answer
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document issued only by government-authorized bodies in your license country, required by law in many destinations. A license translation is a companion document that helps authorities read your license — useful, sometimes sufficient, but never a permit. Some countries require the IDP; others accept or recommend a translation.
At a glance
- IDP
- Official permit · only from authorized issuers · required by many countries
- Translation
- Comprehension aid · any competent translator can produce one · accepted in some contexts
- Certified translation
- Translation + signed accuracy certificate · required by some authorities/DMVs
- Fake 'international license'
- Worthless · FTC-flagged scam category · never buy
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.
What an IDP actually is
An IDP is a standardized booklet defined by the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna road traffic conventions. It certifies — in many languages — that you hold a valid domestic license. Crucially, only bodies authorized by your government can issue it: AAA and AATA in the United States, national automobile associations in most other countries. It is always paired with your original license and is typically cheap (around $20 in the US).
What a translation does
A translation renders your license's fields into the destination language so officials, rental desks, and insurers can read it. Some destinations formally accept translations (Japan accepts authorized translations for a few specific countries; several US states accept certified English translations of foreign licenses). Everywhere else, it's a practical aid that prevents misunderstandings — not a legal substitute for an IDP.
How to spot fake-IDP scams
If a website that is not your country's authorized issuer offers an 'international driver's license' or 'IDP' — especially with multi-year validity, instant digital delivery, or prices far above ~$20–40 — it is not issuing a real permit. The US FTC has warned consumers about exactly this. The documents are rejected at borders and rental desks, and using one can mean fines or worse. Our policy is simple: we sell clearly-labeled translations, and we route you to the authorized issuer when you need the real IDP.
What to prepare
- Check your destination's rule with our free requirement checker
- If an IDP is required: apply at your license country's authorized issuer before travel
- If a translation helps: generate a clearly-labeled translation companion
- If an authority requires certification: order a certified human translation
- Never buy an 'IDP' from a non-authorized website
Frequently asked questions
Is a translated license ever enough on its own?
Why can't a website just sell me an IDP?
Does an IDP replace my license?
Government and authority sources
Also see our authorized issuer guidance for where to get a real IDP when your trip requires one.