Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car abroad?

Updated 21 Jun 2026

Direct answer

Often, yes — even where a country's law doesn't strictly require it, car-rental companies frequently demand an International Driving Permit or a certified translation alongside your national licence, especially if your licence isn't in the local language. The safest move is to arrive at the counter with a document staff can read.

At a glance

Legal requirement: Varies by country
Rental-company policy: Often stricter than the law
Accepted at the desk: An IDP or a certified translation + original licence
Biggest risk: Non-readable (non-Latin-script) licences
Goal: Avoid a rejected booking and lost deposit

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 rental firms ask even when the law doesn't

A car-rental company has to read your licence to confirm your name, that you're qualified for the vehicle class, and that the licence is valid. Major chains (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Sixt, Europcar) commonly require an IDP or a translation for foreign licences as a matter of company policy — independent of the destination's law — because their staff can't verify a card they can't read. A rejected licence at pickup can forfeit your booking and deposit.

What to bring to the counter

Always bring your original national licence — neither an IDP nor a translation is valid without it. Add an IDP where the country or rental firm specifically requires the booklet, or a certified translation where a translation is accepted. For most rentals, a clear certified translation carried with your licence is enough to satisfy the desk, because it gives staff exactly the information they need to read.

Non-Latin-script licences: don't skip this

If your licence is printed in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Cyrillic, Thai, Greek or Hindi, assume the rental desk will require a translation — many chains require a separate certified translation for non-Latin licences even in countries that don't mandate an IDP. Booking online doesn't waive this; the check happens in person at pickup, so arrive prepared.

What to prepare

Check both the country's law and your rental company's policy
Bring your original national licence (always required)
Add a certified translation or an IDP as the rental firm requires
For non-Latin-script licences, assume a translation is needed
Match the driver name on the booking exactly to the licence

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

Will Hertz or Avis accept my foreign licence without an IDP?

Sometimes, but major chains often require an IDP or a certified translation for foreign licences as company policy — especially non-English ones. Check the specific branch's policy and arrive with a document staff can read to avoid losing your booking.

Is a translation enough to rent a car?

Usually — a certified translation carried with your original licence gives the rental desk the categories and validity they need. A few countries' desks require the physical IDP booklet; confirm the destination first.

Do I need a translation if my licence is in English?

Often not, but it can still speed up the counter check. It's essentially required when your licence is in a non-Latin script that staff can't read.

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.