How to get a real International Driving Permit
We don't issue IDPs — nobody online legitimately does, except the bodies authorized by your government. Here's exactly where to go in your license country.
Before anything else: the scam test
Only an authorised, government-appointed body can issue an official International Driving Permit — be cautious of any site claiming otherwise. World Driving Permit provides certified licence translations with QR verification: a companion to your licence, never a replacement for it or for an official IDP. Three red flags: (1) the site isn't your country's authorized issuer, (2) it offers multi-year "licenses" or instant digital "permits", (3) it charges far more than the real ~$20–40 fee. Real IDPs are paper booklets issued at home, before you travel.
What you bring
Your valid domestic license, passport photos, and a small fee. The IDP only certifies the license you already hold.
What it costs
Typically $10–40 equivalent. If you're quoted more, you're probably not at an authorized issuer.
How long it takes
Often same-day in person; postal routes take days to weeks. Plan before your trip — most countries don't issue IDPs to visitors.
Authorized issuers by license country
Indicative guidance — fees and processes change. 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.
🇺🇸 United States
AAA or AATA (the only two authorized by the State Department)
Cost: ≈ $20 + photos
How: In person at a AAA branch, or by mail. Bring your license and two passport photos.
USAGov — International Driving Permit🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Participating PayPoint stores
Cost: ≈ £5.50
How: Over the counter at participating PayPoint locations with your photocard license.
GOV.UK — get an International Driving Permit🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, RTA offices, and listed official channels
Cost: ≈ AED 170
How: Apply with Emirates ID, license, and photos before leaving the UAE.
UAE Government — driving abroad🇫🇷 France
France Titres / ANTS
Cost: ≈ €7.25
How: Online application via FranceConnect or France Titres credentials; allow postal processing time.
Service-Public.fr — demander un permis international🇩🇪 Germany
Local driving license authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde / Führerscheinstelle)
Cost: ≈ €16
How: Apply locally with your German card license and a biometric photo; many offices issue it in person.
Bundesportal — Internationalen Führerschein beantragen🇮🇳 India
Regional Transport Office through Parivahan / Sarathi
Cost: ≈ ₹1,000
How: Apply online through Parivahan/Sarathi and follow your RTO verification process.
MoRTH Gazette — IDP online application through Parivahan🇪🇸 Spain
Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT)
Cost: ≈ €10.51
How: Request it through the DGT electronic office or at a Traffic Office appointment before travel.
DGT — solicitud del permiso internacional🇮🇹 Italy
Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile
Cost: Government fees vary by application method
How: Apply through the Motorizzazione with your Italian driving licence, photos, application form, and payment receipts.
MIT — permesso internazionale di guida🇳🇱 Netherlands
ANWB shops
Cost: ≈ €18.95
How: Apply in person at an ANWB shop with your Dutch driving licence and a recent passport photo.
ANWB — internationaal rijbewijs🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand Automobile Association (AA)
Cost: ≈ NZD 38 plus delivery when applicable
How: Apply through AA with your New Zealand driver licence; AA states it is the only place to apply for a New Zealand IDP.
AA New Zealand — International Driving Permits🇸🇬 Singapore
Automobile Association of Singapore
Cost: ≈ SGD 20
How: Apply through AA Singapore with your valid Singapore driving licence before driving overseas.
AA Singapore — IDP / Carnet🇦🇺 Australia
Australian Automobile Association via state and territory motoring clubs
Cost: ≈ AUD 49
How: Apply online or through the state motoring club linked by the Australian Automobile Association.
Australian Automobile Association — International Driving Permits🇨🇦 Canada
CAA — Canadian Automobile Association
Cost: ≈ CAD 32
How: Apply through the CAA club for your province or territory with your Canadian license and photos.
CAA — International Driving Permit🇿🇦 South Africa
Automobile Association of South Africa
Cost: Varies by collection/delivery option
How: Apply through AA South Africa if you hold a valid South African driving licence.
AA South Africa — International Driving Permit