International driver's license: what you actually need
There is no purchasable “international driver's license.” The real document is an International Driving Permit (IDP) — issued only by government-authorized bodies for about $20 — and many trips instead call for a certified translation of your license, or nothing extra at all. Sixty seconds tells you which.
World Driving Permit is a private translation service — not a government agency, and not affiliated with any official permit-issuing authority.
1 · Check what your trip needs
License country + destination → instant answer: IDP required, translation accepted, or neither. Free, no signup.
2 · Need a real IDP? Go official
We route you to your government's authorized issuer — AAA/AATA in the US, automobile associations elsewhere. ~$20, often same-day. We take no commission.
Real IDP vs. translation vs. “online IDL” sellers
| Official IDP | Certified translation (us) | “IDL” seller sites | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Official permit (1949/1968 conventions) | Certified companion document, honestly labeled | Translation dressed up as a 'license' |
| Who issues it | Government-authorized bodies only | Professional translators (incl. us) | Unauthorized private websites |
| Price | ≈ $10–40 | $49 digital / $69 print | $49–149 for rejected paper |
| At a police stop | Accepted where required | Helps officials read your license; accepted where translations are recognized | Rejection, fines — see BBB complaints |
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.
International driver's license FAQs
Can I buy an international driver's license online?
No. There is no such purchasable document. The real document — an International Driving Permit (IDP) — is issued only by bodies authorized by your government (AAA and AATA for US licenses, national automobile associations elsewhere) for roughly $10–40. Websites selling 'international driver's licenses' deliver documents that police and rental desks reject.
What's the difference between an IDP and an international driver's license?
'International driver's license' is a marketing term — no convention or government defines it. The legally recognized document is the International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions, always issued in your license country, alongside your original license.
Do I actually need an IDP for my trip?
It depends on your license country and destination. Many trips don't need one — the UK accepts most foreign licenses for 12 months; English-language licenses work in the US and Malaysia; EU licenses work across the EU. Other destinations (Japan, Greece, Indonesia) genuinely require an IDP. A free requirement check answers this in seconds.
When is a translation enough instead of an IDP?
Several destinations explicitly accept a certified translation accompanying your original license — France (non-EU licenses), Türkiye (notarized), the Philippines (non-English licenses), and US rental counters, among others. Where the law requires the IDP itself (Japan, Indonesia, Greece for non-EU), a translation does not substitute.
How much does a real IDP cost and how fast can I get one?
Typically $10–40 from your country's authorized issuer, often same-day in person (AAA walk-ins take about 15 minutes). It must be issued before you travel — no legitimate same-country option exists after you've arrived abroad.
What does World Driving Permit actually sell?
Clearly-labeled certified translations of driving licenses (digital and printed), a free IDP requirement checker, and free routing to your country's official IDP issuer. We are not a government agency and never issue IDPs, licenses, or permits.