100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
If you are planning to rent a car abroad, do not forget to pack your International Driving Permit (IDP). Although many car rental agencies and police officers may tolerate a standard driver’s license from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, you cannot rely on it 100%. A friend of mine did not take his IDP, and the rental agency in Hawaii refused to lend him a car. The administrative fee for issuing an IDP is negligible compared to the cost of a ruined vacation.
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Applying for an International Driving Permit in 2026
Where Do I Apply for an International Driving Permit?
The application process depends on your country of residence:- United Kingdom: You can get an IDP at participating Post Office branches. You must appear in person.
- Ireland: The Automobile Association (AA Ireland) issues IDPs. You can apply by post.
- Australia: You can apply through your state’s motoring club (e.g., NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, AANT). Applications are accepted online or in person.
- New Zealand: The New Zealand Automobile Association (AA) issues IDPs. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at an AA Centre or AA Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agent.
Can I Get the International Driving Permit Online?
It depends on where you live.- Australia & New Zealand: Yes, most motoring clubs and the AA allow you to apply online and have the permit mailed to you.
- Ireland: You can download the form but usually need to mail it in.
- United Kingdom: As of early 2026, you generally need to visit a Post Office in person to obtain the permit immediately.
Always check the official website of your local issuing authority for the most current digital options.
What Form Do I Need to Fill Out?
You will need to complete an application form specific to your issuing authority (e.g., a Post Office form in the UK, or an AA application form in NZ/Ireland). These are readily available at the counters or can be downloaded from the respective websites (AAA, AA, Post Office) to fill out in advance.What Are the Requirements for Issuance?
Generally, you must present a valid full driver’s license issued in your country of residence and a valid form of identification (passport). You will also need a recent passport-sized photograph. While some modern offices might take a photo for you digitally, it is highly recommended to bring physical photos (typically signed on the back) to ensure the process goes smoothly.How Much Does an International Driving Permit Cost?
The fees are very affordable but vary by country.- UK: Approximately $7 (paid in GBP).
- Ireland: Approximately $16 (paid in EUR).
- Australia: Approximately $30 (paid in AUD).
- New Zealand: Approximately $25 (paid in NZD).
Payment is usually accepted via credit card or cash at the counter.
How Long Does It Take to Issue?
If you visit a branch in person (UK Post Office, AA Centre, or Motoring Club branch), the permit is typically issued on the spot. If you apply by mail or online (common in Australia and NZ), allow about 3 to 10 business days for processing and delivery.How Long Is the International Driving Permit Valid?
The validity depends on the type of permit (convention) issued. An IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention is valid for 1 year. An IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention can be valid for up to 3 years. The permit is only valid when presented together with your original domestic driver’s license.Can I Get an IDP While Already in the USA?
Generally, no. You cannot obtain an IDP from US authorities if your license is from the UK, Ireland, Australia, or NZ. You must obtain it from the issuing authority in the country where your driver’s license is held. If you are already traveling, some authorities (like the Australian or NZ AA) may allow you to apply by mail and have it shipped to you abroad, but this takes time and incurs courier fees. -
International Driving Permits Around the World
Which IDP Should I Request for Travel to the USA?
For the United States, you need an International Driving Permit based on the Convention on Road Traffic of September 19, 1949 (Geneva Convention). The clerks at the issuing office will know which one to give you if you state your destination.Is an IDP Needed for Travel Within Europe?
If you hold a driver’s license from a UK or EU country, you generally do not need an IDP to drive in other EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland. However, rules can change, and holding an IDP is never a bad idea for peace of mind. For Australian and New Zealand citizens, an IDP is highly recommended (and often legally required) when driving in Europe.Which International Driving Permit Is Recognized by Each Country
Country Convention 🇦🇱 Albania Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇩🇿 Algeria Geneva Convention 🇦🇷 Argentina Geneva Convention 🇦🇲 Armenia Vienna Convention 🇦🇺 Australia Geneva Convention 🇦🇿 Austria European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan Vienna Convention 🇧🇸 Bahamas Vienna Convention 🇧🇭 Bahrain Vienna Convention 🇧🇩 Bangladesh Geneva Convention 🇧🇧 Barbados Geneva Convention 🇧🇪 Belgium European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇧🇾 Belarus Vienna Convention 🇧🇯 Benin Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina Vienna Convention 🇧🇼 Botswana Geneva Convention 🇧🇷 Brazil Vienna Convention 🇧🇳 Brunei Geneva Convention 🇧🇬 Bulgaria European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso Geneva Convention 🇰🇭 Cambodia Geneva Convention 🇨🇦 Canada Geneva Convention 🇨🇻 Cape Verde Vienna Convention 🇨🇫 Central African Republic Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇱 Chile Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇭🇰 Hong Kong Geneva Convention 🇨🇬 Congo Geneva Convention 🇨🇷 Costa Rica Vienna Convention 🇭🇷 Croatia European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇺 Cuba Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇾 Cyprus European License, Geneva Convention 🇨🇿 Czech Republic European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of the Congo Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇩🇰 Denmark European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic Geneva Convention 🇪🇬 Egypt Geneva Convention 🇪🇨 Ecuador Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇪🇪 Estonia European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇪🇹 Ethiopia Geneva Convention 🇫🇯 Fiji Geneva Convention 🇫🇮 Finland European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇫🇷 France European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇬🇪 Georgia Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇩🇪 Germany European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇬🇭 Ghana Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇬🇷 Greece European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇬🇹 Guatemala Geneva Convention 🇬🇾 Guyana Vienna Convention 🇭🇹 Haiti Geneva Convention 🇭🇳 Honduras Vienna Convention 🇭🇺 Hungary European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇮🇸 Iceland European License, Geneva Convention 🇮🇳 India Geneva Convention 🇮🇩 Indonesia Vienna Convention 🇮🇷 Iran Vienna Convention 🇮🇶 Iraq Vienna Convention 🇮🇪 Ireland European License, Geneva Convention 🇮🇱 Israel Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇮🇹 Italy European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇯🇲 Jamaica Geneva Convention 🇯🇵 Japan Geneva Convention 🇯🇴 Jordan Geneva Convention 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan Vienna Convention 🇰🇪 Kenya Vienna Convention 🇰🇼 Kuwait Vienna Convention 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇱🇦 Laos Geneva Convention 🇱🇸 Lesotho Geneva Convention 🇱🇹 Latvia European License, Vienna Convention 🇱🇧 Lebanon Geneva Convention 🇱🇷 Liberia Vienna Convention 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇱🇹 Lithuania European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇱🇺 Luxembourg European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇲🇬 Madagascar Geneva Convention 🇲🇼 Malawi Geneva Convention 🇲🇾 Malaysia Geneva Convention 🇲🇱 Mali Geneva Convention 🇲🇹 Malta European License, Geneva Convention 🇲🇩 Moldova Vienna Convention 🇲🇨 Monaco European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇲🇳 Mongolia Vienna Convention 🇲🇦 Morocco Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇲🇲 Myanmar Vienna Convention 🇳🇦 Namibia Geneva Convention 🇳🇵 Nepal Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇳🇱 Netherlands European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇳🇿 New Zealand Geneva Convention 🇳🇪 Niger Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇳🇬 Nigeria Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇲🇰 North Macedonia Vienna Convention 🇳🇴 Norway European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇴🇲 Oman Vienna Convention 🇵🇰 Pakistan Vienna Convention 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea Geneva Convention 🇵🇾 Paraguay Geneva Convention 🇵🇪 Peru Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇵🇭 Philippines Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇵🇱 Poland European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇵🇹 Portugal European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇶🇦 Qatar Vienna Convention 🇷🇴 Romania European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇷🇺 Russia Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇷🇼 Rwanda Geneva Convention 🇸🇲 San Marino European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Vienna Convention 🇸🇳 Senegal Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇸🇧 Serbia Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇲🇽 Mexico Vienna Convention 🇸🇨 Seychelles Vienna Convention 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone Geneva Convention 🇸🇬 Singapore Geneva Convention 🇸🇰 Slovakia European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇸🇮 Slovenia European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇿🇦 South Africa Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇰🇷 South Korea Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇪🇸 Spain European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Geneva Convention 🇸🇪 Sweden European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇨🇭 Switzerland European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇸🇾 Syria Geneva Convention 🇹🇼 Taiwan Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇹🇯 Tajikistan Vienna Convention 🇹🇭 Thailand Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇹🇬 Togo Geneva Convention 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago Geneva Convention 🇹🇳 Tunisia Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇹🇷 Turkey Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan Vienna Convention 🇺🇬 Uganda Geneva Convention 🇺🇦 Ukraine Vienna Convention 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇬🇧 United Kingdom European License, Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇺🇾 Uruguay Vienna Convention 🇺🇸 USA Geneva Convention 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan Vienna Convention 🇻🇪 Venezuela Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention 🇻🇳 Vietnam Vienna Convention 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Vienna Convention, Geneva Convention
💬 What are your experiences with being asked for an International Driving Permit in different countries around the world? Share your stories in the comments; we would love to hear them! 😊
Discussion (1)
Romania and USA are both 1949 Geneva Convention, and both countries recognized each other Driver License and the right of driving on each other road. I want to know if I go to Romania with US driver license do I need to care an International Driving Permit and if is yes, which article is referring to obligation to care an IDP. Thank you for the attention.