Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive abroad?

Quick Answer

It’s highly recommended. While many countries may accept your U.S. driver’s license, some legally require an IDP as a valid translation of your license. For a small fee, it’s a valuable piece of documentation to have to avoid any potential legal or rental issues.

Table of Contents

An International Driving Permit is not a license itself but an official translation of your license into 10 languages. In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Countries like Japan, Italy, Spain, and Austria legally require an IDP in addition to your license. Car rental agencies in many other countries may also require it as part of their policy.