More than 150 countries recognize the US-issued IDP and many require it. Italy, Japan, and Brazil do. Canada, Mexico, and the UK don't. Here's the breakdown by region, plus the 1949 versus 1968 nuance that catches travelers heading to Vietnam.
Done in seconds. No sign-up required.
Always verify with the US State Department's country page for your destination. Requirements change, and individual rental companies can be stricter than national law.
Per AAA's published guidance, these are the destinations where US drivers should expect to be asked for an IDP. The list is not exhaustive — confirm with the embassy or State Department before traveling.
Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey.
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, China (with additional Chinese paperwork), Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos.
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela. Mexico and Canada do not require one.
Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE. Requirements vary by emirate or province within some countries.
A short list, but worth knowing — these are the major destinations where your US license alone is enough by law:
Even where it isn't legally required, an IDP costs $20 and provides translations in ten languages. If you're driving across multiple countries on one trip — say, Spain into France into Italy — bringing one removes any doubt.
There are technically two modern IDP standards, governed by different United Nations conventions. This catches travelers heading off the most common tourist routes.
What the US issues through AAA and AATA. Recognized in approximately 150 countries — most of Europe, the Americas, parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This is the standard IDP for US travelers.
A newer treaty. The US never ratified it, so US drivers cannot obtain a 1968 IDP. Some countries — including Vietnam, Iraq, and certain Eastern European states — accept only the 1968 version.
If you're heading to a 1968-only country with a US license, the practical workaround is to contact the destination's embassy ahead of your trip. Some have bilateral arrangements that accept the 1949 IDP for short tourist visits. Others require you to apply for a temporary local license on arrival.
Once you know your destination requires an IDP, the failure mode is almost always one of timing. You meant to apply two weeks ago, then you blinked, and now your flight is on Sunday and AAA mail takes ten business days.
Set a reminder for six weeks before any trip to a country that requires the IDP. See the main International Driving Permit reminder page for how the timing works, or how to apply if you don't have one yet.
According to AAA, more than 150 countries recognize the IDP, and many of them require it from US drivers. Common required destinations include Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Spain, Thailand, and Turkey. Always confirm with the destination country's embassy before traveling.
It varies by country. Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and Hungary require US drivers to carry an IDP alongside their US license. The UK, Ireland, Germany, France, and most Nordic countries do not require one, though rental agencies sometimes still ask for it.
No. Canada and Mexico both accept a valid US driver's license on its own for tourist driving and rentals. An IDP is not required for either country.
The 1949 Geneva Convention IDP is what US authorities issue, and it's recognized in roughly 150 countries. The 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is a newer version recognized in some additional countries. The United States never ratified the 1968 Convention, so US drivers cannot get a 1968 IDP. A handful of countries — including Vietnam, Iraq, and some Eastern European states — only accept 1968 IDPs.
Check the US State Department's country information page for your destination. It lists driving requirements under "Travel and Transportation." Cross-check with the official tourism site for the country and, if you're renting a car, ask the rental agency directly. Some countries' legal requirements differ from what rental companies enforce.
You may be fined at a traffic stop, denied a rental at the counter, or have your insurance coverage voided if you have an accident. In countries like Italy and Spain, fines start around €200 to €400. Some travelers also get held up for hours sorting out documentation.
Set a free reminder six weeks before your trip. You'll have time to mail in the application and pick the booklet up — no rush fees, no surprise at the counter.
Set My IDP ReminderLast modified: