License translation vs. International Driving Permit
They're not the same thing. Here's what each one is, and which one your trip needs.
Short answer: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document, and some countries require it by law. It comes from an authorized issuer in the country that issued your license. A license translation, like instantEDP, is a private document that helps people read your license where an IDP isn't required.
Side by side
| International Driving Permit | instantEDP translation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Official permit under the 1949 UN convention | Private translation of your license |
| Who issues it | An authorized body in your home country (see list) | instantEDP |
| Legally required in some countries | Yes | No, it can't replace an IDP |
| How you get it | Apply to your home issuer, in person or by mail | Online form, delivered by email |
| Speed | Same day in person, longer by mail | About 30 min |
| Use it with your own license | Yes, always | Yes, always |
Countries where you need an official IDP
Most visitors need an IDP from their home issuer (see below) before visiting these countries. In EU countries, EU and EEA licenses are accepted without one.
Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia (Bali), Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt
Countries where a translation helps
An IDP usually isn't required for short visits, but a translation helps if your license isn't in the local language:
Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Costa Rica, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Tanzania
Where to get an official IDP
You get an IDP in the country that issued your driver's license, before you travel. You can't get one abroad.
| Your license is from | Official IDP issuer |
|---|---|
| United States | AAA or AATA |
| Canada | CAA |
| United Kingdom | The Post Office |
| Ireland | AA Ireland |
| Australia | Your state motoring club (for example NRMA, RACV or RACQ) |
| New Zealand | AA New Zealand |
| Anywhere else | Your national automobile club or driver licensing authority |
Avoid "international driver's license" scams
There's no such thing as an international driver's license. If a website says it sells an official, UN or government-approved permit online, it isn't an authorized issuer. Each country authorizes only specific bodies to issue IDPs, listed below. We're upfront about what we are: a fast, affordable translation service.
Common questions
What is the difference between an IDP and a license translation?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document issued under a UN road traffic convention. It can only be issued by authorized bodies in the country that issued your license. A license translation is a private document that shows your license details in other languages. It helps people read your license, but it has no official status.
Is an online "international driver's license" real?
There is no such thing as an international driver's license. The official document is the International Driving Permit, and only authorized bodies in the country that issued your license can issue it. Be wary of any site that sells an "official" or "UN" permit online.
When should I get a translation instead of an IDP?
When your destination does not legally require an IDP but your license is not in the local language, for example Mexico, Costa Rica, France or Germany.