Where to Apply for an International Driving License
Your step‑by‑step guide to getting on the road abroad
Introduction
You’ve planned that dream road‑trip across Europe, a business tour of South‑East Asia, or a weekend getaway in Canada. The only thing standing between you and the open highway is a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) – the globally‑recognised translation of your home‑country driver’s licence.
But where do you actually apply for it? The answer isn’t always obvious; the process varies from country to country, and the agencies that issue IDPs are often different from the ones that issue your regular licence. In this post you’ll discover:
- The official bodies that issue IDPs in the major licence‑issuing nations.
- How to apply in person, by mail, or online.
- What documents, fees, and timelines you can expect.
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
All of the information is presented in a second‑person voice so you can picture yourself moving through each step, and we’ve packed the post with handy tables, checklists, and a FAQ section to keep you on track.
1. Understanding the International Driving Permit
Before you hunt down the right office, it helps to know what an IDP actually is:
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Legal status | An IDP does not replace your national licence; it is merely a translation. You must always carry both documents together. |
| Validity | Most IDPs are valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your home licence expires, whichever comes first. |
| Recognition | Over 80 countries have signed the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna conventions, meaning they accept the IDP as proof of driving competence. |
| Formats | The most common format is a booklet (four to eight pages) with translations in the languages of the convention. Some countries also issue a card version. |
2. Who Can Issue an IDP?
Only organisations authorised by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) may issue a genuine IDP. In most jurisdictions this is a national automobile association, a government transport department, or a designated automobile club.
Below is a quick‑reference table for the top 15 licence‑issuing countries (by number of drivers). Click the links for each agency’s official website.
| Country | Authorised Issuing Body | Primary Application Channel | Typical Fee* |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | American Automobile Association (AAA) & American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) | In‑person, mail, online (AAA only) | $20‑$25 |
| Canada | Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) | In‑person, mail, online (selected provinces) | CAD 25 |
| United Kingdom | Post Office (on behalf of the DVLA) | In‑person, online via Post Office website | £15.50 |
| Australia | motoring clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, etc.) | In‑person, mail | AUD 30 |
| Germany | ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) | In‑person, mail | €21 |
| France | Automobile‑Club de France (ACF) | In‑person, mail | €15 |
| Italy | Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI) | In‑person, mail | €15 |
| Spain | Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE) | In‑person, mail | €15 |
| Japan | Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) | In‑person, mail | ¥2,050 |
| South Korea | Korea Automobile Association (KAA) | In‑person, mail | ₩15,000 |
| Brazil | Confederação Nacional do Transporte (CNT) | In‑person, mail | R$30 |
| Mexico | Automóvil Club de México (ACM) | In‑person, mail | MXN 300 |
| India | Automobile Association of India (AAI) | In‑person, mail | ₹600 |
| South Africa | Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) | In‑person, mail | ZAR 150 |
| New Zealand | New Zealand Automobile Association (NZAA) | In‑person, mail, online | NZD 25 |
*Fees are approximate and may change; always verify on the issuing body’s website.
Quick tip: If you live in a country not listed, search for “International Driving Permit + your country” and look for the FIA‑recognised automobile federation or government transport agency.
3. Application Pathways – Which One Fits You?
Depending on where you are, you may have three ways to submit your request:
| Pathway | When it’s ideal | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| In‑person at a local office | You need the IDP urgently (same‑day or next‑day) | Immediate confirmation, can ask questions on the spot | Requires travel, limited office hours |
| Mail‑in application | You have a few weeks before departure and prefer a paper trail | No need to leave home, can send tracked mail | Takes 7‑14 business days (plus international shipping) |
| Online portal (available in the US, UK, Australia, NZ) | You are comfortable uploading scanned documents and receiving a PDF or printed booklet by post | Fastest processing (3‑5 days), no physical forms | Some countries still require a physical signature; not all agencies accept online |
3.1 Step‑by‑Step In‑Person Example (U.S.)
- Locate a AAA office – Use the AAA “Find a Store” tool; most offices have dedicated IDP counters.
- Gather documents – Bring:
- Your valid U.S. driver’s licence (original).
- Two recent passport‑size photos (or use the office’s photo booth).
- Completed IDP application form (available on‑site).
- Payment (cash, credit, or debit).
- Submit and receive – The staff will verify your licence, stamp the form, and issue the IDP on the spot (usually within 10‑15 minutes).
3.2 Mail‑In Example (Germany)
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download the IDP application form from the ADAC website. | Fill it out in German or English. |
| 2 | Assemble a passport‑size photo (35 × 45 mm) and a photocopy of your German driver’s licence. | Both must be recent (≤ 6 months). |
| 3 | Include a money order for €21 (or pay by SEPA transfer if ADAC allows). | Keep a receipt of the transaction. |
| 4 | Mail the package to the ADAC address (postal code 80802 München). | Use registered mail to track delivery. |
| 5 | Wait 7‑10 business days for the IDP to be mailed back to you. | You’ll receive it in a secure envelope. |
3.3 Online Example (Australia – NRMA)
- Create an account on the NRMA portal.
- Upload a scanned copy of your Australian driver’s licence and a digital passport photo.
- Pay the AUD 30 fee with a credit card.
- NRMA will print and mail the IDP to your residential address (usually 3‑5 business days).
4. Checklist – What You Must Have Before You Apply
| ✅ Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Valid national driver’s licence (not expired) | The IDP is only a translation; without a current licence it’s void. |
| Two passport‑size photos (or digital photo) | Required for most paper applications; the photo must meet ICAO standards. |
| Completed application form (signed) | Missing signatures cause delays or outright rejection. |
| Proof of identity (passport, national ID) | Some agencies request an extra ID for verification. |
| Payment method (cash, card, money order) | Fees are non‑refundable; ensure you have the exact amount. |
| Return‑address envelope (if applying by mail) | Guarantees the IDP gets back to you safely. |
| Travel itinerary (optional) | Some countries ask for proof of upcoming travel to justify the IDP. |
Pro tip: Keep a digital copy of every document you send. If the courier misplaces something, you’ll have a backup ready for a quick re‑submission.
5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for the “wrong” convention (e.g., a 1949 IDP for a country that only recognises the 1968 version) | Your permit may be rejected at the border. | Check the destination country’s accepted convention on the UN International Transport Forum website. |
| Using an expired photo | The issuing authority may refuse the application. | Use a photo taken within the last six months. |
| Submitting a photocopy of the licence instead of the original (unless explicitly allowed) | Application is denied. | Bring the original licence; a copy can be kept for your records. |
| Assuming the IDP lasts forever | You could be caught driving with an expired permit. | Mark the expiry date on your calendar and renew a month before. |
| Not carrying both documents together | Police may fine you; you could lose rental privileges. | Store the IDP in the same wallet or holder as your national licence. |
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I apply for an International Driving Permit if I’m a tourist staying in the country?
A: Most issuing bodies require you to be a resident (or have a permanent address) of the country in which you apply. Some nations, like the UK, allow short‑term visitors to obtain an IDP from the Post Office, but you’ll need proof of a local address (e.g., a utility bill).
Q2. How long does processing usually take?
A: In‑person applications are immediate. Mail‑in requests typically take 7‑14 business days (plus shipping). Online applications are the fastest—3‑5 days in most jurisdictions.
Q3. Is an IDP required for every foreign country?
A: No. Many countries (e.g., the United States, United Kingdom, Australia) accept your home licence alone, especially if it’s in English. However, an IDP eliminates language barriers and is mandatory in places such as Japan, South Korea, and many Latin American nations.
Q4. What if I lose my IDP while abroad?
A: Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the issuing country. They can often issue a temporary replacement or provide a certified letter stating that you hold a valid IDP, which may be accepted by local authorities.
Q5. Can I get a digital IDP that works on a smartphone?
A: Some countries (e.g., Canada and a few EU states) are piloting digital IDPs stored in a mobile app. However, most jurisdictions still require the paper booklet. Until digital IDPs become universally recognised, keep a physical copy handy.
Q6. Do I need a separate IDP for each continent I visit?
A: No. One IDP is valid worldwide provided the destination country recognises the same convention (1949 or 1968) that your permit follows.
Q7. How much does an IDP cost?
A: Fees range from £15 (UK) to ≈ $25 (US) and ≈ €20 (EU). Some agencies offer discounts for seniors or for bundled services (e.g., IDP + road‑side assistance).
7. Quick Reference – Where to Apply by Region
| Region | Recommended Issuing Body | Best Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| North America | AAA (US), CAA (Canada) | In‑person at a local branch; online (AAA) |
| Europe | ADAC (Germany), ACF (France), ACI (Italy), RACE (Spain) | Mail‑in (most common) or in‑person at main office |
| Asia‑Pacific | JAF (Japan), KAA (South Korea), AAI (India) | In‑person; some mail‑in options |
| Oceania | NRMA (Australia), NZAA (New Zealand) | In‑person or online (NZAA) |
| Latin America | CNT (Brazil), ACM (Mexico) | In‑person at major cities; mail‑in for remote areas |
| Africa | AA (South Africa) | In‑person; limited mail‑in |
Remember: Always check the latest guidelines on the issuing body’s official website, as policies can shift after new international agreements.
8. Final Checklist Before You Hit the Road
- Confirm your destination’s IDP requirement (1949 vs 1968).
- Choose the issuing agency that’s most convenient for you.
- Gather required documents (licence, photos, form, payment).
- Submit via your preferred channel (in‑person, mail, online).
- Mark the expiry date on your calendar; set a reminder to renew.
- Pack both licences together in a secure holder before you travel.
With these steps in place, you’ll glide through customs, pick up your rental car, and start the adventure you’ve been planning—confident that your International Driving Permit is genuine, valid, and ready for the road.
Safe travels!
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends who are gearing up for a cross‑border journey. And don’t forget to bookmark the official website of your national automobile association—you’ll thank yourself when it’s time for a renewal. Happy driving!