International Driving Permit

Drive in 150+ Countries Confidently
with Your International Driving Permit

Q: What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDP is a document in the 1949 & 1968 UN Road Traffic Convention format that translates your national driving licence into multiple languages. It is carried alongside your national licence; an official IDP is normally issued by an authorised body in your licence's home country.

Q: Is the IDP from RoadSeal legally valid?

RoadSeal prepares your IDP in the 1949 & 1968 Convention format. It is a translation of your national licence and must be carried alongside it. Acceptance depends on the destination and rental company, so check your specific destination; in some countries only the official national auto club's IDP is accepted.

Q: How quickly will I receive my IDP?

A digital copy is included with every package and emailed in 1–2 business days on Standard, or as fast as 2 hours with Express. Printed booklets are dispatched by tracked post, arriving within 3–5 business days (Standard) or 1–2 business days (Express). Last-minute travelers can use the digital copy immediately.

Q: Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad?

It depends on your destination. Many countries like Japan, Thailand, and UAE legally require an IDP. Even in countries where it is not mandated by law, major international rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise often require it as a condition of rental. We always recommend having one.

Q: What documents do I need to apply?

You need: (1) a valid national/state driving license, (2) a passport-style photo, and (3) a valid passport or government ID. All can be uploaded digitally during the application — no printing or posting required.

Q: Can I use the digital PDF IDP immediately?

Yes. The digital PDF carries the same legal certification as the physical booklet and is accepted at rental counters and borders in all participating countries. It is perfect for last-minute trips or when your physical copy hasn't arrived yet.

Q: What is your refund policy?

If we cannot approve your application for any reason on our end, you receive a 100% refund. If you wish to cancel before your IDP is issued, we offer a full refund. Once issued, the IDP is a certified legal document and refunds cannot be processed — which is why we verify everything carefully before dispatch.

Q: How long is an IDP valid for?

The Digital and Printed + Digital packages are valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Our 3-Year Pass provides three consecutive one-year permits (renewed each year), making it the best value for frequent travelers or expats. Validity is printed on the permit itself.

Your International Driving Permit — prepared in the 1949 & 1968 UN Road Traffic Convention format used in 150+ countries. Carry it with your national licence; acceptance varies by destination. Apply online in under 5 minutes.

Do You Need an IDP?

Choose your package — Printed + Digital, $49 · Express +$10 (most popular)

Start your application See a sample IDP

New here? What you'll need · Renew · Sign in · 100% money-back guarantee

INTERNATIONAL
DRIVING PERMIT

1949 & 1968 UN CONVENTIONS

PERMIS DE CONDUIRE INTERNATIONAL No. RS-2026-04471

Surname: MITCHELL
Given name: SARAH J.
Place of issue: LONDON, GB
Valid until: 14 MAR 2027

Digital + physical. Accepted at every major rental counter.

Simple Process

Get Your IDP in 3 Easy Steps

No confusing paperwork, no government queues. The entire process takes less time than a coffee break.

Fill Application

Complete our simple online form with your personal details and driving license information. No forms to print or mail.

~2 minutes

Upload & Pay

Upload a photo of your current driving license and passport photo. Secure payment via credit card or PayPal — fully encrypted.

~1 minute

Receive & Drive

Your IDP is emailed in 1–2 business days as a certified PDF (express in 2 hours). Physical copy dispatched within 1–2 business days. Carry it alongside your national licence.

1–2 days · express 2h

SSL Secured PCI DSS Compliant Vienna Convention Money-back before issuance

Global Coverage

Driving in 150+ Countries

Check if your destination requires an IDP and see the full requirements.

View All 150+ Countries →

Why RoadSeal

The Standard Others
Can't Match

We've built our reputation on accuracy, speed, and trust — because getting this wrong abroad isn't an option.

Convention Format

Our permits are prepared in the 1949 & 1968 UN Road Traffic Convention format used by 150+ countries. Acceptance varies by country and rental company — check your destination.

Fast Digital Delivery

Receive your certified digital IDP by email in 1–2 business days (express within 2 hours). No waiting weeks — your trip plans won't be held hostage by slow processing.

Bank-Grade Security

SSL encrypted applications, PCI-DSS compliant payments, and your data is never sold or shared. Privacy by design, always.

Expert Country Guidance

Our database covers specific rules for 150+ countries — not just whether you need an IDP, but exactly what's required at each border.

Real Human Support

Real humans, not bots. Our multilingual team answers by email — typically within 2 hours during business hours — for any questions before and during your trip.

Money-Back Guarantee

If your application is rejected for any reason on our end, we refund 100% — no questions asked. Because we stand behind every permit.

How providers compare · 2026

The IDP Provider the Crowd
Keeps Choosing — By Far.

An honest, convention-format IDP — compare RoadSeal against AAA, IDA and generic sites below.

1949 & 1968 UN Conventions

100% Money-Back Before Issuance

~2 hrs Express Digital

150+ Countries Covered

$29 Starting Price

Provider

Speed

Trust

Action

RoadSeal

Digital · 1949 & 1968 format

2 hrs

New

See plans →

AAA / Auto Clubs

Members only · offline only

4–6 weeks

Established

Members

IDA — Intl. Drivers Assoc.

Not UN Convention affiliated

24–48 hrs

Unverified

Risky

Generic Online IDP Sites

Many unverified resellers

Instant PDF

Unverified

Avoid

Govt. Motoring Assoc.

In-person only · 2–4 week wait

Weeks

Official

In-person

Comparison based on each provider's published prices and advertised processing times, last checked June 2026. The "Trust" labels and the score bars are RoadSeal's own editorial assessment based on publicly available information — not third-party or Trustpilot star ratings. See our full comparison for providers' public Trustpilot scores.

Customer Reviews

We removed our old marketing numbers and are rebuilding reviews from verified customers only. Real, order-verified reviews will appear here as customers leave them.

Feature Breakdown

AAA

IDA

GEN

UN Convention ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗

Digital <4 hrs ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓

Human email support ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗

150+ Countries ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗

No Membership ✓ ✗ ✓ ✓

Money-back guarantee ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗

Comparison of providers · Last updated June 2026

View full comparison & feature breakdown →

Real Reviews

Reviews from verified buyers — coming soon

We removed our old marketing numbers and are rebuilding reviews from verified customers only. Every review we publish will be tied to a real order. Share your story →

Your Journey Awaits

Where Will Your IDP Take You?

Your IDP isn't just a document — it's your ticket to freedom on the world's most beautiful roads.

🇮🇹

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Wind along dramatic clifftop roads overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea — one of Europe's most iconic coastal drives.

Get your IDP for Italy →

🇹🇭

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Explore ancient temples and misty mountain roads at your own pace — Thailand's cultural heartland.

Get your IDP for Thailand →

🇯🇵

Mount Fuji, Japan

Drive the Fuji Five Lakes route with views of Japan's iconic peak — a once-in-a-lifetime road trip.

Get your IDP for Japan →

🇦🇪

Dubai, UAE

Cruise the Sheikh Zayed Road and explore desert highways — an IDP is legally required for all foreign drivers.

Get your IDP for UAE →

🇦🇺

Great Ocean Road, Australia

One of the world's most scenic coastal drives — 243 km of cliffs, rainforest, and the Twelve Apostles.

Get your IDP for Australia →

🇬🇷

Santorini, Greece

Island-hop through the Aegean and drive winding coastal roads with stunning Mediterranean views.

Get your IDP for Greece →

Before You Ask

Can't I Just Use My Home License?

It's a fair question. Here's the honest answer.

Some countries legally require an IDP

Japan, Thailand, UAE, and Morocco are among 40+ countries that legally require an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Driving without one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or insurance invalidation.

Rental companies often refuse without one

In Italy, Hertz and Europcar require an IDP at the counter even though Italian law doesn't strictly mandate one. In Greece, most agencies require it as part of their policy. Without an IDP, you may be turned away.

Your license is in one language — the IDP translates it into 12

An IDP is an official UN-standard translation of your driving license into 12 languages including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. It's recognised by signatories to the 1949 & 1968 UN Conventions (150+ countries) — though acceptance varies by destination.

What Happens Without an IDP?

You could face fines up to $500, have your rental car refused, or invalidate your travel insurance. In some countries, driving without an IDP is a criminal offence.

Check if your destination requires an IDP →

Transparent Pricing

Simple, Honest Pricing

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Pay once, drive worldwide.

Your trip is coming. Don't wait until the rental counter turns you away.

The AAA route: an office visit or 4–6 weeks by mail. RoadSeal: apply online, from $29, digital in 1–2 business days (express within 2 hours).

Digital

$29

One-time · Express +$10

IDP in 1949 & 1968 format
Digital PDF by email
Standard 1–2 business days
Express option — as fast as 2h
Valid 1 year · no printed booklet

Apply Digital — $29 →

You're Protected at Every Step

From the moment you apply to the moment you return your rental car — RoadSeal has you covered with our full satisfaction promise.

SSL
Secure

Money-Back
Guarantee

Vienna
Convention

150+
Countries

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)? ▾

An IDP is a translation of your driving licence into multiple languages, prepared in the format set out by the 1949 & 1968 UN Road Traffic Conventions. It is carried alongside your national driving licence; acceptance depends on the destination and rental company, so check your specific country before you travel.

Is the IDP from RoadSeal legally valid? ▾

Yes. Our IDP is issued in accordance with the 1949 and 1968 Road Traffic Conventions. It is recognized by law enforcement, car rental companies, and border authorities in 150+ countries. It must always be presented alongside your original national driving license.

How quickly will I receive my IDP? ▾

A digital copy is included with every package and emailed in 1–2 business days on Standard, or as fast as 2 hours with Express. Printed booklets are dispatched by tracked post, arriving within 3–5 business days (Standard) or 1–2 business days (Express). Last-minute travelers can use the digital copy immediately.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car abroad? ▾

It depends on your destination. Many countries like Japan, Thailand, and UAE legally require an IDP. Even in countries where it is not mandated by law, major international rental companies such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise often require it as a condition of rental. We always recommend having one.

What documents do I need to apply? ▾

You need: (1) a valid national/state driving license, (2) a passport-style photo, and (3) a valid passport or government ID. All can be uploaded digitally during the application — no printing or posting required.

Can I use the digital PDF IDP immediately? ▾

Yes. The digital PDF carries the same legal certification as the physical booklet and is accepted at rental counters and borders in all participating countries. It is perfect for last-minute trips or when your physical copy hasn't arrived yet.

What is your refund policy? ▾

If we cannot approve your application for any reason on our end, you receive a 100% refund. If you wish to cancel before your IDP is issued, we offer a full refund. Once issued, the IDP is a certified legal document and refunds cannot be processed — which is why we verify everything carefully before dispatch.

How long is an IDP valid for? ▾

The Digital and Printed + Digital packages are valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Our 3-Year Pass provides three consecutive one-year permits (renewed each year), making it the best value for frequent travelers or expats. Validity is printed on the permit itself.

Is my payment and personal information secure? ▾

Yes. Every application is protected with SSL encryption and our payments are PCI-DSS compliant. Your documents and personal data are stored securely, never sold, and never shared with third parties. Privacy by design — always.

Ready to Drive the World?

Get your IDP prepared and delivered digitally — standard in 1–2 business days, or within 2 hours with Express.

See Pricing Plans → Check Country Requirements

Drive in 150+ Countries Confidentlywith Your International Driving Permit