Do You Need an IDP
for Your Destination?
Check the IDP requirement for any country instantly. Select your destination below to see whether an International Driving Permit is required, required only in certain cases, recommended, or not needed at all — with a link to the authority that says so.
🌎 Check Your Destination
Quick Reference
🇯🇵 Japan — IDP Required
Only a 1949 Geneva IDP is valid — a 1968 IDP is not accepted. A short list of countries may instead drive on their own licence with an official Japanese translation.
🇦🇪 UAE — IDP Recommended
Whether you need one depends on which countries' licences the UAE recognises: many visitors (including UK photocard holders and GCC residents) may drive on their own licence, while others need an IDP. Confirm with your rental company before you fly. Zero alcohol tolerance.
🇹🇭 Thailand — IDP Required
Carry the 1968 IDP together with your home licence, for cars and motorbikes alike. Checkpoint fines are routine without it.
🇬🇷 Greece — IDP Recommended
EU/EEA licences are accepted as they are, and Law 4850/2021 exempts many visitors. Rental agencies commonly ask non-EU holders for an IDP.
🇦🇺 Australia — Required if your overseas licence is not in English
Licensing is state law and the rule is consistent across states: visitors drive on a valid overseas licence (six months in NSW). A licence not in English must be carried with an English translation OR an IDP.
🇳🇿 New Zealand — Required if your overseas licence is not in English
NZTA: a current overseas car licence is enough on its own for up to 18 months from your last arrival (12 months from 1 November 2026). Only a licence that is not in English needs an approved English translation OR an IDP alongside it.
🇲🇦 Morocco — IDP Required
Carry the 1968 IDP with your licence in the car; the 1949 version is no longer accepted. Gendarmerie checkpoints inspect documents routinely.
🇫🇷 France — Required if your licence is not written in French
For a short stay a non-EU licence must be in French, or carried with an IDP or an official French translation. EU/EEA licences — and British ones — are exempt.
🇺🇸 USA — IDP Recommended
Not federally required. Licensing is state law and some states and rental companies request an IDP alongside a foreign licence.
Bottom Line
When in Doubt, Get the IDP
Requirements change. Rental companies often impose their own rules. An IDP starts from $29 and prevents permit-related trip disruptions in every country on earth.
Apply in 5 Minutes →🌍 Planning a Multi-Country Trip?
Select all your destinations to see combined IDP requirements.