Are International driving permits country-specific, or can I apply just once?

Are International driving permits country-specific, or can I apply just once? - White and Red Mini Cooper Countryman

In India we need to provide visa details and air tickets to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). If I am traveling to multiple countries, do I have to apply multiple times or is a single document enough for all the countries which accept IDP?



Best Answer

You do not need to apply multiple times.

The original question was if you need an international driving license per trip. This should not be necessary. As noted, there are international conventions for international driving licenses.

Nothing in those conventions says that a license would be limited for a single trip or country. The license is valid until its expiry date.

However, the overall picture is a bit more complicated:

  • There are different types of conventions and IDLs
    • Not all countries accept all types
    • Most countries only issue one type
    • Example: Germany does issue IDLs according to the Vienna convention, but Japan requires one according to the Geneva convention: A German in Japan cannot use their IDL, but has to follow a different procedure
  • IDLs are not always required between all countries
    • Example: EU driving licenses are always valid in all EU countries and some more
  • IDLs may be required in theory, but not in practice
    • Example: Europeans in the US theoretically need an IDL (at least in some states), but in practice nobody will ever ask for it.

Usually any travel guide (or your national automobile club) will know what the rules are for that country.




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Can you use a license from another country in the US?

All U.S. states recognize foreign drivers' licenses. In most cases, your license will be valid for up to 4 months after the date you enter the U.S. Consult the DMV in the state where you wish to drive to confirm the length of validity and the rules for driving with a foreign driver's license.

What countries do you need IDP?

International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain. *IDP enforcement may vary based upon car rental supplier as well as renting country.

Can you drive with a different countries license?

The United States driving laws state that you're required to have a valid driving license in possession to be able to drive in the US. This can be either issued by a US State or a foreign country. So, yes, you can drive with a foreign license in the US. But that doesn't mean to say there aren't any form of limitations.

How long does it take to get an international driving Licence?

How long will the process take? Getting an IDP over a Post Office counter takes around five minutes on a turn-up-and-go basis.



International Drivers Permit: 2021 Guide




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Images: Maria Geller, Artem Beliaikin, Felicity Tai, Athena