Posted: 8/12/2023 | August 12th, 2023

Road trips are one of my favorite ways to explore a country. They requite you the self-rule to go where you want, travel yonder from the tourist crowds, and usually plane save you money compared to taking trains, buses, or flights.

I’ve been on myriad road trips over the past 15 years — both as a suburbanite and passenger — and can’t recommend them enough. While it may be intimidating driving in a new country, it’s never been easier to find a cheap car rental and get off the tamed path.

But I get a lot of questions from road-tripping travelers well-nigh driving licenses.

Can you legally momentum overseas? Do you need a special permit or international driver’s license to rent a car abroad?

While US drivers can legally momentum in the US and Canada, in most other countries, foreign drivers are only unliable to rent a car and momentum a vehicle if they have an International Driving Permit (IDP).

In this post, I’ll unravel lanugo what an IDP is, why it’s useful, and how to get one so you can plan your next epic road trip with confidence.

What is an IDP?

An International Driving Permit is a UN-regulated travel document wonted worldwide when presented slantingly a valid driver’s license. It allows international drivers to momentum in a foreign country.

An IDP is substantially a translation of your driver’s license into the language of your destination country (so you still need a valid license to get one).

Once you apply for an IDP, you’ll be sent a paper booklet that you can use to rent or momentum a vehicle in your destination country (over 150 countries virtually the world require travelers to have an IDP). You can moreover purchase a digital IDP for countries that winnow it plane without the booklet.

Why Should You Get an IDP?

The primary reason to get an IDP is that, in many countries, it’s unquestionably required. If you plan on renting a vehicle and driving abroad, chances are you need an IDP.

If you’re specifically planning a road trip overseas, an IDP is a must. And if you’re a long-term traveler planning a multi-month (or multi-year) trip, getting an IDP surpassing you go is a good idea. That way, you’ll have it in specimen you do decide to rent or momentum a car during your trip. Since the IDP is recognized in 165 countries, chances are you’ll be visiting a destination where you’d need one. And if you’re a flexible traveler like me and transpiration your plans often, it’s largest to have one than not.

How Do You Get an IDP?

The weightier way to get an IDP is from the International Drivers Association. They provide fast, easy, and affordable International Driving Permits (IDPs). Recognized in over 150 countries, IDPs translate your license into 12 languages, ensuring legal driving overseas. With instant approval, worldwide express shipping, and validity for 1-3 years, it’s an essential travel document for any globe-trotter planning to momentum abroad.

There’s no test required either; you simply have to be over 18 and have a legal driver’s license.

Best of all, the International Drivers Association moreover has tons of resources on their website, including driving guides to help you learn well-nigh renting a car upalong and any rules of the road you may be unfamiliar with.

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Road trips are a fun, flexible, and budget-friendly way to travel. By getting an IDP surpassing your next trip, you’ll be worldly-wise to rent a car and momentum abroad. It’s a must-have document for travelers looking to drive.

The post How Get An International Driving Permit For Your Next Trip appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.