An International Driving Permit is essential in many countries, but not all of them. Some destinations have reciprocal agreements or relaxed rules that let foreign visitors drive on their home licence alone. Before you assume you need an IDP everywhere, here are 12 countries where the legal requirement is either absent or significantly relaxed.
A word of caution before we dive in: even in countries that do not legally require an IDP, rental car companies often demand one anyway. The legal requirement and the rental counter requirement are two different things. We will cover that distinction at the end.
The 12 Countries
1. United Kingdom
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months. No IDP is legally required for short-term visitors, though one can be useful for identification purposes if your licence is not in English.
2. Canada
Most Canadian provinces allow visitors to drive on a valid foreign licence for up to three to six months, depending on the province. No IDP is legally mandated for tourists, though it is recommended if your licence is not in English or French.
3. United States
There is no federal requirement for an IDP, and most states accept a valid foreign driving licence for visitors. Some states recommend an IDP for non-English licences. Rental companies vary in their policies.
4. France (for EU/EEA licence holders)
If you hold a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country, you can drive freely in France without an IDP. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP or a certified translation of their licence.
5. Germany (for EU/EEA licence holders)
EU and EEA licence holders drive freely. Non-EU visitors can drive for up to six months with a valid foreign licence, though an IDP or certified translation is strongly recommended for non-Latin-script licences.
6. Ireland
Visitors from countries with recognized licence agreements can drive on their home licence for up to 12 months. An IDP is not legally required but simplifies the rental process.
7. Barbados
Barbados requires visitors to obtain a temporary local driving permit, available at the airport or rental agencies, rather than an IDP. Your home licence plus a small fee is all you need.
8. Cayman Islands
Visitors can obtain a temporary local permit at the rental counter. No IDP is needed. Your valid home licence is sufficient to get the temporary permit.
9. U.S. Virgin Islands
A valid driving licence from your home country is accepted for visitors. No IDP or additional permit is required.
10. South Africa
Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence if it is in English and includes a photograph. If your licence is not in English or has no photo, you will need an IDP. Check our country requirements for the latest details.
11. Costa Rica
Tourists can drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days (the duration of a tourist visa). No IDP is legally required, though some rental agencies request one.
12. Mexico
A valid foreign driving licence is accepted for tourists in Mexico. No IDP is legally mandated, though having one can simplify interactions with police and rental companies, especially outside major tourist areas.
Driving regulations are updated regularly. Always verify current requirements before your trip using the Permio Country Checker. The information above reflects general rules as of early 2026.
But You Might Still Want One
Even in countries where an IDP is not legally required, there are compelling reasons to carry one:
- Rental companies set their own rules. Major companies like Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt often require an IDP regardless of the local law. Showing up without one can mean no car, no refund, and a ruined itinerary. We have heard countless stories like this, including the experience of one traveler in Greece who was turned away at the counter.
- Police checkpoints are easier. An IDP translates your licence into multiple languages. When a local officer cannot read your home licence, an IDP removes ambiguity instantly. Read about what happened to one traveler at a Dubai police checkpoint without one.
- Insurance claims may require it. Some travel insurance policies and car rental insurance agreements specify that an IDP must be carried for coverage to be valid, even in countries where it is not a legal requirement.
- It costs very little for significant peace of mind. An IDP starts at $29 and is valid across 150+ countries. Compared to the cost of a ruined rental booking or a roadside fine, it is trivial.
Use the Permio Country Checker to see the exact IDP requirements for your destination. It takes ten seconds, and it covers both the legal requirement and common rental company policies.