Quick Summary:
- California law generally accepts valid foreign licences for visitors, even non-English.
- An IDP helps staff and police read your details quickly.
- You are more likely to be asked at airports and major brands.
- Bring your licence, passport, credit card, and rental confirmation details.
If your driving licence is not in English, it is normal to worry about whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before driving in California. The practical answer is that many visitors can legally drive with a valid licence from home, but an IDP can still make car hire and roadside checks much smoother. California is a high-volume travel state, and rental desks deal with licences from every corner of the world. When your document is not easily readable, staff may ask for extra proof that you are licensed to drive.
This guide maps out when an IDP helps, which travellers are most likely to be asked for it, and what you should bring to a car hire counter in California to avoid delays.
What an IDP is, and what it is not
An International Driving Permit is a standardised booklet that translates key fields from your driving licence into multiple languages. It is issued in your home country, based on your existing licence. It is not a separate licence, and it does not replace your original card or photocard. For car hire and for driving, you typically must carry the IDP together with your actual licence.
Think of it as an official translation aid. If your licence uses a non-Latin script, or does not clearly show issue dates, expiry dates, or categories, an IDP can help a rental agent confirm that your entitlement matches the vehicle you want to rent.
Do you legally need an IDP in California if your licence isn’t in English?
In many situations, California recognises a valid foreign driving licence for visitors. That means you can often drive legally without an IDP, even if your licence is not in English. However, “often” is not the same as “always hassle-free”. There are two separate hurdles: legal acceptability on the road, and document acceptability at the rental counter.
For the legal side, visitors are commonly permitted to drive using a valid licence from their home country for a temporary stay. The challenge is that if a police officer cannot read your licence, it may take longer to verify your entitlement. An IDP can reduce confusion, particularly if your licence is in Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Cyrillic, Thai, or another script unfamiliar to the officer.
For the car hire side, rental companies can set their own documentation policies, as long as they comply with local law and their insurer requirements. Some desks will accept your original licence alone. Others may request an IDP or an official translation, especially when the licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. In practice, it is safer to assume that an IDP may be requested, and to treat it as a helpful travel document rather than an optional extra.
When an IDP is most likely to help with car hire
Even if you can legally drive without an IDP, there are common scenarios where having one can prevent delays or a refused rental.
1) Your licence is in a non-Latin script
Rental agents need to confirm your name, licence number, expiry date, and sometimes your date of birth. If those fields are not readable to them, they may not be able to proceed. An IDP provides a clear translation in a familiar layout.
2) Your licence has limited information
Some licences do not clearly show issue date, classes, or restrictions. An IDP can make those details easier to interpret, particularly when the counter staff are checking eligibility for larger vehicles or premium categories.
3) You are picking up at a busy airport counter
Airports move quickly, and agents follow scripts to keep queues moving. If your document requires extra interpretation, you may be asked for an IDP because it is the simplest way to standardise the check. This is particularly common at major gateways such as Los Angeles and San Diego. For travellers planning pick-up at LAX, you can compare options through car rental California LAX or, for UK-facing travellers, car hire California LAX.
4) You want a van, SUV, or longer rental
Larger vehicles and longer hires can attract more scrutiny because of insurance, deposits, and risk controls. If you are arriving in Northern California and need extra space, it is worth checking requirements in advance for locations such as van rental San Jose SJC.
5) You expect to cross state lines
Many California road trips include Nevada or Arizona. While an IDP does not change local laws, it offers a consistent, recognisable translation if you are stopped in another state where the officer is less accustomed to your country’s licence format.
Who is most likely to be asked for an IDP?
There is no single profile that guarantees you will be asked, but some travellers see the question more often:
Drivers with licences not printed in English
This includes licences where English is absent or limited, and where the key fields are not obvious.
Drivers whose names do not match cleanly across documents
If your passport uses one spelling and your licence uses another transliteration, an IDP can help by presenting a standardised format. You should still expect the counter to rely on the passport for identity and the licence for entitlement.
Drivers under 25, or older drivers in certain categories
Age policies vary by supplier. Additional checks sometimes occur when fees, surcharges, or restrictions apply. An IDP can reduce one source of friction, even if it is not a strict requirement.
Travellers using major airport branches
High-volume branches tend to have strict processes. If you are collecting around San Diego International Airport, see car hire airport San Diego SAN for location-specific context before you travel.
Drivers presenting a temporary, paper, or newly issued licence
If your home authority issues temporary documents, rental desks may be cautious. An IDP is not a substitute for a full licence, but it can help clarify details on a valid document.
What to bring for car hire in California
To minimise problems at the desk, prepare a simple document pack. The exact requirements depend on supplier and rate type, but the following covers the most common needs.
Your physical driving licence
Most rental companies will not accept a digital-only licence display on a phone. Bring the original card or photocard licence.
Your International Driving Permit (recommended)
If your licence is not in English, an IDP is a practical way to avoid misunderstandings. Make sure it is the correct type issued for your country and that it is valid for your travel dates.
Your passport
This is your primary identity document and is routinely required at pick-up. Ensure your name matches your reservation and payment card as closely as possible.
A credit card in the main driver’s name
Many suppliers require a credit card for the security deposit. Debit cards may be accepted only under specific conditions, often with extra checks.
Reservation confirmation and travel details
Having your confirmation to hand helps when there are questions about inclusions, additional drivers, or return location.
Proof of return travel may help
It is not always requested, but some counters ask visitors for evidence of onward or return travel, especially when address details are unclear.
What to expect at the counter if your licence isn’t in English
Most issues arise from simple readability. The agent is trying to answer a few questions quickly: are you licensed, is it valid, does the category fit the vehicle, and does the name match the booking and payment method.
If you have an IDP, the check is usually straightforward. If you do not, the agent may call a supervisor, ask for an additional form of documentation, or in some cases decline the rental if they cannot confidently interpret the licence. This is why an IDP is often described as “not always required, but strongly recommended”.
If you are comparing suppliers at LAX, you may notice that policies can vary by brand and by desk. For instance, travellers researching specific suppliers can review pages such as Avis car rental California LAX as part of their planning.
Common misconceptions to avoid
“An IDP replaces my licence.”
It does not. You usually need both documents together.
“If California allows my licence, every rental company must accept it.”
Rental companies can set documentation standards and may refuse if they cannot verify details.
“My licence is in English, so an IDP is pointless.”
If your licence is clearly in English with recognisable fields, you are less likely to need an IDP. Still, an IDP can be useful if your licence format is unusual or you plan a longer multi-state trip.
“I can get an IDP at the airport in California.”
Typically, you must obtain an IDP in your home country before you travel. Do not assume you can arrange one after landing.
Practical recommendations for travellers to California
If your licence is not in English, the lowest-stress approach is to travel with an IDP and treat it as part of your standard driving kit. It is particularly worthwhile if you are collecting from an airport location, renting a larger vehicle, or travelling beyond California.
If you decide not to get an IDP, be prepared for extra questions at pick-up. Make sure your licence is physical, current, and in good condition, and consider bringing any official translation you already have. Allow extra time at the counter in case your documents need supervisor review.
Finally, remember that safe and legal driving requires more than documents. Familiarise yourself with California rules on right turns at red lights, HOV lanes, and phone use while driving. Those are common points of confusion for visitors and are more likely to cause trouble on the road than the presence or absence of an IDP.
FAQ
Can I drive in California with a foreign licence that is not in English?
Often yes, if it is valid and you are visiting temporarily. An IDP is still recommended because it makes your licence easier to verify.
Will every car hire desk in California ask for an IDP?
No. Some desks accept the original licence alone, but others may request an IDP when the licence is not easily readable.
Does an IDP guarantee I will get the rental car?
No. You must still meet age, payment, and identification requirements, and your original licence must be valid.
What if my licence is bilingual and includes English?
You are less likely to be asked for an IDP if key fields are clearly in English, but policies vary by supplier and location.
What should I do if I arrive without an IDP and the desk requests one?
Ask whether an official translation is acceptable, or whether changing driver to someone with English documentation is possible. Availability depends on the supplier’s policy.
