Quick Summary:
- Most UK drivers use a UK photocard licence for US car hire.
- If asked, get a 1949 IDP from a UK Post Office.
- Bring your licence, passport, card used, and booking confirmation.
- Check state rules and the rental desk policy before you fly.
UK drivers planning car hire in the United States often ask the same question, do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP), and if so, which one and where do I get it? The reassuring answer is that many travellers never need an IDP for the United States because a valid UK photocard driving licence is widely accepted. However, some rental suppliers, local insurance requirements, or state level expectations can mean an IDP is requested at the counter, especially if your licence is not in English (UK licences are) or if your licence is older style paperwork.
This guide explains which IDP version may be required, how to apply in the UK, and what to bring to a US rental counter so your pick-up is straightforward. For general planning around routes, vehicle types, and documents, Hola Car Rentals also keeps destination guidance on car hire in the United States.
Do UK drivers need an IDP for US car hire?
For most UK visitors, an IDP is not a universal requirement across the United States. Many rental companies accept a full, valid UK photocard licence on its own. Where issues arise is inconsistency, your airline destination might be fine, but a specific branch, franchise operator, or staff member may still ask for an IDP as a supporting translation document.
You are more likely to benefit from an IDP if any of the following apply:
Your licence is the older UK paper style. Some desks are unfamiliar with it and prefer an IDP alongside it.
Your name or details are hard to match. An IDP mirrors key information and can help the desk quickly verify your driving entitlement.
You are visiting more than one state. Legal expectations can differ by state and by how local police interpret foreign licences, even if the rental company itself is relaxed.
The rental company states it in their terms. The desk rules can be stricter than general guidance, so it is worth checking your confirmation or supplier requirements early.
If you are comparing brands and supplier policies, you can also review Hola’s landing pages for common options such as Avis car rental in the United States and Hertz car rental in the United States.
Which International Driving Permit version may be required for the United States?
There are different IDP versions based on international road traffic conventions. For the United States, the IDP that is typically relevant for UK drivers is the 1949 IDP. In practical terms, this is the one most commonly referenced for driving in the US.
That said, travellers sometimes see confusing advice online because other countries use the 1926, 1968, or 1949 formats. The important point for car hire is to match what the destination and your rental supplier expect. If a rental desk says you must have an IDP for the US, it is usually the 1949 version they mean.
An IDP is not a standalone licence. It is a translation and companion document. You must carry it with your full UK driving licence. If you only bring the IDP and not your licence, you can expect the desk to refuse the rental.
Where can UK drivers get the correct IDP?
In the UK, IDPs are obtained in person at participating Post Office branches. You cannot get a legitimate UK issued IDP from a random website, and unofficial documents may be rejected at the counter. Because the IDP is inexpensive and quick to issue, many drivers choose to get one as a precaution for peace of mind, even if they do not end up needing it.
To apply, you generally attend a Post Office branch that offers the service and bring the required documents, which are usually:
A full valid UK driving licence. A provisional licence will not be accepted for US car hire.
A passport style photograph. Requirements can vary by branch, so bring a suitable spare photo.
Payment for the permit fee. Fees are set and are typically paid at the counter.
Plan ahead. While the process is often same day, you do not want to rely on finding an issuing branch at the last minute, particularly near peak travel dates.
What to bring to the car hire pick-up desk in the United States
Even with the right IDP in hand, most pick-up problems come from missing supporting documents, name mismatches, or payment card issues. For UK drivers, the safest approach is to treat the rental desk like an airline check-in, arrive prepared with a complete set of documents.
Bring these items to pick-up:
Your full UK driving licence (photocard). Ensure it is valid for the whole trip.
Your IDP, if you obtained one. Keep it with the licence, not packed in checked luggage.
Your passport. The desk will need to verify identity and match names.
The payment card used for the rental. Many suppliers require a credit card in the lead driver’s name for the deposit.
Your booking confirmation. Printed or digital is usually fine, but have it available offline too.
Proof of address, if your supplier requests it. Some counters may ask for an extra document, especially if there are fraud controls.
Also check your group’s driver plan. If more than one person will drive, additional drivers typically must be present at pick-up with their own licences, and sometimes their own IDP if requested. If you are travelling with a bigger group or lots of luggage, it can help to understand vehicle options ahead of time, including van rental in the United States and minivan rental in the United States.
Practical IDP and licensing tips for a smoother US rental experience
Check your licence condition. A damaged, cracked, or heavily worn photocard can slow verification. Replace it before travel if needed.
Make sure names match. Your booking name should match your passport and licence. Middle names are usually fine, but mismatches in surnames can cause delays.
Keep documents accessible. Store licence, IDP, and passport together in your carry-on so you can present them quickly at the counter.
Understand the “translation” role. An IDP supports your UK licence, it does not replace it and does not add entitlements.
Do not rely on digital-only documents. Some locations accept digital confirmations, but a saved PDF and a printed backup can prevent issues if reception is poor.
Common misunderstandings about IDPs and US car hire
“If I have an IDP, I do not need my UK licence.” Incorrect. An IDP must be presented with your UK licence.
“The US has one nationwide rule for foreign licences.” In practice, states can differ, and rental company policies can vary by brand, location, and franchise.
“Any International Driving Permit bought online will do.” Many online documents are not valid IDPs. UK drivers should use the Post Office issuing route for a UK recognised permit.
“I only need to think about an IDP if the police stop me.” Rental desks can refuse to hand over the vehicle if their policy says an IDP is required for foreign customers.
FAQ
Which IDP should a UK driver get for the United States? If an IDP is requested for US car hire, it is typically the 1949 IDP. Always carry it alongside your full UK driving licence.
Where do I apply for a UK issued IDP? UK drivers normally apply in person at a participating Post Office branch. Bring your driving licence, a passport style photo, and payment for the fee.
Will a UK photocard licence usually be accepted on its own? Often yes, many US rental desks accept a full UK photocard licence without an IDP. However, some suppliers or locations may still ask for an IDP as supporting documentation.
What documents should I bring to the rental counter besides an IDP? Bring your passport, the payment card in the lead driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. Some locations may also ask for additional proof of address.
Can I use an IDP instead of a driving licence if I forget my licence? No. An IDP is not a standalone licence, and the rental company is likely to refuse the vehicle without the original UK driving licence.
