Quick Summary:
- Bring your UK photocard licence, passport, and matching credit card.
- An IDP is usually optional, but some desks request it.
- If asked, carry the 1949 IDP alongside your UK licence.
- Without an IDP, expect extra checks or a possible refusal.
UK visitors often ask whether an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for car hire in Pennsylvania. The practical answer is that many travellers collect their vehicle using only a UK driving licence and passport, but you should be prepared for a desk agent, insurer, or local policy to request an IDP as a supporting translation document. Because you cannot obtain an IDP once you are already abroad, it is worth understanding which type is relevant and what to do if you arrive without one.
This guide focuses on Pennsylvania, including collections at Philadelphia, and explains when an IDP may be requested, which 1949 or 1968 version is most commonly accepted, and the document set that typically smooths the pick up process for car hire.
What an IDP is, and what it is not
An IDP is a standardised, multi language translation booklet used alongside your home driving licence. It is not a stand alone licence, and it does not replace your UK photocard licence. When a rental desk asks for an IDP, they are normally using it to confirm your details in a format their systems and staff recognise, especially when they are processing an international licence quickly, verifying licence categories, or meeting an insurer requirement.
In the US, driving rules are set by each state, but rental companies also run their own policies. That is why you will hear both statements, “you do not need an IDP in Pennsylvania,” and “my rental company asked for one,” and both can be true depending on the provider, location, and agent handling your contract.
Pennsylvania rules versus rental company rules
Pennsylvania generally allows visitors to drive with a valid foreign licence for a limited period, provided it covers the vehicle category you are driving. In practice, the question for car hire is less about whether you are legally allowed to drive, and more about whether the rental company will release the vehicle under their terms.
Rental companies can require additional documents to reduce fraud and ensure the contract is enforceable. An IDP is one of the simplest tools they can use for that purpose, especially if the agent is unfamiliar with UK licence formats, if your licence is older, or if your details are hard to verify quickly.
If you are collecting in Philadelphia, you can review local pick up expectations on Hola Car Rentals pages such as car hire in Philadelphia and car rental at Philadelphia Airport (PHL). These pages help you plan for typical airport desk processes, including ID checks and payment card rules.
Do UK visitors usually need an IDP for Pennsylvania car hire?
Most UK visitors with a modern UK photocard licence can collect a rental car in Pennsylvania without an IDP. However, “usually” is not the same as “always.” You are more likely to be asked for an IDP in these situations:
Your UK licence is not a photocard. If you only have an older paper licence, an IDP becomes much more important as a supporting document.
Your licence is damaged, hard to read, or does not match your booking details. Even minor mismatches, such as missing middle names, can prompt extra document requests.
You are renting a larger vehicle category. For example, a passenger van or minivan booking may trigger more thorough checks at the counter. If you are comparing vehicle options, see van rental in Philadelphia and minivan rental in Philadelphia.
The supplier policy at your chosen desk requires it. Some brands apply an IDP requirement for non US licences regardless of state law, or apply it inconsistently depending on staff training and risk controls.
You intend to drive beyond Pennsylvania. Multi state itineraries can increase caution, particularly if you will cross into areas where policies differ or you may deal with law enforcement unfamiliar with UK licences.
Which IDP type applies for UK travellers, 1949 or 1968?
In the UK, there are different IDP versions, commonly referred to by the convention year. For travel to the United States for driving and car hire, the IDP most commonly requested and accepted is the 1949 IDP. If a US rental desk asks for an IDP, this is the version that normally satisfies the request.
The 1968 IDP exists and is used in various countries, but it is less commonly relevant for US rentals. Some travellers obtain the 1968 version because it is valid for longer in many cases, but that does not help if the desk specifically wants the 1949 booklet or only recognises that standard.
Because requirements can vary by supplier, the safest approach for Pennsylvania car hire is to obtain the 1949 IDP before you travel if you want maximum compatibility. It is inexpensive compared with the disruption of being turned away at the counter, and it is only useful when carried with your UK licence, so keep them together.
What to bring to the counter for smooth car hire in Pennsylvania
Whether or not you obtain an IDP, you should prepare a complete document set. Pennsylvania airport locations can be busy, and having everything ready can prevent delays or reprocessing.
1) UK photocard driving licence. Ensure it is valid for the full rental period. If you have a paper counterpart or an older style licence, bring it too.
2) Passport. The rental desk typically verifies identity and entry status using your passport.
3) Payment card in the lead driver name. Many suppliers expect a credit card for the deposit and will be strict about name matching. If your card name differs from your passport, you may face refusal.
4) Booking confirmation and supplier terms. Keep a digital and offline copy. It helps resolve disputes about inclusions or location hours.
5) IDP (ideally the 1949 booklet) if you have one. Treat it as supporting paperwork that can reduce debate at the counter.
If you are comparing price led options for Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania trips, you can also check budget car hire in Philadelphia, which can be useful when balancing cost with desk requirements and documentation checks.
What happens if you do not have an IDP?
If you arrive in Pennsylvania without an IDP and the desk asks for one, there are only a few realistic outcomes. Some counters will proceed after additional checks, while others may refuse to release the vehicle because their policy requires an IDP for foreign licences. The key point is that you generally cannot fix the situation quickly, because IDPs are issued in the UK before travel.
Here is what you can try, in order of practicality:
Ask whether your UK photocard licence alone is acceptable. If you have a modern photocard licence, some agents can override the request if they are satisfied.
Provide extra supporting ID. A second form of ID, proof of return travel, or additional address evidence can occasionally help an agent feel comfortable, though it is not a guaranteed substitute.
Request escalation. Ask politely for a supervisor to confirm policy. Sometimes the rule is applied as a guideline rather than a hard requirement.
Switch supplier or location. If a provider refuses, you may be able to rent from a different brand, but availability and pricing at short notice can be challenging, especially at airports.
Use a different driver. If another traveller has a licence and an IDP, or is a US licence holder, switching the lead driver can solve it. Be careful, the lead driver is usually the one whose card is used for the deposit.
If you know in advance that you will not have an IDP, it helps to choose a supplier with clear, UK traveller friendly rules and to keep your document set spotless, with matching names across passport, licence, and payment card.
Common misconceptions UK travellers have about IDPs in the US
“An IDP guarantees the rental.” It does not. The rental company can still decline if you lack a suitable payment card, fail identity checks, or do not meet age and licence holding requirements.
“If Pennsylvania law allows my licence, the desk must accept it.” Not necessarily. Rental firms can set additional conditions as part of their contract, even if you are legally allowed to drive.
“I can get an IDP in the US.” For UK issued IDPs, you normally need to arrange it before departure. Do not assume you can solve it in Philadelphia after landing.
“The 1968 IDP is always better.” It may have different validity rules in other countries, but for US car hire, the 1949 IDP is the one most often recognised.
Pennsylvania driving tips for UK licence holders
Even with documents sorted, a smooth trip depends on adapting to local driving habits. Pennsylvania uses right hand traffic, and signage is in miles and miles per hour. Philadelphia has dense urban driving, while much of the state is highway based.
Allow extra time to leave the airport area, watch for right turns on red where permitted, and keep an eye on school zones and local speed enforcement. Tolls are common in the region, so ask how tolls are handled under your car hire agreement, whether through a toll pass, plate billing, or manual payment.
If you are travelling with family or a group, consider vehicle size and luggage space carefully. It is better to choose a comfortable category than to rely on upgrades at the counter, which can complicate paperwork and availability.
How to decide whether to get an IDP before your trip
If you want the most hassle free Pennsylvania car hire experience, getting a 1949 IDP before you travel is a sensible precaution, even if you may not be asked for it. It is particularly advisable if you have an older style licence, you are renting a larger vehicle, you are arriving late at night when resolution options are limited, or you are on a tight schedule where a counter delay would disrupt your plans.
If you decide not to get an IDP, mitigate risk by travelling with a clean, valid photocard licence, ensuring all names match your booking and payment card, and keeping your documentation organised for quick inspection.
FAQ
Do I legally need an IDP to drive in Pennsylvania with a UK licence? Typically, visitors can drive with a valid UK licence for a limited period, but rental company policies may still ask for an IDP as supporting documentation.
Which IDP should I get for car hire in Pennsylvania, 1949 or 1968? If an IDP is requested for US rentals, the 1949 IDP is the version most commonly accepted and recognised.
Will a UK photocard licence usually be enough at Philadelphia Airport? Often yes, especially for standard rentals, but some suppliers or agents may still request an IDP, so carrying one can reduce counter friction.
What if the rental desk refuses because I do not have an IDP? You can ask for a supervisor review, offer additional ID, or try a different supplier, but there is a real risk you will not be able to collect that rental.
Do I need to carry my IDP while driving, or only when collecting the car? If you have an IDP, carry it with your UK licence during the trip, as it is only valid when presented alongside your original licence.
