Quick Summary:
- An IDP is a standardised translation, not a standalone driving licence.
- Carry your home licence and IDP together when driving in the US.
- Many car hire desks request an IDP if your licence is non-English.
- Apply in your home country before travel, as US offices cannot issue IDPs.
An International Driving Permit, often shortened to IDP, is a document that helps visitors prove their driving entitlement in another country. In the United States, the key thing to understand is that an IDP is not a US driving licence. It is a standardised translation of your existing, valid driving licence into multiple languages, created under international conventions. It is designed to make it easier for police officers, insurers, and car hire staff to read your licence details, such as your name, vehicle categories, and expiry date.
Because rules vary by state and by rental company, travellers sometimes feel uncertain about whether they need an IDP for a trip involving car hire. The practical answer is that an IDP can be extremely useful, especially if your licence is not in English, uses a non-Latin alphabet, or does not clearly show key details. Even when it is not strictly required by state law, it may still be requested at the rental counter as part of the company’s documentation checks.
What exactly is an IDP, and what does it do?
An IDP is a booklet issued in your home country that translates the information on your domestic driving licence. It typically includes your identifying details and the vehicle categories you are permitted to drive. It does not replace your original licence, and you must carry both together. Think of it as a verified translation and format that US authorities and car hire agents are familiar with.
The IDP’s core purpose is clarity. If a traffic officer needs to check your entitlements, or if a rental desk needs to confirm you are licensed for the class of vehicle you are hiring, the IDP reduces confusion. This is especially relevant if your domestic licence format is unfamiliar, if it has limited English text, or if the date format could be misread.
Do you need an IDP to drive in the United States?
Whether you need an IDP in the United States depends on a few factors: the state you will be driving in, the language and format of your licence, and the policies of the car hire company. Many visitors can legally drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period, particularly if it is in English. However, states differ in how they describe the requirement for a translated licence, and enforcement can vary in practice.
From an everyday travel perspective, the bigger issue is often the rental desk rather than roadside checks. Some car hire providers ask for an IDP for any licence issued outside the US, while others only ask when the licence is not in English. If you arrive without one and it is required by that supplier’s policy, it can delay pick-up, reduce vehicle choice, or in some cases mean you cannot complete the hire as planned.
If your trip includes flying into a major airport and collecting a vehicle straight away, it can help to review the documentation expectations before you travel. For example, travellers picking up in Colorado might browse local options such as car rental at Denver Airport, while those arriving in the Midwest may compare pick-up processes at Chicago O’Hare car rental. These pages can help you anticipate typical desk requirements, including identity checks and licence standards.
When an IDP is most useful for car hire
Even if you can drive legally without an IDP in many situations, an IDP is most useful when it removes doubt. You are more likely to benefit if your domestic licence:
Includes no English, or uses characters that are not easily read by US staff. Has ambiguous date formats, for example day and month may be reversed. Does not clearly indicate vehicle classes. Is a paper licence without a photo, which can trigger extra scrutiny. Is issued in a format that rental staff rarely see.
For car hire, the IDP can speed up identity verification because it provides a consistent format alongside your passport and domestic licence. It can also assist if you need to contact roadside assistance or speak with insurers after an incident, since it helps establish your entitlement quickly.
What an IDP does not do
It is just as important to know what an IDP does not do in the United States. It does not grant the right to drive by itself. It does not replace the need for a valid domestic driving licence. It does not change age requirements or insurance rules. It does not guarantee acceptance for every rental situation if other requirements are not met, such as a suitable payment card or proof of identity.
Also, an IDP does not serve as a general identity document. You should still carry your passport or other accepted identification, and follow the rental company’s rules about who can drive and what documents additional drivers must provide.
How long is an IDP valid for?
Validity depends on the type of IDP issued under the applicable international convention in your country, but commonly it is valid for up to one year from the date of issue. Some countries also issue versions with different validity under other conventions. The important point for travellers is that you must obtain the IDP before you leave home, and it must be valid for the period you will be driving in the United States.
Because the IDP is linked to your domestic licence, if your domestic licence expires, becomes suspended, or is otherwise invalid, the IDP becomes effectively useless for driving purposes. Make sure your domestic licence remains valid for the full duration of your trip.
How to get an IDP before travelling to the US
You obtain an IDP in your home country, usually through an authorised motoring organisation or government-approved issuer. Requirements differ, but typically include a completed application, photographs, your valid domestic driving licence, and a fee. Processing times vary, so do not leave it to the last minute if you expect to need it for car hire.
Avoid unofficial sellers and websites claiming to issue an IDP instantly worldwide. In many countries, only certain organisations are authorised to issue a legitimate permit. An invalid IDP may be rejected at the rental counter or during a traffic stop, which defeats the purpose of carrying it.
Common car hire document checks in the United States
At a typical US car hire desk, you can expect staff to confirm your identity, your driving entitlement, and your method of payment. An IDP, if you have one, is normally presented alongside your domestic licence. Staff may also check that the licence is not temporary, that it has a photo where required by company policy, and that you meet minimum age rules for the vehicle category.
Location can shape the flow of the pick-up experience. Busy hubs can be efficient but strict, especially when queues are long and staff rely on consistent documentation standards. If you are flying into Georgia, you might compare supplier expectations for car hire at Atlanta. Likewise, if your plans include Texas and you want a larger vehicle, it can be helpful to understand what is typically requested for SUV hire in San Antonio, since vehicle class and age policies can differ.
Police stops, accidents, and insurance considerations
If you are stopped by police while driving in the United States, having an IDP can make the interaction simpler if your domestic licence is not easily readable. You should still provide your domestic licence, and you may be asked for additional documents such as your rental agreement and proof of insurance. The IDP can help confirm that the categories and expiry dates on your licence are understood correctly.
In the event of an accident or insurance query, documentation clarity matters. An IDP can support the process by reducing language barriers when explaining what you are entitled to drive. It will not override any terms of the rental agreement, and it will not replace the need to follow local traffic laws and rental conditions.
Tips to avoid IDP-related problems on your US trip
First, check your licence format. If it is not in English, an IDP is a sensible safeguard for car hire. Second, apply early in your home country and keep the IDP with your passport and domestic licence so you do not forget it at pick-up. Third, make sure names match across documents, including middle names where used, to avoid delays at the counter.
Fourth, consider where you will drive. If your itinerary crosses state lines, you may encounter varying expectations about translated licences. Finally, remember that the IDP is only one part of a smooth rental. Payment requirements, deposit holds, and additional driver rules are common reasons for unexpected friction, so review terms carefully.
How an IDP fits into planning car hire with Hola Car Rentals
When comparing car hire options through Hola Car Rentals, it helps to treat the IDP as part of your documentation checklist rather than an optional extra you decide on after landing. Even when a particular state might accept your domestic licence alone, a rental supplier may still request an IDP based on internal policy or staff discretion when a licence is unfamiliar.
If you are unsure, the simplest approach is to travel with an IDP when eligible, particularly for non-English licences. It is a low-effort way to reduce the risk of misunderstanding at the counter and to support clearer communication during your trip.
FAQ
Is an IDP required everywhere in the United States? No. Rules and expectations vary by state, and many visitors drive on a valid foreign licence. For car hire, rental company policy often matters as much as state law.
Can I drive in the US with only an IDP? No. An IDP is not a standalone licence. You must carry your valid domestic driving licence with it, and both should be presented together if requested.
Do I need an IDP if my licence is in English? Often not, but it depends on the rental supplier and the state. If your licence format is unusual or lacks clear details, an IDP can still help.
Can I get an IDP after arriving in the United States? Usually no. IDPs are issued by authorised organisations in your home country, so you should arrange it before you travel.
Will an IDP affect my car hire price or insurance? An IDP usually does not change price. It is primarily a documentation aid, but it can help avoid issues that might otherwise prevent a rental being issued.
