You cannot get a real International Driving Permit online, but you can start the process and complete most of it remotely

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document issued by your home country that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid domestic license. You cannot obtain a genuine IDP entirely online because the final step requires an in-person signature and photo verification at an authorized issuing office. However, depending on your country, you can gather documents, pay fees, and submit forms online, then complete the verification step at a designated location.

The process and what "online" means varies significantly by country. Some nations allow you to upload documents and pay through a government portal, then visit an office for a brief appointment. Others require you to mail everything in or visit in person from the start. A few countries do not issue IDPs at all through official channels, which is where fraudulent online services step in — and those are not legitimate documents.

Key Takeaways

  • A legitimate IDP always requires in-person verification of your identity and signature, so no website can issue one entirely online.
  • What you can do online depends on your country: some allow document upload and payment through official government portals, others require mail-in or in-person submission from the start.
  • Websites offering to issue an IDP without any in-person step are fraudulent and will not be recognized by police or rental companies abroad.
  • The official issuing body in most countries is the national automobile association or the DMV equivalent, not a private website.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day (at some offices) to several weeks, depending on the country and whether you submit documents in advance.

Which countries allow online document submission

The United States does not have an official online IDP process. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two authorized issuers in the U.S. Both require you to visit an office in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and a completed process form. You can read and fill out the form online, but you must appear in person to submit it and have your photo taken. Some AAA locations offer same-day issuance.

Canada allows online submission through Service Canada and some provincial motor vehicle offices. You can upload a scanned copy of your driver's license and passport, pay the fee online, and then either pick up your IDP at a designated office or have it mailed to you. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days if you submit documents in advance.

The United Kingdom permits online process through the Post Office. You complete the form on their website, upload a digital photo that meets their specifications, and pay the fee. You then visit a Post Office branch with your passport and driving license to have your identity verified. The IDP is issued on the spot or mailed within a few days.

Australia allows online lodgement through state-based motor registries. You can submit your process and documents through the registry website, but you must attend an office in person for identity verification before the IDP is issued. Some states offer express processing if you book an appointment in advance.

How to identify a fraudulent online IDP service

Fraudulent services share common red flags. They claim you can receive an IDP without visiting an office or providing in-person verification. They do not name a specific government agency as the issuer. They use phrases like "when ready IDP," "no appointment needed," or "issued within 24 hours." They ask for payment through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards rather than a government payment system. They do not request your passport or a government-issued photo ID.

A legitimate IDP always includes the issuing country's official seal, the issuer's name (such as AAA, the Post Office, or a national motor authority), and your signature. It is printed on security paper and is difficult to counterfeit. Police and car rental companies check for these features. A document issued by an unauthorized service will be rejected at a border, during a traffic stop, or when you try to rent a vehicle.

If you are unsure whether a service is legitimate, contact your country's national automobile association or motor vehicle department directly. They can tell you the official issuer and the correct process. Do not rely on a website's claim to be "official" — verify the phone number or website independently through your government's main website.

The actual steps to get an IDP in your country

Start by identifying the official issuer in your country. In the U.S., that is AAA or AATA. In Canada, it is Service Canada or your provincial motor vehicle office. In the UK, it is the Post Office. In Australia, it is your state's motor registry. Once you know who issues it, visit their official website directly (not a third-party site) and read the process form.

Gather the required documents. Nearly all countries require a valid driver's license and a passport. Some ask for a recent passport-style photo, proof of address, or a completed medical form. Check the official issuer's website for the exact list — requirements vary by country and sometimes by age or license type.

Complete the process form. Print it and fill it out by hand, or fill it out digitally and print it, depending on what the issuer accepts. Sign and date it. If the issuer allows online submission, upload the form and any supporting documents through their portal and pay the fee. If not, print everything and mail it to the address listed, or visit an office in person.

Attend an in-person appointment if required. Bring your completed process, driver's license, passport, and any other documents the issuer requested. Bring payment if you have not paid online. The office will verify your identity, take a photo if needed, and issue the IDP on the spot or mail it to you within a stated timeframe.

Processing time and fees

Processing time depends on the country and the method you choose. In the U.S., AAA and AATA issue IDPs on the same day if you visit an office in person. In Canada, online submission followed by in-person pickup takes 5 to 10 business days. In the UK, the Post Office issues IDPs on the spot at most branches. In Australia, processing takes 1 to 5 business days depending on the state and whether you book an express appointment.

Fees also vary. In the U.S., AAA charges around $20 to $30 for a one-year IDP and $40 to $60 for a three-year IDP (prices vary by location). In Canada, fees range from $20 to $40 CAD depending on the province. In the UK, the Post Office charges £5.50. In Australia, fees range from $20 to $50 AUD depending on the state. These prices are subject to change, so confirm the current fee on the official issuer's website.

What to do if your country does not issue IDPs

Some countries do not issue official IDPs. If you are a citizen of a country without an official IDP program, you have limited options. One option is to obtain an IDP from a country where you have residency or a visa. For example, if you hold a valid visa in the UK, you may be able to obtain a UK IDP through the Post Office. Check the specific requirements with the issuer.

Another option is to carry an official translation of your driver's license issued by your home country's motor authority. Many countries will issue a certified translation that serves a similar purpose to an IDP. This is not the same as an IDP, but some rental companies and police may accept it. Contact your home country's motor vehicle department to ask whether they offer this service.

If neither option is available, some countries recognize a driver's license from your home country if it is printed in Latin characters and includes your photo and signature. However, this is not may provide, and you should not rely on it. Before traveling, contact the motor authority or police in the country you plan to visit and ask what documents they require from foreign drivers.

Common mistakes when ordering an IDP online

The most common mistake is using a third-party website that claims to issue IDPs without requiring an in-person visit. These sites are not legitimate, and the documents they issue will not be recognized. Always order from the official government issuer in your country.

Another mistake is submitting an process with incomplete or incorrect information. Double-check that your name, date of birth, and license number match exactly what appears on your driver's license and passport. A mismatch can delay or reject your process. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate or court order to prove the change.

A third mistake is waiting until the last minute. If you need an IDP for a trip, order it at least two to three weeks in advance, even if the issuer offers same-day service. If you order online and need to pick it up in person, you may have to wait for processing before you can schedule an appointment. If you are traveling internationally soon, visit an office in person to avoid delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP mailed to me without visiting an office?

It depends on your country. Canada, the UK, and Australia allow mail delivery after in-person identity verification at an office or Post Office. The U.S. does not — AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. Check your country's official issuer to see whether mail delivery is an option.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. However, some countries do not recognize it, and some require additional documents such as a certified translation of your license. Before traveling, contact the motor authority or embassy of the country you plan to visit and ask what documents foreign drivers must carry.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the embassy or consulate of your home country in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a temporary replacement or a letter confirming that you hold a valid driver's license at home. Carry a copy of your original IDP or a photo of it on your phone as backup.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is typically valid for one to three years, depending on the issuer and the type you purchase. Check your IDP — the expiration date is printed on it. An expired IDP is not recognized, so renew it before it expires if you plan to drive internationally again.

Can I use an IDP instead of my driver's license?

No. An IDP must be carried alongside your valid domestic driver's license. It is a translation and supplement, not a replacement. If you are stopped by police or asked to present your license at a rental counter, you must show both documents.