Driving abroad guides
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most.
- Driver's license translation: when you need one and how it works
A driver's license translation shows the details on your license in other languages, so rental staff and police abroad can read them. It helps most where your license isn't in the local language and an official IDP isn't legally required.
- Is an online "international driver's license" legit?
No. There is no official document called an international driver's license. The official document is the International Driving Permit (IDP), and only authorized bodies in the country that issued your license can provide it.
- What documents do you need to rent a car abroad?
Bring your valid driver's license, your passport, a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking confirmation. Add an official IDP where the country requires one, or a translation of your license where it isn't in the local language.
- License translation vs. International Driving Permit
What each one is, and which one your trip needs.
- Driving abroad by license country
UK, Dutch, Indian, French and German licenses: where each works, and where you need an IDP.
- Country guides
Whether you need an IDP or a translation, country by country.