Is an online "international driver's license" legit?
How to avoid paying for a document that won't help you.
Short answer: 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.
"International driver's license" vs. International Driving Permit
People often search for an "international driver's license", but no such official document exists. Your driver's license is issued by your home country or state, and it stays your license abroad. The International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official booklet, set up by UN road traffic conventions, that translates your license. It's only valid together with your license.
Warning signs when buying online
- It calls itself an "international driver's license" or says it replaces your license.
- It claims to be "UN approved", "government approved" or "official" but isn't your country's authorized issuer.
- It promises acceptance in "150+ countries" or by "all rental companies".
- There's no company name, address or clear refund policy.
- It looks like an official permit, with seals or stamps, but comes from a private website.
What's legitimate
| Document | Who provides it | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Official IDP | The authorized issuer in your home country (see list) | Countries that require one by law |
| License translation, clearly labeled | Private services, such as instantEDP | Countries where an IDP isn't required but your license isn't in the local language |
Where instantEDP fits
We're upfront about what we sell: a fast, affordable translation of your license. It isn't an IDP and doesn't replace one. If your destination needs an official IDP, our country guides will tell you, and we'll point you to the right issuer.
Common questions
Can I get an official IDP online?
Only through the authorized issuer in the country that issued your license, and some of them accept applications by mail or online. A website that is not an authorized issuer cannot sell you an official IDP, whatever it calls the document.
How can I tell if a seller is legitimate?
Check whether it is the authorized issuer for your country, whether it clearly says what the document is and isn't, and whether it names a real company with contact details. Be wary of claims like "UN approved", "valid in 150+ countries" or "replaces your license".
What should I buy instead?
If your destination requires an IDP, get the official one from your home issuer. If it doesn't, and your license isn't in the local language, a clearly labeled license translation is a low-cost way to help people read your details.