Quick answers (snippet-friendly), IDP FAQs Validity Renewal & Lost/Replacement Guide.
- What is an IDP?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) translates your domestic driving license into multiple languages and is used alongside your valid national license when driving abroad. - How long is an IDP valid?
Typically 1–3 years depending on the issuing convention and local rules — many IDPs issued under the 1949 convention are valid 1 year; under the 1968 convention they can be valid up to 3 years or until your domestic license expires. - Can you renew an IDP?
You cannot “renew” an IDP in the sense of extending it — you must apply for a new IDP from the issuing authority when your current one expires. - What if you lose your IDP abroad?
Report the loss to local police (get a copy of the report), contact the issuing authority (often a national automobile association), and your embassy or consulate for guidance. Replacement options vary by issuer and country. - How do you get a replacement IDP?
Replacement policies differ. In many cases you must apply for a new IDP with proof of identity and your domestic license; some issuers can mail a replacement or advise next steps while you’re abroad.
Why this guide helps This article explains IDP validity rules, renewal vs reapplication, steps to take after loss, and practical replacement options — written to help travelers, expatriates, and international drivers avoid fines and delays. IDP FAQs Validity Renewal & Lost/Replacement Guide.
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Table of contents
- What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
- How long is an IDP valid?
- Renewal vs. reissue: What you actually do when an IDP expires
- I lost my IDP — immediate steps to take
- How to replace a lost or damaged IDP (step-by-step)
- Replacing an IDP when you’re overseas
- Common documents, fees & timelines
- Tips to avoid loss and hassle
- Country-specific notes & next steps
- FAQ (for search engines & users)
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1. What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An IDP is an official translation of your national driving license into multiple languages (commonly 10+). It is not a standalone license — you must carry your valid domestic driving license alongside the IDP. IDPs are issued under international conventions (mainly 1949 and 1968), and acceptance rules vary by country.
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2. How long is an IDP valid?
Validity depends on the issuing convention and local rules:
- 1949 Convention IDPs are commonly valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
- 1968 Convention IDPs may be valid up to 3 years or until your domestic license expires — whichever comes first.
- Some countries or issuing bodies may apply different limits. Always check the issuing authority’s rules for exact validity.
Tip: If you’ll be on a long overseas assignment, check whether your domestic driving license expiry will cut the IDP’s useful life short.
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3. Renewal vs. reissue: What you actually do when an IDP expires
- You cannot extend the validity of an issued IDP. When it expires, you must apply for a new IDP.
- “Renewal” in practice = “apply for a new IDP” with the same documents required for initial issuance (valid domestic license, ID, photos, and fee).
- Apply through the same issuing authority you used before (national automobile club, government agency, or authorized organization).
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4. I lost my IDP — immediate steps to take
- Stay calm and gather information: when and where it was lost.
- Report the loss to local police and obtain a copy of the police report. This is often required for insurance, replacements, or embassy support.
- Notify the issuing authority — they can advise if a replacement is issued or if you must apply for a new IDP.
- Contact your embassy or consulate for urgent help if you also lost your passport or need emergency documentation.
- Use digital copies or photographs of the IDP (if you have them) and carry your original domestic license and passport.
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5. How to replace a lost or damaged IDP (step-by-step)
Replacement process varies; common steps include:
- Verify issuer policy: check the issuing authority’s website (e.g., national automobile association) or call them.
- Gather required documents: valid domestic driving license, photo ID (passport), passport-sized photos, copy of police report (if requested), a completed application form.
- Pay the replacement fee (amount varies by country).
- Submit in person or by mail — some issuers allow online or mail applications; others require in-person visits.
- If abroad, ask whether the issuer can mail a copy to your overseas address or provide instructions to obtain a new IDP locally.
Note: Some issuing bodies do not issue duplicate IDPs — they require you to apply for a new one.
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6. Replacing an IDP while overseas
- Contact the issuer immediately to learn their overseas replacement policy.
- Some national automobile clubs can replace or reissue an IDP and mail it to a friend/family at home or (rarely) to an overseas address.
- If immediate driving permission is required, carry the police report, domestic license, passport, and any correspondence from the issuer or embassy.
- Your embassy/consulate can help with emergency travel documents but typically cannot issue driving permits.
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7. Common documents, fees & timelines
Typical documents:
- Valid domestic driving license
- Passport or national ID
- Passport-style photos
- Police report (if loss/theft) Fees and timelines:
- Fees usually range from low to moderate (for example, $10–$50 in many countries). Check your issuer.
- Processing can be same-day in person, a few days by mail, or longer if mailed internationally.
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8. Tips to avoid loss and hassle
- Make and store digital photos of your IDP and license in a secure cloud folder.
- Keep a photocopy separate from the original.
- Use a travel pouch or hotel safe when not driving.
- If traveling, register with your embassy and keep emergency contacts handy.
- Consider taking an international driving history printout if your issuer offers it.
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9. Country-specific notes & next steps
- United States: Only authorized issuers (e.g., national automobile associations) can issue IDPs. Policies vary by association.
- United Kingdom, EU, Australia, Canada: Issuing authorities differ; check your national automobile association or government transport agency.
- Always verify whether the destination country recognizes the 1949 or 1968 IDP format.
If you want, I can adapt this article for a specific country (e.g., step-by-step process for the U.S., U.K., Australia) with exact issuer contacts, forms, fees, and sample wording for police reports.
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10. FAQ (search-optimized)
Q: Can an IDP be used as a primary ID?
A: No. An IDP is a translation of your domestic license and must be carried with your original national license and passport.
Q: Can I drive with a photocopy of my IDP?
A: Photocopies are not a legal substitute but can help temporarily. Police may accept copies with the original license and ID if the original is being replaced.
Q: Will insurance cover me if I lose my IDP?
A: Check your policy. A police report and proof of your domestic license usually help with claims.
Q: How quickly can I get a new IDP?
A: If applying in-person, many issuers can issue quickly; by mail or from abroad, times vary.
What you need to rent a car, and how to rent one
As a tourist, you’ll most likely be renting a car (more on that in a bit) for your road trip. Even so, there are certain requirements that you’ll have to check off before you get into it. Why Should You Consult International Driving License Agencies UK?
- You have to get an International Driver’s Permit. Apply for it online or head to the office — we prefer doing it in person because the queue is pretty short during off-peak hours, and you can get it done on the same day. It’ll cost S$20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.
- A valid local driver’s license.
- You have to be at least 21 years of age and have held your local licence for a year. A surcharge may be imposed for drivers under the age of 25.
- A passport for identification .
- A credit card in the driver’s name.
How to obtain an international driving permit
The process of obtaining an international driving license directly from an office can be quite challenging and time-consuming. The payment methods involved can also be complex. Therefore, it is recommended to consider applying for an international driving license from IMTA. The application process only takes around 10 to 15 minutes, making it a more efficient option for getting your international driving permit Get An IDP For Your Next Journey. International Driving Permit in Russia, International Driving Licence in Russia, International Driving License in Russia, IDP russia online
The necessary details required for the application of an International driving permit include:
– Full Name
– Email & Phone Number
– Current Address
– Place of Birth
– National Driver’s License Number
– National Driver’s License Issued Date & Expiry Date
– Picture of Driver’s License & Your Head Shot Photo for Your IDP
