What's the difference between an International Driver's License (IDL) and an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An IDL (International Driver's License) is in the most technical sense, nonexistent. There is no such thing as an International Driver's License. However, International Driving Permits (IDPs), do exist, and they need to be used in conjunction with a traveler's home-country-issued driver's license in order for them to be able to legally drive while travelling in many countries.

Here are the key points to understand:

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)

• An IDP is an official, legal document.

• It's governed by United Nations treaties dating to 1949 and 1968. The United States is a signatory to the 1949 treaty.

• The vast majority of countries (170+) recognize IDPs as a valid form of driver identification when they are used alongside a valid driver’s license from the traveler’s home country.

• An IDP translates your existing driver's license information into multiple languages.

• You must obtain an IDP from an authorized agency in your home country. In the United States, AAA is the only entity authorized to administer IDPs

• IDPs from the United States (issued through AAA) expire after 1 year. If you find a website claiming to issue you an IDP that is valid for more than 1 year, it is a scam.

What is an International Driver's License (IDL):

• An IDL is not a real or legally recognized term.

• The term "IDL" is often used by scam websites to mislead travelers.

• These fake "licenses" have no legal standing and are not accepted by authorities. The only exception to this is if the IDL contains a translation of the driver’s license and the traveler is in a place where a driver’s license translation is required, but it’s not mandated to be an IDP.

• Websites offering IDLs are typically attempting to extort money and personal information from misinformed travelers.

• Stay away from any website offering to sell you an IDL.

Remember, if you need to drive in a foreign country, always check if you need an IDP. Be wary of any website offering an "International Drivers License" – it's probably a scam.