An international driving permit is one of those things most expats forget about until they’re already overseas. And by that point, you’re scrambling to figure out local licence requirements while sorting out housing and bank accounts.
We see this play out all the time with families relocating to Bali, which is why we bring it up before anything else. The permit itself is simple to get, but the requirements around it change depending on where you’re headed.
With that in mind, this guide breaks down what an international driving permit covers and which licence categories apply to you. We also get into where US citizens can get one, how insurance works abroad, and what to check with official sources before your move. If you haven’t started your relocation paperwork checklist yet, this is a solid place to begin.
What Is an International Driving Permit and Why Do You Need One?
An international driving permit is a document that translates your existing driver’s license into around 10 languages.
Foreign authorities use that to confirm your identity and verify what types of vehicles you’re allowed to drive. It does not replace your original licence, though. You need to carry both your IDP and your valid driver’s license together at all times.
To be honest, a lot of drivers skip this step and only find out when they’re pulled over somewhere abroad, and no one can read their home licence. That’s why USAGov’s page on International Driving Permit requirements recommends applying before you leave if your destination requires one. And most countries do require it for short-term visitors who plan to rent a car or drive a personal vehicle.
How International Driving Licence Categories Work
Think your car licence back home means you can rent a motorbike overseas? Not quite.
An international driving licence uses letter-based categories that match specific vehicle types, and your IDP will only reflect what your current driver’s licence already permits.
Here’s how the main categories break down:
- Cars and Light Vehicles (B): Most drivers fall into this one since it applies to standard passenger cars. If your licence authorizes you to drive these vehicles, your IDP will carry that same permission abroad.
- Motorcycles and Scooters (A): This category only appears on your IDP if your driver’s license back home specifically includes motorbikes (not the lesson you want to learn mid-vacation).
- Larger Vehicles (C, D, E): These apply to trucks, buses, and trailers. Most expats won’t need them, but commercial drivers should check before arriving in a new country.
If your plan is to ride scooters abroad, confirm that your licence actually includes that category first. Otherwise, you may need a separate local permit at your destination.
Now, let’s look at where you can actually get one.
The Two Official Organizations Authorized to Issue IDPs in the US
In the United States, only two official organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other agency or website can process one for US citizens.
You only need a few things to get started:
- What You Need to Get Started: A completed form, two passport photos, your valid driver’s license, and around $20. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes.
- How to Submit It: AAA lets you apply online or visit a local branch. AATA also handles requests through their website before your trip abroad.
- How to Spot Fake Permits: A number of third-party websites charge inflated prices for documents with no real value. The FTC warns drivers to avoid fake International Driving Permits since they can lead to fines or travel delays.
Stick with AAA or AATA, and you won’t have to worry about wasting money on something that gets you nowhere at a checkpoint.
Does Your Driver’s License Work in a Foreign Country?
Some countries will let you drive on your US driver’s license alone for short visits, which can save you a step in your planning process. But that’s not the case everywhere, and what applies in one country won’t always fly in the next.
The requirements depend on your visa type, length of stay, and any agreements between your home country and your destination. Japan and several EU nations, for example, require drivers to convert to a local licence after roughly 90 days. If you arrive without knowing this, you could end up behind the wheel without a valid permit and not even realize it.
Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Mexico will accept a valid international driving permit alongside your driver’s license for the full length of a tourist visa. So before you pack the car and head out, check the specific requirements for wherever you’re moving to.
Once that’s established, there’s one destination worth looking at more closely.
Insurance and Driving Licence Requirements for Driving in Bali
Plenty of expats in Bali rent a scooter on day one without realizing their licence or insurance won’t hold up.
We’ve worked with dozens of relocating families on the island, and this is almost always the first surprise after landing. So, here are a few things that catch most drivers off guard:
- Your Policy May Not Protect You: Many travel insurance providers refuse to pay out if you lack the correct driving licence or a valid international driving permit. Go through your policy’s fine print and confirm which vehicles and licence types are included.
- Police Checkpoints Are Routine: Officers in Bali regularly stop foreigners at traffic checkpoints to verify their driver’s license and IDP. If you can’t produce both, fines typically run around 500,000 IDR, roughly $30 USD.
- Rental Shops Won’t Always Ask: A lot of companies will hand over a motorbike and never glance at your credentials. The U.S. Department of State outlines driving and transportation requirements abroad that are worth reviewing well in advance.
Driving in Bali without proper documentation puts your insurance and your money on the line. That’s why you must get it sorted before you fly out.
Why You Should Contact Authorities Before Moving Abroad
Now that you know what an international driving permit covers and where to get one, there’s one more thing to sort out: verifying the current regulations with official sources. Most people rely on blog posts, Reddit threads, or tips from a friend who moved overseas two years ago, and that information is almost always outdated.
Believe it or not, driving licence requirements can shift mid-year in many countries. We’ve watched these regulations change with very little warning over the years, so we always tell every person to contact the embassy or transport authority directly.
Government websites are also worth browsing for specific details on licence validity, vehicle categories, and what documents you will need to carry. So, if you’re moving overseas and plan to drive, this single step will save you from fines and gaps in your insurance.
Get Your International Driving Sorted Before Moving Overseas
You’ve got the full picture now. Your international driving permit, your driver’s license validity, and your insurance coverage are all things you can prepare for weeks before your flight. So, the earlier you start, the fewer surprises you’ll face once you arrive in a different country.
And if you want to stay organized beyond just the driving side, our relocation paperwork checklist is a free resource that covers every document you should have ready. We hope it gives you one less thing to worry about as you settle into your new home.