The guaranteed, fastest way to get your International Driving Permit for renting with Alamo Rent A Car

An International Driving Permit (IDP) — sometimes referred to as an International Driver's License (IDL) — is an official document that translates the information on your valid driver's license into several languages. This permit allows you to drive legally in many countries abroad and is often requested by rental companies, including Alamo Rent A Car. It may also be called an International Driving License or an International Driver's Permit, but all of these terms refer to the same document.

Alamo does not ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driver's License (IDL) everywhere. Still, in several regions — particularly throughout Europe, Asia, and South America — local laws require you to show an IDP in addition to your valid home driver's license. To avoid problems at pickup, it's a good idea to: Review the licensing requirements of your destination in advance. Carry both your home driver's license and an IDP/IDL when renting overseas. Even where not mandatory, consider bringing an IDP since it acts as an official translation and often simplifies both the rental process and interactions with authorities.

Requirements vary by country. In some destinations, Alamo will rent you a car with only your local driver's license, while in others an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) is legally required by local authorities. To make it simple, we've created a helpful guide below — just enter the country you're traveling from and the country you're traveling to, and you'll see whether an IDP is needed for your Alamo rental.

Alamo will not accept an expired International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL). When renting abroad, you must present both a valid driver's license from your home country and an IDP that is still current. If your permit is out of date, be sure to renew it before traveling. Otherwise, you may experience delays at pickup or risk being unable to rent a vehicle.

If you don't have your International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) with you, Alamo may still allow the rental in countries where an IDP isn't legally required. However, in destinations where the law makes an IDP mandatory, Alamo must comply, and you could be refused a vehicle without it. In some cases, a digital copy of your IDP may be accepted as temporary proof, though this is not guaranteed at every location. For peace of mind, it's best to travel with both the physical permit and a digital backup.

You can apply quickly using our Online International Driver's License Application. The process takes less than 5 minutes, can be completed 100% online, and you'll receive your International Driving Permit (IDP) without the need for in-person visits.

Pricing for an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) starts at $35 for a 1-year validity. You can also choose a 2- or 3-year permit, select digital-only delivery, add urgent processing, or upgrade to different shipping options. For full details, please see our International Driver's License Pricing page.

With urgent processing, you can receive your digital International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) in as little as 15 minutes. For physical copies, expedited shipping is available, with 2-day delivery to most countries worldwide.

Yes. You can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) even if your driver's license is not in English. The IDP translates your license into multiple languages, making it valid for driving and car rentals in over 175 countries. Just be sure your original license is valid and unexpired, as the IDP must always be used together with your home license.

This information varies - please refer to the pages below:

International Driving Permit for Enterprise Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for Avis

International Driving Permit for Hertz

International Driving Permit for Budget Car Rental

International Driving Permit for National Car Rental

International Driving Permit for Europcar

International Driving Permit for Sixt Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for Thrifty Car Rental

International Driving Permit for Dollar Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for Fox Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for Payless Car Rental

International Driving Permit for Ace Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for Advantage Rent A Car