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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) — sometimes called an International Driver's License (IDL) — is an official document that translates your valid driver's license into multiple languages. It allows you to legally drive in 175 countries worldwide and is often required by car rental companies, including Sixt Rent A Car. You may also hear it referred to as an International Driving License or an International Driver's Permit; all of these terms describe the same document.

Sixt does not require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or International Driver's License (IDL) in every country. However, in certain locations — especially across Europe, Asia, and parts of South America — local laws require travelers to present an IDP together with their valid home driver's license when renting a car. To avoid issues at pickup, it's best to: Check the driving laws of the country you're visiting before you travel. Carry both your home driver's license and an IDP/IDL when renting abroad. Consider using an IDP even in countries where it's not mandatory, since it provides an official translation that makes renting and driving easier.

Requirements vary by country. In some destinations, Sixt 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 Sixt rental.

No. Sixt Rent A Car does not accept expired International Driving Permits (IDP/IDL). To rent a vehicle abroad, you must present a valid, unexpired IDP along with your current driver's license. If your permit has expired, you'll need to renew it before traveling to avoid rental delays or being denied a car.

If you forget your International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL), Sixt may still rent you a car if the rental country does not legally require one. However, in countries where an IDP is mandatory, Sixt must follow local laws, and you may be denied a vehicle without it. That said, many Sixt locations will accept a digital copy of your IDP as proof, which can sometimes waive the requirement at pickup. To avoid delays, we recommend carrying both your physical IDP and a digital backup copy whenever you travel.

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 Alamo Rent A Car

International Driving Permit for National Car Rental

International Driving Permit for Europcar

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