2026 international driving permit IDP: obtaining, validity, countries

The International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official document translating your French licence into several languages and making it valid in countries signatory to the Geneva (1949) and Vienna (1968) conventions. Mandatory or recommended by country, it is obtained free from ANTS in 2026. This guide details procedure, validity and covered countries.

What is the international permit?

The international permit isn't a standalone licence: it's an officially recognised translation of the French national licence into several languages (English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Japanese). It must always be presented with the original French licence; alone, it has no validity. Two international conventions coexist: 1949 Geneva (older countries, USA, Japan) and 1968 Vienna (more recent, most countries). France signs both, so the French licence is recognised under both.

How to obtain: ANTS procedure

Since May 2020, international permit is obtained exclusively online at ants.gouv.fr. Steps: create or log in to ANTS account; select "Request international permit"; fill info, upload compliant ID photo (online ePhoto accepted) and photocopy of French licence; submit. Application is free. Announced time: 15-30 business days, but practically 1-3 months end-2025/early 2026, with peaks at 4-5 months in pre-summer demand peaks.

Tips to speed up

Several good practices. Apply 4-6 months before departure (safety margin). Check photo (mandatory format, light background, clear face). Check licence: paper or plastic, but expired one refused. During delay, track request in ANTS account. If delay > 2 months, contact ANTS via secure message. Delivery by signed registered mail.

Validity of international permit

International permit is valid 3 years from issuance. Always tied to a valid French licence - if French is cancelled or invalidated, international loses validity. Note: some countries require an international permit less than 6 months old on entry (China for some agencies, Russia in some cases). Check with country embassy before departure.

Countries where IDP is mandatory

Dozens of countries require IDP to drive. Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar. Oceania: Australia (stays > 3 months), New Zealand. Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, Madagascar. Americas: Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Ecuador. Some Middle East: Iran, Jordan. And some former Balkans and post-Soviet countries.

Countries where strongly recommended

Even when not mandatory, IDP simplifies rental and road-check formalities. USA (some states, notably Alaska, Hawaii). Canada (for non-English-speaking francophones). Some Eastern countries (Serbia, Montenegro). Japan (mandatory differently: JAF translation). South-East Asia (even if some accept French licence, rental agencies often ask IDP).

Countries where unnecessary

In the EU and European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) + Switzerland, French licence alone suffices. No formality, no complementary document needed. Same for most Maghreb countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria) and francophone West Africa countries (Senegal, Ivory Coast). UK for touristic stays under 12 months.

International permit limits

A few limits to know. 3-year validity only (renew if repeated use). Doesn't replace national licence (always present together). Only covers categories held in France (B, A, C, D, etc.) - to drive a motorhome > 3.5 t abroad, you need French C + IDP. Some countries have their own distinct official translations (Japan = JAF), even though France signs Geneva and Vienna.

Travel documents to carry

For smooth driving abroad. Original French licence (plastic card recommended). International IDP (blue cardboard booklet, 8 translated pages). ID or passport. International green-card insurance. Registration (personal vehicle). Accommodation or rental proof (some countries). A pen to fill out amicable reports if accident.

Renewal and loss

Renewal like first application (free, online ANTS). You can hold several at once (e.g. one for Americas, one for Asia). In case of loss, declare loss at gendarmerie/police, then request duplicate via ANTS (€15). Theft abroad: go to French embassy or consulate for temporary travel document.

Scams to avoid

International permit is free in France. Several fraudulent sites offer to "deliver" an IDP for €30-70. They merely forward your request to ANTS (or provide a worthless document). Always go directly to ants.gouv.fr. Only official French state site.

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