What is an IDP?

An international driving permit is a supplementary document to your valid driver’s license. It will translate your license into multiple languages to make it easier for foreign authorities to understand your driving privileges.

Anyone who plans to drive overseas and who does not have a local license will need this document to drive legally.

There is a lot of information conveyed in an IDP and some slight differences depending on the issuing country. However, they generally follow the same model. 

Make sure you obtain an IDP for your trip to Vietnam. An IDL is not legally valid in Vietnem. Even if Vietnam is listed in the countries that it applies to, the local police will not accept it. 

What does an IDP look like?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) typically looks like a small booklet, similar in size to a passport. 

Here is a general description of its appearance:

Booklet Format: It’s a small, multi-page booklet, often with a cover in the issuing country’s official language.

Photo and Information: Inside, you’ll find a passport-sized photo of the IDP holder, along with their personal information (name, date of birth, etc.) and details of their driving license.

Translations: The key feature of an IDP is that it includes translations of the driver’s license information into multiple languages. These languages usually include English, Spanish, French, and others, depending on the issuing country.

Issuing Authority: The IDP will also indicate the issuing authority, which is typically an automobile association or a government agency in the driver’s home country.

Please note: The exact appearance of an IDP may vary slightly depending on the country that issues it. However, the general format and the inclusion of translated information remain consistent.

What information is included in an IDP?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) contains key information translated from your valid domestic driver’s license into several languages. It’s designed to make it easier for foreign authorities to understand your driving credentials. Here’s a breakdown of the typical information included:

Personal Information:
– Full Name
– Date of Birth
– Place of Birth (sometimes)
– Photo of the IDP holder
– Driver’s License Information (translated):

Driver’s License Number
– Date of Issue
– Date of Expiry
– Categories of Vehicles the holder is permitted to drive (e.g., cars, motorcycles, trucks) – This is often indicated using standardized international symbols.
– Issuing Authority Information:

Name of the issuing organization (e.g., AAA in the US)
– Country of issue
– Official stamp or seal
– Other Information:
– The IDP might also include a signature of the holder.
– Some IDPs might have a section for endorsements or restrictions, if any, on the driver’s license.

What are the different types of IDP? 

There are 03 different types of IDP and they all have different validity in different countries. They are the 1926, 1949 and the 1968 convention. 

In Vietnam, ONLY the 1968 convention is accepted.