I am heading to Costa Rica in three weeks and I’m planning to rent a car. I’m not sure if I need to apply for an IDP. Where are international licenses required to legally drive?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Knowing which countries recognize an international driving permit (IDP) is a good idea. Over 186 countries acknowledge an international driving permit as a valid form of identification.
And there are a few countries that require U.S. residents to have an IDP to drive there. Here’s where you need an international driving permit to legally drive:
Austria
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Croatia
Czech Republic
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Slovakia
Spain
If you’re not sure whether you need an IDP where you’re traveling, check with the country’s embassy or consulate in your country or look under the Travel Advice and Advisory on your government’s website.
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