International Driver’s License Insurance: Can You Buy Insurance With an IDP?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

An International Driving Permit (IDP)—sometimes casually called an “international driver’s license”—can make it easier to drive legally while traveling because it translates your home country license into multiple languages.

But can you buy car insurance in the U.S. with an IDP? In many cases, yes—especially if you’re renting a car or working with an insurer that accepts foreign licenses. The details depend on your state, how long you’re staying, and whether you’re renting, borrowing, or buying a vehicle.

Below is a practical, updated guide to how IDPs work in the United States and the most realistic ways to get coverage.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your home country license—not a standalone license—so you usually need to carry both while driving.
You can often buy U.S. car insurance with a foreign license/IDP, but requirements vary by state and insurer—rental car coverage is usually the easiest option for visitors.
Most U.S. states require liability insurance (New Hampshire is the main exception), so make sure your rental or policy meets minimum requirements where you’ll drive.
For long-term residents, the ability to get a state license (including in states that allow licenses regardless of immigration status) is often more important than having an IDP.

Table Of Contents

What an International Driving Permit Is (and Isn’t)
Do You Need an IDP to Drive in the United States?
How to Get an IDP
Can You Buy Car Insurance With an IDP?
Best Insurance Options for IDP Holders
Car Insurance for Undocumented Residents
U.S. Car Insurance Requirements
FAQs About Buying Car Insurance With an International Driving Permit
Final Word on IDP Car Insurance

What an International Driving Permit Is (and Isn’t)

An IDP is not a standalone driver’s license. It’s a standardized translation of your valid foreign license, designed to help law enforcement and rental companies read your license information.

In general, you should carry both your home country driver’s license and your IDP when driving. A helpful overview is available on the U.S. government’s site here: Driving in the U.S. if you are not a citizen.

Watch out for scams: Some websites sell fake “international driver’s licenses.” The FTC has warned consumers about these IDP scams—especially sites claiming they can issue official IDPs for U.S. licenses outside authorized channels. Learn more here: FTC: Avoid international driving permit scams.

Do You Need an IDP to Drive in the United States?

It depends. Some states accept a valid foreign license for visitors, while others may require an IDP (or recommend it) as a translation—especially if your license is not in English.

Because rules can vary, the safest approach is to carry an IDP if you have one and confirm requirements with the DMV (or rental car company) in the state where you’ll be driving.

How to Get an IDP

In most cases, you should get your IDP before you travel from an authorized organization in the same country that issued your driver’s license.

If you have a U.S.-issued driver’s license and need an IDP for travel abroad, AAA is one commonly used option. (Membership isn’t always required, but people often ask about AAA benefits—here’s our breakdown: Is a AAA membership worth it?)

Can You Buy Car Insurance With an IDP?

Often, yes—but an IDP usually isn’t enough by itself. Most insurers and rental companies will want your valid home country driver’s license (and sometimes additional documents like a passport and a U.S. address).

In practice, your best option depends on your situation:

Renting a car for a trip: Rental car coverage is usually the simplest solution.
Borrowing a friend’s/relative’s car: Their policy may cover permissive drivers, but you should confirm before driving.
Buying/owning a car in the U.S.: You may need a traditional U.S. auto policy, and some insurers may require a U.S. license (or additional underwriting).

Best Insurance Options for IDP Holders

Option 1: Rental Car Insurance

For most short-term visitors, rental car insurance is the most straightforward path to legal coverage.

Rental companies typically offer:

Liability coverage (to help pay for injuries/damage you cause to others)
Damage protection (often called a damage waiver) to reduce or eliminate what you owe if the rental car is damaged or stolen

If you want a clear explanation of what those add-ons mean, start here: Rental car insurance explained.

Option 2: Short-Term or Temporary Coverage

If you’re in the U.S. temporarily (for example, visiting family, studying, or working short-term) and need coverage outside of a rental, you may be able to find temporary or short-term car insurance solutions depending on the state and insurer.

Learn how these policies usually work (and common limitations) here: Temporary and short-term car insurance.

Option 3: Buying a U.S. Policy With a Foreign License

Some insurers will sell a standard auto policy to drivers with foreign licenses (often including international students, new residents, and certain visa holders). Requirements vary widely, and you may need a U.S. garaging address and other documentation.

If you’re comparing options as a non-U.S. citizen, this guide may help: Car insurance for foreigners and non-U.S. citizens.

Car Insurance for Undocumented Residents

If you live in the U.S. long-term, an IDP isn’t usually the main issue—your ability to get a state driver’s license (or driving privilege card) matters more.

As of recent updates, 19 states and Washington, D.C. have enacted laws allowing residents to obtain a driver’s license regardless of immigration status (with varying requirements and license types). A frequently updated summary is available here: NCSL: States offering driver’s licenses to immigrants.

For a deeper explanation of the insurance side, read: Getting car insurance as an undocumented immigrant.

States and jurisdictions with programs for otherwise-eligible residents include:

U.S. Car Insurance Requirements

Almost every state requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. New Hampshire is the main exception, although drivers can still be required to show financial responsibility in certain situations.

While minimums vary by state, requirements commonly include:

Liability coverage (often written as split limits like 25/50/25), which includes bodily injury liability and property damage liability. For a full breakdown, see auto liability insurance explained.
Medical coverage in some states, such as personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in many states—learn what it does here: Do you need uninsured motorist coverage?

If you’re renting, the key is to make sure you have liability coverage that meets the requirements where you’ll be driving. If you’re borrowing someone’s car, confirm how their policy treats permissive drivers before you get on the road.

FAQs About Buying Car Insurance With an International Driving Permit

Can I Buy Car Insurance in the U.S. With an IDP?

Often, yes. Many insurers will consider a policy if you have a valid foreign driver’s license and (if required) an IDP as a translation. Some companies may still require a U.S. driver’s license or additional documents depending on the state and your situation.

Is an IDP the Same as an International Driver’s License?

No. An IDP is a standardized translation of your valid home country license. It does not replace your driver’s license and is usually only valid when carried with your original license.

Do I Need an IDP to Rent a Car in the United States?

It depends on the rental company and the state. Many rental companies accept a valid foreign license, but they may require an IDP if your license is not in English or if local rules require a translation.

What’s the Best Insurance Option for a Short Trip to the U.S.?

For most visitors, rental car insurance is the simplest choice because it’s designed for short stays. If you are not renting, you may need a short-term solution depending on the state and whether an insurer will write a policy for a foreign license.

If I Borrow a Friend’s Car, Am I Automatically Insured?

Not automatically. Some policies cover permissive drivers, but coverage depends on the owner’s policy rules and whether you are excluded or considered a regular driver in the household. Always confirm coverage before driving.

Does Liability Insurance Cover Damage to the Car I’m Driving?

No. Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others. To cover damage to the vehicle you’re driving, you usually need collision/comprehensive coverage, a rental damage waiver, or another form of vehicle damage protection.

What Documents Might Insurers Ask For if I Have a Foreign License?

It varies, but insurers commonly ask for your foreign driver’s license details, a U.S. garaging address, passport or other ID, and sometimes proof of residency or a longer-term immigration status depending on the policy type and state.

Final Word on IDP Car Insurance

An IDP can make driving in the U.S. easier, but it doesn’t replace a valid driver’s license—and it doesn’t automatically come with insurance.

If you’re visiting short-term, rental car insurance is usually the simplest way to get properly covered. If you’re staying longer or buying a car, you may be able to purchase a standard U.S. policy with a foreign license, but requirements vary by insurer and state—so it’s smart to compare options and confirm documentation needs before you commit.

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