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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you might ask, in one place.

Six topics, 40+ answers, ranked by how often we get the question. Can't find what you need? Our chat team is online 24/7.

Getting started

What is an International Driving Permit? +

An IDP is a UN-sanctioned translation of your domestic driver's license. It is recognised by signatory countries to the 1949 and 1968 Geneva conventions on road traffic. It does not replace your domestic license — you must carry both.

Who is eligible to apply? +

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, non-expired domestic driver's license. Some countries (e.g. Japan) require a license issued at least 6 months before applying for an IDP.

How fast will I get my permit? +

The digital version arrives in your inbox in 8 minutes with Express Processing, or up to 2 hours on the standard tier. The printed booklet ships in 3–5 business days; international shipping varies from 5–10 business days.

What if I haven't received it on time? +

You're covered by our on-time guarantee. If your physical permit doesn't arrive in the promised window we will overnight a replacement at our cost.

Coverage and acceptance

Which countries accept the GlobePass IDP? +

The IDP is recognised in 189+ countries that are signatories to the UN conventions. Browse our full country list for specifics.

What's the difference between the 1949 and 1968 conventions? +

Most countries accept both. The 1968 convention is the modern standard with broader language coverage; the 1949 convention is still required in several states (USA, Japan, India). Our Print + Digital plan covers both, so you're always compliant.

Is it valid in my country if I'm a citizen there? +

No. The IDP is only valid outside the country that issued your domestic license. You must carry both documents while driving abroad.

Do I need it for the EU if I live in the EU? +

No. EU licenses are recognised across all EU member states without an IDP. If you live outside the EU and visit, you do need one.

Validity and renewal

How long is my IDP valid? +

1 year, 2 years, or 3 years depending on the plan you choose. Validity starts the day the digital permit is issued.

Can I extend or renew? +

Yes. We send a renewal email 30 days before expiry. You can renew in 2 minutes from your account dashboard — no need to re-upload documents.

What if my domestic license expires before my IDP? +

The IDP is only valid while your underlying domestic license is valid. If your domestic license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time left on the booklet.

Documents required

What do I need to upload? +

A clear photo of the front and back of your domestic driver's license, plus a passport-style photo of yourself. That's it.

Are scans okay, or do I need to use my phone camera? +

Either works. Phone photos are fastest. The system rejects blurry or cropped images and asks for a retake.

What if my license is in a non-Latin script? +

That's exactly what the IDP is for. Upload it as-is — our translators handle the rest.

Shipping, delivery and physical permits

Where do you ship? +

Worldwide, including PO boxes, military addresses, and most hotel/Airbnb addresses with a confirmed reservation.

Can I track my shipment? +

Yes. Tracking links are emailed when the package leaves our Dubai warehouse and update at every checkpoint.

What if it gets lost in transit? +

We ship a replacement at our cost. Most lost packages are detected by our system before the customer notices.

Refunds and guarantees

What's your refund policy? +

Full refund within 24 hours of purchase, no questions asked, for any reason. After 24 hours, refunds are governed by our guarantees (acceptance, on-time, lost in transit).

How do I claim under the acceptance guarantee? +

Open a chat and tell us the rental desk or officer refused your permit. Send a photo, email or written note as evidence. Refund processed within 5 business days.

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