International driving permit - US???

[Curlybrunette]

Hi,
I just happened to be talking to my dad today about driving abroad (we're both going on separate holidays next week and both driving abroad for the first time), and he mentioned about getting his international driving permit. I've never heard of this, didn't realise I needed one, I'll be driving in California, do I need one???
It's not expensive, only £5.50 but it's a bit of a faff as I'll have to get passport pics done and the post office is quite far away.
The guidelines I've read are a bit ambiguous....what do you think?

Thank you

Actually I think I've just found the answer myself. this is on the California department of motor vehicles website:

"International Driving Permits
The State of California does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a valid driver license. California does recognize a valid driver license that is issued by a foreign jurisdiction (country, state, territory) of which the license holder is a resident.

The IDP is only a translation of information contained on a person's foreign driver license and is not required to operate a motor vehicle in California. Citations issued to a person in California who has an IDP, but does not have a California driver license will be placed on the Department of Motor Vehicle database."

So I think we don't need an IDP unless our driving licenses were in Chinese or something so the information not easily transferrable (to someone unable to read Chinese!)

You just need your normal driving licence. I had no problem hiring a car in Florida last year, or hiring a car in California 31 years ago.

Normal UK driving licence is fine for most (if not all) US states and other countries, provided you are only visiting

I got back from California last month. We didn't need the IDL at all. None of the hire car places asked for it.

Great, thanks guys.

I had a last minute panic but won't bother with the IDL

Just ensure you take the paper part of your DL as well as the photo card if you hold the new style license. Some rental companies are very particular about this. (Former travel agent of many years)

If you still have the very old green/pink license like me that on its own is fine.

The most recent licenses don't have a paper counterpart, so you only need the card, if you have this style. HTH

When did that change Chippy?
I renewed my licence 3 years ago and got a paper counterpart as well as the card.

Must've been in the last couple of years - I got the photocard and counterpart when we moved house 12 years ago, then had to renew the photocard after 10 years, I think, so just have a photocard now.

Very good point raised by Chippy with regards to the latest licenses being issued without the paper counterpart.

If you DO have this type of license - would have been issued within the last 3 or 4 years if my memory serves me correctly - you are strongly advised to obtain a check code via the following website before you leave. (It is to enable the hire company to check your driving record if you don't have an official paper part showing any points etc.) www.gov.uk/driving-abroad

In fairness, I understand many car hire companies don't bother checking these from what I hear but much better to be safe than sorry.