International Driving Licence: Useful or Mandatory?

At a glance

Hitting the road or hiring a car or motorbike abroad? Check whether you need an international driving licence.

You're about to hit the road or hire a car or motorbike abroad? Check whether you need an international driving licence.

The European driving licence

From a certain category of motor vehicle onwards, every driver must hold a driving licence.

All European Union countries recognise the Belgian driving licence (old model) and the European driving licence. Driving licences issued between 01/10/1998 and 30/04/2013 are valid until 19/01/2033 at the latest. Make sure the photo on your driving licence is recognisable.

Since 07/07/2010, Belgium has issued a new model of European driving licence. This is the size of a bank card and has a validity of 10 years.

Read here how to renew your European driving licence. .

What is the international driving licence?

The international driving licence is a document that supplements your national/European driving licence, making it easier for your driving qualifications to be understood abroad. It translates the information from your original licence into English and is recognised in more than 150 countries. This document is particularly useful when driving or hiring a vehicle in a country where the official language differs from that of your national licence.

The international driving licence has no legal value and therefore does not replace your national driving licence. It is valid for a period of three years from the date of issue. If the national driving licence is valid for a shorter period, the international driving licence takes on this validity date^[1].

Why apply for an international driving licence?

For trips to countries outside the European Union, we recommend having an international driving licence. This document can prove essential in several situations, including in the event of:

Police checks: During a roadside check, showing an international licence can make communication easier and immediately prove to the officer that you are authorised to drive, particularly in countries where the language barrier can be an obstacle.
Renting a vehicle: Many rental agencies require an international licence to hire a vehicle, as it provides clear assurance of your ability to drive in accordance with internationally recognised licence categories.
Road accidents: In the event of an accident, the international driving licence allows local authorities and insurance companies to quickly verify your driving information, which can speed up administrative procedures or insurance claims.

Please note:

During a check, you must always be able to present your international driving licence together with your national/European driving licence. The international driving licence certifies the validity of your national/European licence.
If you are registered in Belgium, you cannot drive in Belgium using an international driving licence alone. In that case, you must always have a Belgian licence.

How do you obtain an international driving licence?

The international driving licence is issued by the municipal administration of the municipality where you are domiciled. When applying for the international licence, you will need the following documents:

a recent passport photo
your identity card
your valid Belgian driving licence

The cost of a licence varies depending on the municipality issuing it. Generally allow a few days to obtain the licence!

What should you do if your international driving licence is lost, stolen or expired?

In that case, you can apply for a new copy from your municipality, as explained above. Please note: if you are abroad, the Belgian consulate will not be able to issue you a duplicate of your driving licence or a new international licence!

International driving licence: our tips

Do you hold a Belgian driving licence (old model)? Although the Belgian driving licence (old model, with vehicle category punched) is valid in European Union countries, it is better to apply for a European driving licence (recent model) if you are travelling by car in a European country or wish to drive a vehicle there. This is particularly the case if your driving licence shows a (very) old photo or if you wish to hire a vehicle abroad.
Have you been fined in a neighbouring country? Even if you hold a valid driving licence, you can ask your administration for a certificate confirming your Belgian national driving licence, to attach to your file when contesting the fine.
Are you travelling outside the European Union (e.g. USA, Canada, Russia, Africa, Asia, etc.)? We recommend finding out in good time whether you are required to have an international driving licence. Even if it is not officially mandatory, it is always safer (if not essential) to have an international driving licence for these destinations. The embassy or tourist office of the country concerned, as well as your travel agency, can inform you about the required documents.
Several countries require foreign drivers from outside the European Union to present an international driving licence. If this applies to you, check the latest driving licence requirements with the relevant authorities or the embassy of your destination country.
In China, the international driving licence is not valid. If you wish to drive there, you will need to obtain a Chinese driving licence, either a temporary one for the duration of your stay or a permanent one if you reside in the country.
When renting a car abroad, make sure you are properly insured. Car hire normally always includes third-party liability cover, but there are also other guarantees depending on your needs. Find out in advance and compare the offers and conditions of different rental companies.
Taking your own vehicle on the road? Don't forget your insurance card (formerly the green card).