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Today, many people travel abroad by their own car or rent a car in other countries. One of the most important documents for this is a driver's license.

The difference between a national and an international driver's license, their use and requirements for traveling abroad are described below.

National driving license vs. International driving license

A national driver's license is an official document confirming the right to drive vehicles in the territory of the country that issued the document. 

In Ukraine and many other countries, the national license has international standards and complies with the format adopted by the Convention on Road Traffic, 1968 (Vienna Convention). This means that such a license is considered valid in many countries that have signed this convention.

Important points! The newly issued national driving license (plastic, Latin alphabet) allows the driver to travel without additional documents in the countries that have signed the Vienna Convention.

This license is valid in most European countries, including the EU, as well as in some countries in Asia and Africa.

International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that acts as a supplement to a national driving license. It is translated into several languages and contains information about your driving privileges. 

The international permit is issued on the basis of the national one, but it is not an independent document. That is, it has no legal force without a national license.

An international license is usually required in the following cases:

• In countries that have not signed the Vienna Convention (for example, the United States, Canada, Australia).

• In countries where English or another international language is not the main language and the national license may not be recognized or understood.

• If you plan to rent a car in countries where an international license is required.

Features of an international driver's license:

• It is valid for 1-3 years (depending on the country of issue).

• It is issued on the basis of your national driving license, which must be valid at the time of receiving the IDP.

• It contains translation of basic information into 8 languages, including English, French, Spanish, and German.

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The main differences between the national and international driving license

• Area of validity:

The national license is valid in countries that recognize documents according to international standards (especially in the countries of the Vienna Convention).

The international license is required for traveling to countries that do not recognize national documents without additional confirmation.

• Form of the document:

A national ID can be issued in the form of a plastic card with information in your native language and Latin.

The international certificate is a paper booklet translated into several languages.

• Validity period:

The validity of the national certificate depends on the country that issued it (in Ukraine it is 10 years).

An international certificate has a shorter validity period - from 1 to 3 years.

Is it possible to travel abroad with only a national ID?

Yes, in many European countries and other states that have signed the Vienna Convention, it is sufficient to have only a national license. 

However, when traveling to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or some countries in Africa and Asia, an international driver's license may be required. 

In addition, when renting a car, some companies may require an international license even in countries where a national document is recognized as valid.

How to get an international driving license in Ukraine?

To obtain an international driver's license in Ukraine, you need to contact a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the following documents:

- A valid national driver's license.

- Passport of a citizen of Ukraine.

- Photographs of the prescribed form.

- Receipt of payment for services.

International and national driver's licenses have different areas of validity, but both documents are important for those who plan to travel abroad by car. The national license is valid in most European countries and signatories to the Vienna Convention, while the international one may be required in those countries where the national document is not recognized. 

It is recommended that you always check the requirements of the country you plan to visit before traveling to avoid problems during your trip.

Also do not forget that to travel abroad you need a Green Card, which may be necessary in case of an accident abroad. You can buy a Green Card quickly and easily on the Visit Ukraine portal. Issue an insurance policy for the required period in just a couple of minutes. Ready insurance will be sent to your email immediately.

At the same time, drivers in Ukraine must have not international insurance, but motor third party insurance, which is a compulsory insurance for car owners in Ukraine that compensates for the losses that the victim will receive in the event of an accident, namely, damage to the life, health and property of the participant in the accident. It is better to buy insurance online, because it is quick and easy. You can also buy a CMTPL insurance policy from a licensed insurer on the VU portal. Packages with deductible of 3200 UAH, 1600 UAH and 0 UAH are available. 

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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