Global IDP Team · 2026-08-01 · 9 min read
If your permanent driving license is lost, expired, being renewed, or you've just passed your test, your licensing authority may issue you an interim driver's license — a temporary paper or digital document that legally lets you drive while the plastic card is produced and mailed.
The big question for travelers: can you use an interim license abroad, rent a car with it, or apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) with it? Here's the complete answer.
What is an interim driver's license?
An interim driver's license (also called a temporary license, paper license, or temporary paper permit) is an official document issued by your DMV, DVLA, or equivalent authority that grants full or restricted driving privileges for a limited period — typically 30 to 90 days — while your permanent card is processed.
Common reasons you'd hold one:
- You just passed your driving test and the card hasn't arrived yet
- You renewed your license and are waiting for the new card
- Your license was lost or stolen and a replacement is in production
- You changed state, province, or country of residence
- Your license was reinstated after a suspension
- You changed your name or address
Typical characteristics:
Feature · Interim license · Permanent license ·
--- · --- · --- ·
Format · Paper printout or PDF · Plastic photo card ·
Photo · Often none · Always ·
Validity · 30–90 days · 3–10 years ·
Domestic driving · Valid · Valid ·
International recognition · Very limited · Widely accepted ·
Accepted by car rental firms · Rarely · Yes ·
Is an interim driver's license valid for international travel?
In most cases, no — not on its own. The 1949 and 1968 road traffic conventions that govern international driving recognise a *valid national driving licence*. Foreign police officers and rental desks are trained to check a photo-bearing card issued by a national authority. A paper interim document with no photograph:
- Cannot easily be verified as genuine by foreign officials
- Often does not appear in the visual guides rental staff use
- May expire mid-trip, leaving you driving unlicensed
- Is frequently listed as unacceptable in rental terms and conditions
Some countries and rental companies do accept interim licenses when accompanied by photo ID and proof of issue, but this is the exception. Never plan an overseas driving trip around an interim license.
Can I rent a car with an interim driver's license?
Almost all major rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget — require a full, valid, photo driving license held for at least 1–3 years. Their published counter policies typically state that temporary, provisional, or paper licenses are not accepted, especially for cross-border or international rentals.
If your permanent card hasn't arrived before your trip, your practical options are:
- Request expedited issuance of the permanent card from your licensing authority
- Delay the rental until the card arrives
- Ask the rental company in writing whether they'll accept the interim document plus passport — get the confirmation in an email you can show at the counter
- Use a named driver who holds a full license
Will rental agencies in Italy, Spain, or the USA accept a temporary license?
This is one of the most common questions travelers ask, because Italy, Spain, and the USA are top driving destinations. In all three markets, the answer is almost always the same: major rental agencies require a permanent plastic license.
Italy
Italian rental desks and traffic police are strict about documentation. Most agencies require a full EU or equivalent photo license held for at least one year, and non-EU drivers are usually expected to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home license. A temporary or interim paper license is generally not accepted in Italy.
Spain
Spain follows a similar pattern. Large rental chains at airports and train stations require a permanent photo card. Some smaller local agencies may accept an interim license with extra ID, but this is the exception and should never be assumed — always confirm before you book.
USA
In the United States, corporate rental policies at Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Alamo require a valid permanent license. State laws vary, but the rental counter's policy is what matters at pickup. A temporary paper license from another country is very unlikely to be accepted for an international visitor's rental.
Country · Typical interim-license policy for rentals ·
--- · --- ·
Italy · Not accepted by major agencies; IDP + permanent license usually required ·
Spain · Not accepted by major chains; local operators may vary ·
USA · Not accepted by corporate rental desks; permanent license required ·
If Italy, Spain, or the USA is on your itinerary, plan to have your permanent license and a valid IDP before you travel. See our dedicated guides for driving in Italy, driving in Spain, and driving in the USA.
Can I get an International Driving Permit with an interim license?
An IDP is a translation of an existing valid driving license — it is never a standalone licence. That means the underlying license must be:
- Valid and unexpired
- Issued by a recognised national or state authority
- Legible, with your full name, date of birth, license number, categories, and issue/expiry dates
- Ideally photo-bearing
Because an interim license often lacks a photo and expires within weeks, most IDP issuers — including us — cannot process an application based on an interim document alone. If your interim license does carry a photograph, a license number, and clear category and expiry information, it may be acceptable; if in doubt, contact our team with a scan before you order.
Also remember: an IDP's usefulness is tied to your underlying license. Even a perfectly issued IDP is worthless abroad if the license it translates has expired mid-trip.
What should I do if my trip is soon and my card hasn't arrived?
- Check the production timeline with your licensing authority and ask about expedited or same-day counter issuance
- Order a duplicate if the original was lost — duplicates are often faster than renewals
- Carry all paperwork: interim license, passport, receipt of application, and any online license-status printout
- Apply for your IDP as soon as the permanent card arrives — with us, the digital version is delivered fast, so a late-arriving card doesn't have to cancel your trip. See how to get an International Driving Permit for the full process
- Adjust the itinerary to trains, transfers, or driver services if the card won't arrive in time
Is an interim license the same as a provisional or learner's license?
No. A provisional or learner's permit means you have not yet passed the full driving test and may only drive under supervision — it is never valid abroad and never eligible for an IDP. An interim license means you *do* hold full driving privileges; only the physical card is pending. The distinction matters, but for international purposes both are treated cautiously by rental firms and foreign police.
Does an interim license expire before my IDP?
It can, and that's the core risk. IDPs issued under the 1949 convention are valid for one year, and our documents can cover 1, 2, or 3 years. If the underlying license expires in 45 days, your permit becomes meaningless the moment that happens. Always match your IDP to a permanent license with a long remaining validity — see our IDP validity guide for details.
Are you eligible for an IDP right now? (60-second check)
Use this checklist against the document currently in your hand. You need every box ticked to apply:
Check · Eligible · Not eligible ·
--- · --- · --- ·
License type · Full, permanent license · Interim, provisional, or learner's permit ·
Photograph · Photo printed on the document · No photo ·
Validity remaining · Longer than the IDP term you want · Expires within weeks ·
Details legible · Name, DOB, license number, categories, issue/expiry all readable · Missing or unreadable fields ·
Issuer · National, state, or provincial authority · Third-party or unofficial document ·
If every row is in the left column: you can apply today — start your IDP application.
If any row is in the right column: wait for your permanent card, then apply. Meanwhile, check what your destination requires with our eligibility checker on the homepage or read how to get an International Driving Permit.
Your next steps with a temporary paper license
- Confirm your permanent card's arrival date with your licensing authority and request expedited issuance if your trip is close
- Check your destination's rules — some countries require an IDP even for short visits (see country guides)
- Ask your rental company in writing whether the interim document is acceptable, and keep the reply
- Apply for your IDP the day your permanent card arrives — the digital version is issued fast, so a late card doesn't have to cancel your trip
- Not sure your document qualifies? Send us a scan and we'll confirm eligibility before you pay
Check my eligibility and apply →
Quick answers
Can I drive abroad with an interim driver's license? Generally no. Most countries and rental firms require a permanent photo license.
Can I get an IDP with an interim license? Usually not — the underlying license normally must be a permanent, photo-bearing card.
How long is an interim license valid? Typically 30–90 days, depending on the issuing authority.
Is an interim license the same as a provisional license? No — interim means full privileges pending the card; provisional means you haven't passed the full test.
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*Once your permanent license arrives, get your International Driving Permit here — digital delivery is fast enough for last-minute trips.*
Disclaimer: *Global IDP is a private translation service. We are not affiliated with any government agency. The documents we provide are translations of your existing driving license and do not replace your valid domestic license.*
Can I drive abroad with an interim driver's license?
Generally no. Most countries and rental firms require a permanent photo license. An interim paper license is rarely accepted abroad.
Can I rent a car with an interim driver's license?
Almost all major rental companies require a full, valid, photo driving license held for at least 1–3 years. Temporary or paper licenses are usually not accepted.
Can I get an International Driving Permit with an interim license?
Usually not. An IDP is a translation of an existing valid license, and most issuers require a permanent, photo-bearing license.
Will rental agencies in Italy, Spain, or the USA accept a temporary license?
Major agencies in Italy, Spain, and the USA almost always require a permanent plastic license. Some local operators may be flexible, but confirm in writing before booking.
How long is an interim driver's license valid?
Typically 30 to 90 days, depending on the issuing authority.
Is an interim license the same as a provisional or learner's license?
No. An interim license means you hold full driving privileges while waiting for the card. A provisional or learner's permit means you have not passed the full test and must drive under supervision.
What makes me eligible for an International Driving Permit?
You need a full, permanent, photo-bearing driving license from a national or state authority, with legible details and validity longer than the IDP term you want. Interim, provisional, and learner's documents do not qualify.
What should I do if my permanent license has not arrived before my trip?
Ask your licensing authority for expedited issuance, confirm rental policies in writing, and apply for your IDP as soon as the permanent card arrives — the digital permit is issued quickly for last-minute travel.