Country by country
The rule that matters on a multi-country trip is the strictest one on the route: you carry a permit for the whole journey or you do not. Here the strictest is Thailand (required).
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Thailand Required
A foreign license alone is not accepted in Thailand - an IDP is. Carry both, and note the IDP is valid for one year.
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India Required
India recognizes an international driving permit for visitors, valid up to one year or until your visa expires. Carry it with your US license - the permit is not valid on its own.
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United Arab Emirates Not required
The UAE names the United States among the countries whose citizens may rent and drive on their home license. An IDP is mandatory only for nationalities not on that list. Rental firms may still ask for one as company policy.
| Destination | IDP | What the rule says |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Required | A foreign license alone is not accepted in Thailand - an IDP is. Carry both, and note the IDP is valid for one year. |
| India | Required | India recognizes an international driving permit for visitors, valid up to one year or until your visa expires. Carry it with your US license - the permit is not valid on its own. |
| United Arab Emirates | Not required | The UAE names the United States among the countries whose citizens may rent and drive on their home license. An IDP is mandatory only for nationalities not on that list. Rental firms may still ask for one as company policy. |
Driving on a licence from somewhere else?
Every answer above assumes a US licence. Open this trip in the checker to switch the issuing country, add or remove destinations, and see the verdicts change.
Other trips
Informational only, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm with the destination's embassy or your automobile association before you drive.