One document, many names
"IDP", "IDP license", "IDP licence", "IDL" and "international license" all point to the same thing: an International Driving Permit that accompanies your domestic license. Kuwait issues it through KIAC. The step-by-step guide is here.
Key facts
| Item | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Issuer in Kuwait | Kuwait International Automobile Club (KIAC), authorised by the Ministry of Interior, Traffic Department |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Who can apply | Holders of a Kuwaiti license; address must match the license; temporary licenses are not accepted |
| Non-residents | Reported as not allowed to apply for a Kuwait-issued IDP |
| Validity | One year according to KIAC; a third-party site says up to three years for the 1968 type, never beyond your domestic license |
| Conventions | A third-party site says Kuwait recognises IDPs of the 1949 and 1968 types |
- Official sources for this topic are thin. We could not open an official GDT or KIAC page with the full details, so the points below come from the club's own wording where we could confirm it and from third-party guides where we could not. Always confirm with KIAC or the GDT before you rely on it.
Checklist before you ask for an IDP
- Your Kuwaiti license is valid and not temporary: check the date, or renew it
- The address on your application matches the license
- Your documents are ready: license copy (front and back), passport copy, Civil ID copy and photos
- You know the destination rules: not every country accepts every IDP type
- You have confirmed the current charge and form with KIAC
IDP vs. Kuwaiti license
The IDP does not replace the license issued by the GDT. If you are still working towards your license, start with New driving license and practise with the free practice test. If you are visiting Kuwait instead, read international driver's license in Kuwait.
Sources
- Kuwait International Automobile Club (KIAC): official club website: Click here
- International Driving Permit information site: Kuwait: Click here
- Wikiprocedure: Kuwait, International Driver License (IDL): Click here
Compiled October 2026. This site is independent and not affiliated with the Kuwait International Automobile Club or the government. Rules and offices change: confirm before you act.
Frequently asked questions
What is an IDP license in Kuwait?
An International Driving Permit: a translation of your Kuwaiti license, issued by KIAC, that you carry with your license when you drive abroad.
How much is the IDP in Kuwait?
KIAC does not publish a fee on the pages we could open, and we do not list unverified prices. Ask KIAC for the current charge.
Can I get an IDP with a temporary license?
No. Reports say a temporary or interim license cannot be used.
IDP licence or IDP license: which spelling is right?
Both are used and they mean the same thing.