International driving permit
The international driving permit supplements a national licence for driving abroad. It never replaces the Swiss licence in Switzerland.
What this document is for
The international driving permit can only be issued to a person domiciled in Switzerland who already holds a national licence, whether Swiss or foreign (art. 46 para. 1 OAC). It supplements that national licence for driving abroad, on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 (SR 0.741.10).
An international permit issued on the basis of a Swiss licence is not valid in Switzerland: it may only be used abroad, alongside the national licence.
Validity period
The international driving permit is valid for three years, never exceeding the validity period of the national licence on which it is based (art. 46 para. 2 OAC).
Where to apply
Cantons may authorise road-user associations to issue these permits to holders of Swiss licences; in practice, the TCS and the ACS are mandated to do so (art. 46 para. 3 OAC).
If the Swiss licence is withdrawn
If the national licence is withdrawn or its validity restricted, the international permit is withdrawn for the same period (art. 46 para. 4 OAC).