International Drivers Permit
 

We're coming to the US in July from tge UK to do a West Coast road trip. We'll be driving in Washington, California, Oregon, Nevada and possibly Arizona. We've hired a car with Budget car rental.

Do we need an IDP for any of these states? It says recommended for UK licence holders, but our nearest post office that does these isn't that close, so I won't bother if it's not necessary.

An IDP is not a driver's license but a document that translates the information on your driver's license into several different languages. Since your UK license is in English and English is the official language in the US you will not need an IDP to drive in any of the 50 states, including the ones you are planning to visit .

I agree, doesn't make any sense in this case.

Who told you it was recommended for UK license holders?

This is what the Hertz website says, for example
<<An acceptable, valid driver's license issued from your country of residence must be presented at the time of rental. The driver's license must be valid for the entire rental period. If the driver's license is in a language other than English, and the rental is in the United States, an International Driver's Permit is recommended. In all cases, a valid driver's license issued from your home country must be provided, whether or not you possess an International Driver's Permit. You will not be allowed to rent a Hertz vehicle with only an International Driver's Permit.>>

It says it on the AA website. It says some rental companies insist on it because it could be needed in the event of an accident.

I also read that it was compulsory in some states, but I can't remember where I found that information. I think that could be old information because it was introduced in Florida once.

>>It says some rental companies insist on it because it could be needed in the event of an accident. <<

. . . IF the license needs translating . . . a UK license does not need translating. An IDP serves no other purpose.