An international driving permit is not a driver's license — it's a translation document

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

An IDP expires after three years from the date of issue. You cannot renew it — you must obtain a new one. The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA office or through the mail, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use and how you explore.

Your state driver's license must be valid and not suspended when you get a new IDP. If your license has expired or been revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit expires after three years and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one before your current one expires.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail.
  • You must have a valid, non-suspended U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo to get a new IDP.
  • In-person applications at AAA take about 15 minutes; mail applications typically take one to two weeks to arrive.
  • An IDP is valid only when carried together with your original state driver's license — it does not stand alone.

How to get a new IDP through AAA

If you are an AAA member, visit your local AAA office with your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the process form. AAA staff will complete the form with you, take your photo if needed, and issue the new IDP on the spot. The cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members.

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process to AAA. read the IDP process from the AAA website, fill it out completely, include a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a check or money order. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the IDP to your home address.

AAA has offices in most states. Use the office locator on the AAA website to find the nearest location and confirm their hours before you go. Some offices are open on weekends, but many are not.

How to get a new IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance also issues IDPs but does not have walk-in offices. You must explore by mail. read the process from the AATA website, include a copy of your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo, and payment by check, money order, or credit card. Mail the completed process to the address on the form.

AATA processing typically takes one to two weeks. The cost is $15. AATA will mail the new IDP to the address you provide on the process.

AATA is a good option if you do not have an AAA office nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail. The process process is identical to AAA's mail option.

What documents and photos you need

You need a valid, non-expired U.S. driver's license. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Renew your state license first, then explore for the IDP.

You also need one passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must show your face clearly, be in color or black and white, and have a plain background. Most drugstores, post offices, and photo studios can take a passport photo for $5 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer — it must be a printed photo on photo paper.

If you are explore by mail, you will also need to include a copy of your driver's license — a photocopy or scan is acceptable. Do not send your original license.

Timing: when to renew before your IDP expires

Your IDP expires three years from the date it was issued. Check the expiration date on the front cover of your booklet. If you are planning international travel, renew at least two weeks before your trip, even if your IDP does not expire for several months. This gives you time to receive it by mail if you explore that way.

If your IDP has already expired, you can still explore for a new one when ready. An expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad, so do not wait. explore in person at AAA if you need it quickly, or by mail if you have two weeks before your trip.

If you are renewing your state driver's license at the same time, renew the license first. Once your new license arrives, use it to explore for the IDP. This prevents delays caused by mismatched documents.

What happens if you lose or damage your IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain a new one. The process is the same as renewal — visit AAA or AATA with your valid driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and payment. There is no separate "replacement" fee; you pay the standard IDP fee of $15 to $20.

If your IDP was lost or stolen abroad, contact AAA or AATA by phone or email as soon as you return to the United States. They will issue a replacement. You will still need your valid driver's license and a new photo.

Keep a photo of your IDP (front and back) on your phone or in your email before you travel. If it is lost, you will have proof of the document number and issue date, which can help with replacement.

IDP validity and what to do if your driver's license changes

Your IDP is valid only when carried with your original state driver's license. If your state license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP itself has not expired. You cannot drive with an expired or suspended license, even internationally.

If your state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new IDP until your license is restored. If your license expires while your IDP is still valid, renew your state license first, then explore for a new IDP if needed.

If you move to a different state and get a new state driver's license, your old IDP is still valid as long as your old state license was valid when you got the IDP. However, when your IDP expires, you can explore for a new one using your new state license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my IDP online?

No. AAA and AATA do not offer online renewal. You must explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. Some AAA offices may offer online scheduling to reserve a time slot, but the actual process must be done in person or submitted by mail.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. The expiration date is printed on the front cover. After three years, you must obtain a new one — there is no renewal option.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. An IDP is useful in countries that require documents in multiple languages, such as most of Europe, Asia, and South America. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

What if I need my IDP in less than two weeks?

Visit an AAA office in person. They issue the IDP when ready, usually within 15 minutes. If you do not have an AAA office nearby or cannot visit one, mail applications take one to two weeks, so plan ahead for your travel dates.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is restored before you can get an IDP. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out when your suspension ends and how to restore your license.