What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your regular driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when you drive outside the United States. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your home license is valid.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. The permit is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on the issuing organization.

Many countries do not require an IDP if you are only visiting for a short time and have your U.S. license with you. However, some nations — including Italy, Spain, Germany, and France — strongly recommend or legally require one. Rental car companies in Europe often will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation booklet issued by AAA or AATA, not a replacement for your state license, and you must carry both documents together.
  • You can get an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through AATA, and the process takes a few days to two weeks depending on your method.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • The permit is valid for one year or three years and costs $15 to $20, with no renewal option — you must reapply when it expires.
  • Some countries do not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one.

Who Can Get an International Driving Permit

You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. Your license does not have to be from any particular state — AAA and AATA issue permits to drivers from all states. Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired at the time you explore.

You must be at least 18 years old. If you are younger than 18, you cannot get an IDP, even if your state allows you to hold a learner's permit or junior license. Some countries also have their own age requirements for driving, so check the rules for your destination even if you meet the U.S. requirement.

There is no citizenship requirement. If you are a permanent resident or hold a valid visa and have a U.S. driver's license, you can get an IDP. However, your IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. license is valid, so if your license expires before your IDP does, the permit becomes useless.

Documents You Need to Bring or Submit

You will need four things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. AAA and AATA provide the process form, either in person or on their websites.

The passport-style photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license. If you do not have a passport or passport card, you cannot get an IDP; a state ID card is not accepted as proof of identity for this purpose.

If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will also need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can return your IDP to you. Some AAA offices may ask for additional information if there is a discrepancy between your license and passport, such as a name change.

How to Get an IDP In Person at AAA

The fastest way to get an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person. You must be a AAA member to use this service. If you are not a member, you can join at the office when you explore, though membership has an annual cost separate from the IDP fee.

Bring your driver's license, passport or passport card, passport-style photo, and the completed process form. The staff will review your documents, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue your IDP on the spot. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can choose a one-year or three-year permit at the time of issue.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask whether the office has walk-in hours or requires an appointment. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary.

How to Get an IDP by Mail Through AATA

If you do not have an AAA office nearby or do not want to join AAA, you can explore by mail through the American Automobile Touring Alliance. You do not need to be a member of any organization to use this service.

read the process form from the AATA website or request one by mail. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and passport number. Attach your passport-style photo to the form with tape or glue — do not use a staple. Include a copy of your driver's license and a copy of your passport or passport card. Place all documents in an envelope with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return mail, and mail everything to the AATA address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes 7 to 14 days after AATA receives your process. You can pay by check or money order; AATA does not accept credit cards for mail orders. Once your IDP is issued, they will mail it back to you in the self-addressed envelope you provided. Plan to submit your process at least three weeks before you travel to allow time for processing and mail delivery.

Cost and How Long Your Permit Lasts

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you get it from AAA or AATA and whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. AAA typically charges $20 for a three-year permit and $15 for a one-year permit. AATA pricing is similar. There is no difference in what the permit covers — the only difference is how long you can use it.

Your IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the permit is no longer valid in other countries, even though it technically has time left. When your IDP expires, you cannot renew it — you must reapply and pay the fee again. There is no grace period or extension.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. Contact AAA or AATA from your destination to report the loss, but you will need to reapply by mail when you return home. Keep your IDP in a safe place, separate from your passport and driver's license.

What Countries Require or Recommend an IDP

No country in the world legally requires an IDP if you also have your valid U.S. driver's license. However, many countries recommend one, and some rental car companies will not rent to you without one. The rules vary by country and sometimes by rental company within the same country.

European countries that strongly recommend or often require an IDP include Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, and Greece. In these countries, police may fine you if you cannot produce a translation of your license, and rental companies almost always demand one. Latin American countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia recommend an IDP. Australia and New Zealand do not require one but recommend it.

Before you book a rental car or travel to any country, check the current requirements with the rental company and the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. Rules change, and what was not required last year may be required this year. The U.S. State Department website maintains country-by-country driving information that is updated regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Once your license is reinstated or renewed, you can then explore for an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but Mexican police may ask for a translation of your license. An IDP is recommended for Mexico to avoid potential fines or confusion at checkpoints.

What happens if I let my International Driving Permit expire while I am out of the country?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when it expires. You cannot drive legally in that country after the expiration date, even if you still have time left on your trip. You cannot renew it abroad — you must return home and reapply. Plan ahead and get a three-year permit if you travel frequently.

Can I get an International Driving Permit for a learner's permit or junior license?

No. You must hold a full, unrestricted driver's license. Learner's permits and junior licenses do not may have access to. Once you upgrade to a full license, you can then explore for an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An "International License" is not a real thing in the United States. Some websites offer to sell "international licenses," but these are scams and have no legal value anywhere in the world. Only get an IDP from AAA or AATA.