What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your real license from your state or country. You carry both documents together when you drive outside your home country.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some countries will accept only your U.S. license; others require the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate. The IDP exists because border officials and rental companies may not recognize a U.S. license format or be able to read English on it.

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. You cannot get one from your state DMV, your insurance company, or any other source.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at a local AAA office or AATA location.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose, but it expires when your U.S. license expires, whichever comes first.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP format and may require an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

The fastest way is to visit a local AAA office in person. AAA has thousands of branches across the United States, and most can issue an IDP the same day you explore. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

If you do not have an AAA office nearby, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs. AATA has far fewer locations than AAA, so check their website to find an office in your state. Some AATA offices can issue the permit on the same day; others may require you to mail in your documents.

Do not use online services that claim to issue IDPs remotely or by mail without an in-person visit. The State Department requires that you explore in person, and any service that skips this step is not legitimate.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license. It must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired but you have a renewal notice showing it is pending, some AAA offices will accept that — call ahead to confirm.

Bring a valid passport or passport card. A state ID card, birth certificate, or other document will not work. If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP.

Bring one passport-style photo. The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have passport photos taken at AAA offices, post offices, CVS, Walgreens, and many other locations for $10 to $20.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. Most AAA and AATA offices accept both, but call ahead if you want to be certain.

Cost and How Long It Lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. The one-year version is cheaper and makes sense if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version costs more upfront but is better value if you travel internationally more than once.

The IDP expires after one or three years — whichever you choose — or when your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever happens first. If your license expires in two years and you buy a three-year IDP, the IDP will stop being valid when your license expires. You cannot renew just the IDP; you must get a new one if your license is renewed.

The IDP has no effect on your insurance rates or your driving record. It is purely a translation document for use outside the United States.

What Happens When You Drive Abroad With an IDP

Carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times. If a police officer or rental company asks for your license, show both documents. The IDP alone is not valid — it must accompany your actual license.

Rental car companies in most countries will accept the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate. Some companies may also ask to see your passport. A few rental companies in certain countries may ask for an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead of accepting the IDP — this is rare but does happen, so check with your rental company before you travel.

The IDP does not change the driving laws of the country you are visiting. You must still follow local traffic rules, speed limits, and licensing requirements. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, the IDP straightforward helps the officer understand that your U.S. license is real.

Countries That Do Not Accept the IDP

Most countries accept the IDP, but a few do not recognize it as a valid translation document. These countries may require an official translation of your license from a certified translator, a notarized copy of your license, or both.

Countries known to have stricter requirements include some in Central America, South America, and parts of Asia. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask what documents they require to prove your license is valid. Do not assume the IDP will work everywhere.

If you are renting a car, the rental company can also tell you what documents they need. Many international rental companies have their own requirements that are stricter than the country's legal requirements.

When You Cannot Get an IDP

You cannot get an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must wait until it is reinstated before you can obtain an IDP. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV first.

You also cannot get an IDP if you do not have a valid passport or passport card. If your passport is expired, you can renew it through the U.S. State Department, but this takes several weeks. Plan ahead if you need both a passport and an IDP for an upcoming trip.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen living in the United States, you can get an IDP only if you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. The IDP is issued by U.S. organizations and is based on your U.S. license, not your home country license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and then explore for the IDP. Contact your state DMV to find out when your suspension will end.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental car companies may request an IDP anyway, so check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP does not hurt and can prevent delays at the rental counter.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or a letter confirming that your U.S. license is valid. You can also continue driving with just your U.S. license in most countries, though rental companies may be less willing to accept it without the IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Most AAA offices issue the IDP on the same day you explore, as long as you bring all required documents. Some AATA offices may take a few days or require you to mail in documents. Call your local office before you visit to confirm how long it will take.

Can I get an IDP online or by mail?

No. The U.S. State Department requires that you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Any online service claiming to issue IDPs remotely is not legitimate. You must visit an office with your documents and photo.