An International Driving Permit is not a license—it's a translation document
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It does not replace your home license, does not grant you driving rights you don't already have, and does not work without your original license present. You can only obtain one if you already hold a valid driver's license from your home state or country. The IDP exists solely to help police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries read and verify your license information.
In the United States, IDPs are issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Neither is a government agency. You cannot get an IDP from your state's DMV. The document is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30 depending on the issuing organization and processing speed.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can obtain an International Driving Permit.
- Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; your state DMV cannot issue one.
- An IDP is valid for either one year or three years and must be carried together with your original license at all times while driving abroad.
- You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA, depending on your location and which version you need.
- An IDP is not required by U.S. law to leave the country, but many rental car companies and some countries require or strongly recommend one.
Who can get an International Driving Permit
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or Canadian province. Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted in a way that prevents you from driving. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state DMV before explore for an IDP.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to obtain an IDP. Permanent residents, visa holders, and other non-citizens can get one as long as they hold a valid U.S. driver's license. If you are explore on behalf of a minor (under 18), that minor must be present in person at an AAA office; mail and online applications are not available for minors.
Documents and information you need to bring or provide
You will need your valid driver's license and one form of identification that shows your photograph. Acceptable photo ID includes a passport, state ID card, or military ID. You will also need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current mailing address.
If you are explore in person at an AAA office, bring the originals. If you are explore by mail, you will send a photocopy of both your license and your photo ID. If you are explore online through AAA, you will upload digital images of both documents. Do not send your original license by mail; AAA will return it to you with your IDP.
How to obtain an IDP: three routes and their timelines
The fastest route is in-person process at an AAA office. You walk in with your license and photo ID, complete a one-page form, pay the fee, and receive your IDP on the spot. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States; you can find your nearest location on the AAA website.
The second route is mail process. You send AAA a completed process form, a photocopy of your license, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a check or money order. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date AAA receives your envelope. You must mail your process to the AAA office that serves your state; the address is listed on the process form. This route costs slightly less than in-person process because you are not paying for expedited processing.
The third route is online process through AAA's website. You create an account, upload images of your license and photo ID, complete the form, and pay by credit card. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days, and AAA mails your IDP to your address. This route is available only if you have an AAA membership or are willing to purchase one; the membership cost varies by region but is typically $50 to $150 per year.
| Route | Processing Time | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at AAA office | Same day (15–30 minutes) | $15–$20 | Original license, original photo ID, completed form |
| By mail | 2–4 weeks | $15–$20 | Photocopy of license, photocopy of photo ID, check or money order, completed form |
| Online through AAA | 5–10 business days | $20–$30 plus AAA membership | Digital images of license and photo ID, credit card, AAA membership |
Choosing between a one-year and three-year permit
AAA offers two versions of the International Driving Permit: a one-year version and a three-year version. The three-year version costs slightly more but is valid for three years from the date of issue. The one-year version is cheaper and is useful if you are taking a single trip abroad and do not plan to drive internationally again soon.
Most travelers choose the three-year version because the price difference is small and the longer validity period means you do not have to reapply if your plans change. However, if your driver's license will expire within the next year, you should get the one-year IDP instead. An IDP cannot be valid longer than your underlying driver's license; if your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the three-year term has not ended.
What happens after you receive your IDP
Your International Driving Permit arrives by mail in a small booklet format. Check it when ready for errors in your name, date of birth, license number, or address. If you find an error, contact AAA right away with proof of the correct information; AAA will issue a replacement at no charge if the error was made by AAA.
Keep your IDP with your original driver's license at all times while driving outside the United States. The IDP alone is not valid; you must have both documents. Store them together in a safe place in your vehicle or luggage. If your IDP is lost or damaged while you are abroad, contact AAA or the U.S. embassy in that country; some embassies can issue a replacement or temporary document, though this varies by location.
When you return to the United States, you do not need to do anything with your IDP. It remains valid for its full term and can be used for future international trips. If you renew your driver's license before your IDP expires, your old IDP becomes invalid; you will need to obtain a new IDP based on your new license.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common mistake is assuming an IDP is required to leave the United States. It is not. U.S. law does not require an IDP to travel abroad. However, many car rental companies, some travel insurance policies, and certain countries do require or recommend one. Check with your rental company and your destination country before you travel; if neither requires an IDP, you do not need one.
A second mistake is explore for an IDP with an expired or suspended license. AAA will reject your process. Renew your license through your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP.
A third mistake is carrying only the IDP and leaving your original license at home. This defeats the purpose of the IDP. Police and rental companies need to see both documents together. If you are stopped by police in another country and cannot produce your original license, the IDP alone will not satisfy them.
A fourth mistake is assuming an IDP extends your driving rights or allows you to drive in countries where you would not normally be permitted to drive. An IDP is a translation only. It does not change the age requirements, licensing classes, or restrictions that explore to your license in any country. If your license is restricted to automatic transmission vehicles, your IDP carries that same restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe or Canada?
Requirements vary by rental company and country. Many European rental companies and some Canadian companies require an IDP, while others accept a U.S. driver's license alone. Contact your rental company before you book. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may be denied a vehicle at pickup, even if you reserved one online.
Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?
No. Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one. If someone claims to issue an IDP on behalf of your DMV, they are not legitimate.
What if my driver's license expires before my three-year IDP expires?
Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the three-year term has not ended. You cannot use an expired IDP to drive, and rental companies will not accept it. Renew your license and obtain a new IDP if you plan to drive internationally again.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must wait until it is reinstated and then explore for an IDP. AAA will verify your license status when you explore.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist as a legal document. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized in other countries, but these are separate from the IDP system and are issued by that country's licensing authority, not by the United States.