An International Driver License is not a replacement for your U.S. driver license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver license into ten languages. It does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. 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 need an IDP only if you plan to drive in a foreign country. Many countries recognize a U.S. driver license on its own, but some require an IDP as proof that your license is valid and that you meet their driving age requirements. The IDP is not a license itself; it is a credential that confirms your U.S. license is legitimate.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your U.S. driver license expires before the IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — the two documents must both be current. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one each year if you plan to drive internationally again.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver license at all times.
  • You need an IDP only if you plan to drive a rental car or your own vehicle in a foreign country; it is not required for travel by other means.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to receive by mail, or you can obtain one same-day at an AAA office if you are a member.
  • Your IDP is valid for one year only and becomes invalid if your U.S. driver license expires before the IDP does.
  • Not all countries require an IDP; you should contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country to confirm whether one is needed.

Who issues an International Driving Permit and where to get one

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. If you see an IDP offered by any other source, it is not valid for international driving.

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. You can obtain an IDP at any AAA office in the United States if you are a member. Non-members can also request one by mail through AAA's website or by visiting a local office, though membership is not required. Same-day issuance is available at most AAA locations if you bring the required documents in person.

AATA issues IDPs by mail only. You can request one through their website and mail in your process with the required documents. AATA does not have physical offices, so this option takes longer but is available to anyone regardless of AAA membership.

What you need to bring and the process process

To obtain an IDP, you must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver license. You will also need to provide two passport-sized photographs (2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on-site, but AATA requires you to mail in printed photos, so check with your chosen issuer first.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, bring your driver license, two photos, and a completed process form (available at the office or online). The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on the issuer. Payment is made on-site by cash, check, or card.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, complete the process form, include your driver license copy, two photos, and payment. Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date received. You will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provided on the process.

What countries require an International Driving Permit

No country legally requires an IDP as a substitute for a valid driver license. However, some countries will not recognize a U.S. driver license without an IDP, and some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not require it.

Countries that commonly require or strongly recommend an IDP include Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand. However, requirements change, and some countries accept a U.S. license with an official English translation instead of an IDP.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or check the country's tourism board website. They can tell you whether an IDP is required for driving and whether a translation of your license is an acceptable alternative. This step takes five minutes and prevents you from arriving at a rental counter unprepared.

Fees, validity period, and renewal

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on whether you obtain it from AAA or AATA and whether you explore in person or by mail. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. If you explore through AAA as a non-member, the cost is the same as for members.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you plan to drive internationally again after that year, you must obtain a new IDP. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one each time.

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready if your U.S. driver license expires. For example, if your IDP is issued on January 1, 2025, and your driver license expires on June 1, 2025, your IDP is no longer valid after June 1, even though the IDP itself does not expire until January 1, 2026. Always check the expiration date of your driver license before traveling.

International Driving Permit versus other travel documents

An IDP is sometimes confused with other documents you may need for international travel, but they serve different purposes. A passport is required to enter another country; an IDP is required only if you plan to drive once you are there. A visa, required by some countries, grants you permission to enter; an IDP confirms you are licensed to operate a vehicle.

Some countries accept an official English translation of your U.S. driver license instead of an IDP. You can obtain a certified translation from a translation service or, in some cases, from your state's DMV. This is cheaper than an IDP but takes longer to obtain and is not accepted in all countries. An IDP is the safer choice if you are unsure whether your destination will accept a translation.

A rental car company may require an IDP even if the country does not. When you reserve a car, check the rental agreement or call the company to ask whether an IDP is required. Some companies will rent to you with only a U.S. license; others will not. Confirming this before you travel prevents cancellations or disputes at the rental counter.

Common mistakes when obtaining or using an International Driving Permit

The most common mistake is obtaining an IDP from an unauthorized source. Websites and services that claim to issue IDPs quickly or online are not legitimate. The only valid IDPs come from AAA or AATA. An invalid IDP will not be recognized by police, rental companies, or border officials and could result in fines or legal trouble.

A second mistake is forgetting to carry your U.S. driver license alongside your IDP. An IDP is not a standalone document; it is a translation of your license. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental company, you must show both documents together. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient.

A third mistake is not checking the expiration date of your U.S. driver license before traveling. If your license expires before or on the same date as your IDP, your IDP is invalid. Renew your driver license before your trip if necessary, or obtain a new IDP after renewing your license.

A fourth mistake is assuming an IDP is required everywhere. Many countries accept a U.S. driver license without an IDP, and some rental companies do as well. Checking with your destination country and your rental company before you travel saves you the cost and time of obtaining an IDP if you do not need one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver license and no IDP?

In many countries, yes. However, some countries and some rental car companies require an IDP. Contact the embassy or tourism board of your destination country and your rental company before you travel to confirm what documents you need. Checking takes a few minutes and prevents problems at the rental counter or if you are stopped by police.

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

Same-day issuance is available at most AAA offices if you explore in person with all required documents. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, processing takes one to two weeks from the date your process is received. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.

What if my U.S. driver license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. driver license expires, even if you are in another country. You cannot drive legally with an expired license and an IDP. Renew your U.S. driver license before you travel, or plan your trip so you return before your license expires.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is required only if you plan to operate a motor vehicle. If you are traveling by public transportation, taxi, or as a passenger only, you do not need an IDP.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international driver license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver license" refer to the same document. It is officially called an International Driving Permit (IDP), but both terms are used interchangeably.