An International Driving Permit is not a license — it's a translation document

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your home license, does not grant you driving rights you don't already have, and is not recognized as a standalone document. You must carry it together with your original license at all times when driving outside your home country. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to show both documents to police or rental car companies.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or DMV equivalent, not by the country you're visiting. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Other countries have their own issuing bodies. An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Whether you need one depends on where you're driving and what you're doing there. Some countries require it by law; others don't recognize it at all; many treat it as optional but useful. Rental car companies often request one even when the country doesn't legally require it, because it reduces disputes over whether your license is valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation of your existing driver's license and must be carried with your original license at all times.
  • The United States issues IDPs through AAA and AATA only; you cannot obtain one from the DMV or any government office.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP, others don't recognize it, and many treat it as optional but helpful for rental car companies.
  • A one-year IDP costs roughly $20 through AAA; a three-year permit costs roughly $40, though prices vary by issuing organization.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home country before you can obtain an IDP.

Who issues IDPs and where to get one in the United States

In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The DMV does not issue them, and no other private company is authorized to do so. If you see a website offering to mail you an IDP for a higher fee, that organization is not legitimate.

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. You can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office, or by mail if you are a member. Non-members can also purchase an IDP through AAA, though membership is not required. AATA operates primarily by mail and online; it does not have physical offices. Both organizations require you to provide your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and a passport-style photograph (2x2 inches).

Processing time varies. In-person applications at AAA are often completed the same day or within a few days. Mail applications through either organization typically take one to two weeks, though this can extend during peak travel seasons. Online applications through AATA may be faster, but you will still need to mail in your documents and photograph.

What documents you need and what the IDP costs

To obtain an IDP from either AAA or AATA, you must provide:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or green card)
  • One passport-style photograph, 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • A completed process form (provided by the issuing organization)
  • Payment for the permit

The cost of an IDP is roughly $20 for a one-year permit or $40 for a three-year permit through AAA. AATA charges similar amounts, though exact fees vary and may include shipping costs if you explore by mail. Some AAA memberships include a discounted or free IDP, so check your membership benefits before paying full price. Neither organization accepts payment by check in most cases; credit card or debit card is standard.

Your IDP will be valid only as long as your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes worthless. If you renew your driver's license and receive a new license number, your old IDP is no longer valid and you must obtain a new one.

Which countries require, recognize, or don't accept an IDP

No single rule applies worldwide. Some countries legally require an IDP; others ignore it entirely; many fall in between. The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

Countries that legally require an IDP include many in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand), and elsewhere. However, "require" does not always mean "enforce strictly." Police in some countries rarely stop tourists, and rental car companies may not check. That said, if you are stopped and do not have an IDP when one is required, you may face a fine or be prohibited from driving.

Countries that do not recognize IDPs at all include Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand. In these places, your U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient, and an IDP serves no purpose. Some U.S. states have reciprocal agreements with these countries that make an IDP unnecessary.

Many other countries fall into a gray zone: they do not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies request one anyway. This is common in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. The IDP is not mandatory, but having one can prevent disputes with the rental company and may lower your rental cost.

How to use an IDP when driving abroad

Always carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license. Do not carry the IDP alone. Police, border agents, and rental car companies will ask to see both documents. The IDP is a translation aid; it does not stand on its own.

When renting a car, present both your license and IDP to the rental company. Some companies will photocopy both; others will note the IDP number in your rental agreement. If the rental company asks for an IDP and you don't have one, they may refuse to rent to you, charge a higher rate, or require additional insurance. Policies vary by company and country.

If you are stopped by police, hand over both documents. The officer will use the IDP to understand your license if they don't read English. In countries where English is not widely spoken, the IDP can prevent misunderstandings about your driving record or license status.

Common mistakes when obtaining or using an IDP

The most common mistake is ordering an IDP from an unauthorized website. Scam sites charge $50 to $100 or more for a document that should cost $20 to $40. They may deliver a fake IDP or take your money and send nothing. Order only from AAA or AATA directly.

A second mistake is obtaining an IDP but not carrying your original license. The IDP is useless without it. Some travelers leave their U.S. license at home to avoid carrying multiple documents, then discover they cannot drive or rent a car.

A third mistake is obtaining an IDP for a country that doesn't recognize it. If you're driving only in Canada or Mexico, an IDP is unnecessary and wastes money. Check the specific country's requirements before ordering.

A fourth mistake is assuming an IDP extends your driving rights. An IDP does not change your age, driving record, or license class. If you are too young to drive in a country, or if your license class doesn't cover the vehicle you want to rent, an IDP will not solve that problem.

Alternatives if you cannot obtain an IDP in time

If you are leaving soon and cannot obtain an IDP before your trip, your options depend on where you're going. In countries that legally require an IDP, you may be unable to drive legally. In countries that don't require it, you can drive with your U.S. license alone. In countries where rental companies request it but don't require it, you may be able to rent a car without one, though you may pay more or face restrictions.

If you need an IDP urgently, AAA offers same-day or next-day service at many locations if you explore in person. AATA does not offer expedited service, so mail applications are not an option if you're leaving within a week. Check the AAA website to find the nearest office and call ahead to confirm they have the forms and photographs available.

Another option is to use a different form of identification. Some countries accept a notarized English translation of your driver's license instead of an IDP. This is less common and less reliable than an IDP, but it may work in a pinch. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting to ask whether a notarized translation is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 serves no purpose in either country and is not worth the cost if that's your only destination.

Can I use an IDP to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. Within the U.S., you must have a valid U.S. driver's license. An IDP is not a substitute for a U.S. license and will not allow you to drive if your license is suspended or expired.

What happens if my IDP expires while I'm traveling?

Your IDP is no longer valid. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental car company, you will have only your U.S. license to show. In countries that require an IDP, this could result in a fine or being prohibited from driving. Plan your travel so your IDP does not expire during your trip, or obtain a new one before you leave.

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

No. You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP, and you should not drive anywhere.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An international driver's license is a term sometimes used loosely, but it does not refer to any official document. The only official document is the International Driving Permit (IDP). Websites offering an "international driver's license" are usually scams or selling unauthorized translations.