What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a translation document that sits alongside your valid U.S. driver's license and explains your driving privileges to police and rental companies in other countries. When you travel abroad, you carry both documents together — your U.S. license remains your actual license, and the IDP is proof that a recognized authority has verified it.

The IDP does not replace your state license and does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to foreign officials who may not speak English or recognize U.S. documents. Most countries that accept IDPs will also accept your U.S. license alone, but an IDP removes doubt and can speed up interactions with police or rental agencies.

The U.S. does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, two organizations — the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — are authorized to issue them on behalf of the U.S. State Department. Both issue the same document; the choice between them is purely about which office is more convenient for you.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license, not a separate license, and you must carry your actual license with it at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both produce identical documents recognized worldwide.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and the IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes minutes to obtain in person at an AAA or AATA office, with no written test or road test required.
  • Many countries accept an IDP but do not require one; check your destination's specific rules before you travel, as requirements vary widely.

When You Actually Need an International Driving Permit

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are driving and what you are doing there. If you are renting a car in most European countries, Canada, or Australia, the rental company will usually accept your U.S. license alone, though having an IDP can make the process smoother and may lower your rental cost. Some rental companies offer discounts to drivers who present an IDP because it removes language barriers and reduces their paperwork.

In some countries — particularly in Central America, South America, and parts of Asia — an IDP is more strongly recommended or occasionally required by law. Mexico, for example, does not legally require an IDP but police may be more likely to accept it without question. If you are driving in a country where English is not widely spoken or where U.S. documents are unfamiliar to local authorities, an IDP is worth carrying.

If you are only using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services abroad, you do not need an IDP at all. The permit is only useful if you plan to drive a vehicle yourself. Before you travel, contact your rental company or check the embassy website for your destination country to learn their specific rules.

How to Get an International Driving Permit

Getting an IDP is straightforward and requires no test. You visit an AAA or AATA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-sized photograph. The office staff will verify your license, process your process, and issue the permit on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You cannot get an IDP by mail or online. Both AAA and AATA require you to appear in person so they can verify your identity and your current license. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still visit an AAA office and request an IDP without joining — membership is not required for this service.

The process form itself is straightforward and asks for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the date your license expires. You will also need to declare which countries you plan to visit, though this is informational only and does not restrict where you can use the permit.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. The one-year permit is cheaper and is sufficient if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit costs slightly more but covers multiple trips over a longer period and is a better value if you travel internationally more than once.

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 IDP becomes invalid. This means if you renew your U.S. license, you will need to get a new IDP as well — the old one cannot be transferred to your new license.

The IDP itself is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport, printed in multiple languages. It contains your photograph, your license information, and translations of your driving privileges into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese.

What to Bring to the AAA or AATA Office

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. This is non-negotiable — you cannot get an IDP without a current license. Bring your passport or another government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. Bring one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), taken within the last six months. Most AAA and AATA offices can take the photo for you on-site if you do not have one, usually for a small additional fee.

Bring the completed process form, which you can read from the AAA or AATA website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring payment — cash, check, or card, depending on the office's policy. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office accepts.

Do not assume your nearest AAA office issues IDPs. Some smaller offices do not. Check the AAA website or call ahead to confirm that the location you plan to visit offers International Driving Permit service.

International Driving Permits and Car Rentals

Most major car rental companies worldwide will rent to you with a valid U.S. driver's license alone. Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget all accept U.S. licenses in their standard rental agreements. However, some smaller local rental agencies, particularly in less-developed countries, may prefer or require an IDP. Having one eliminates this uncertainty.

Some rental companies offer a small discount — usually $5 to $10 per day — if you present an IDP along with your license. This discount is not may provide and varies by location and company, but it can offset the cost of the permit if you are renting for a week or longer. Ask about IDP discounts when you book.

An IDP does not change your insurance coverage or your liability if you are in an accident. Your rental agreement and your personal auto insurance (if it covers rentals abroad) remain the same. The IDP is purely a document that helps the rental company and local authorities understand your driving status.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You can find your nearest office and check whether it issues IDPs by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator. If you are not an AAA member, you can still walk into any AAA office and request an IDP without joining.

AATA has fewer offices than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find AATA locations through their website. Both organizations issue identical permits, so choose whichever is more convenient for you.

Some travel agencies also partner with AAA or AATA to issue IDPs, though this is less common. If you cannot reach an AAA or AATA office easily, call a local travel agency and ask whether they can process an IDP for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In most countries, yes. Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some countries prefer or require an IDP, and police in countries where English is not common may be more skeptical of a U.S. license alone. Check your specific destination before you travel.

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

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready if your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has time remaining. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, regardless of whether you have an IDP. Renew your U.S. license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Mexico or Canada?

No, but it is recommended for Mexico. Canada accepts a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. In Mexico, your U.S. license is technically legal, but an IDP can prevent misunderstandings with police and is useful if you are stopped. Many travelers to Mexico carry an IDP for peace of mind.

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 get an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is reinstated and valid again.

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

If you visit an AAA or AATA office in person, you can receive your IDP the same day, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no processing delay. You walk in with your documents and walk out with your permit.