What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your actual license — you must carry both together. Most countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid license in your home country, which matters when you rent a car or get stopped by police abroad.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive in another country. If you are moving to the United States and will get a U.S. driver's license, you do not need one. If you are visiting from another country and want to rent a car or drive while you are here, you may need one — it depends on your home country, the rental company's rules, and how long you are staying.

The United States does not issue IDPs. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident, you get one from your home country's automobile association or transportation authority before you leave. If you are visiting the U.S. from abroad, you should have obtained one before arriving, though some rental companies will accept your foreign license alone if it is in English or has an English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation booklet, not a license — you must carry it with your actual driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • U.S. citizens and residents get an IDP from their home country's automobile club or transport ministry, not from any U.S. agency.
  • Visitors to the U.S. may drive on a foreign license for a short stay, but rental companies often require an IDP or an official English translation of the license.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you get, and it expires even if your home license does not.
  • Some states allow you to drive on a foreign license for up to one year; others have shorter limits or require you to convert to a state license sooner.

How to Get an IDP Before Traveling Abroad

If you hold a U.S. driver's license and are traveling outside the country, you explore for an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You do not explore through a DMV or any government office.

To get an IDP from AAA, you need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government ID, and a passport-sized photo. You can explore in person at an AAA office or by mail. The fee is typically $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary by location. Processing takes a few days in person or one to two weeks by mail. You can also explore online through AAA's website and pick up the permit at a local office.

AATA handles IDP applications by mail only. You send your driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and the fee. Processing takes two to three weeks. AATA's fees are similar to AAA's.

Both organizations issue the same internationally recognized document. The choice between them comes down to whether you have an AAA membership (which may give you a discount) and whether you prefer to explore in person or by mail.

Driving in the U.S. on a Foreign License

If you are visiting the United States from another country, you can drive on your home country's license for a limited time without an IDP. The length of time varies by state. Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year from the date you enter the country. Some states have shorter windows — typically 30 to 90 days — before you must convert to a state license or stop driving.

Your foreign license must be valid in your home country. If it has expired, you cannot use it to drive in the U.S., even if you have an IDP. Some states also require that your license be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. If your license is in another language, ask the rental company or the state DMV whether a translation is required before you drive.

Rental car companies have their own rules on top of state law. Many require an IDP even if state law does not, because it serves as proof that you hold a valid license and reduces their liability. Some will accept a foreign license alone if you also show a passport and proof of travel insurance. Call the rental company before you book to confirm what documents they need.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If you are stopped by police while driving in another country and you do not have an IDP, the officer may treat it as driving without a valid license, even if your home country's license is in your pocket. You could face a fine, a warning, or in some countries, temporary confiscation of your vehicle. The consequences depend on the country's traffic laws and the officer's judgment.

If you rent a car and the rental agreement requires an IDP but you do not have one, the rental company can refuse to let you take the car. If you drive it anyway or misrepresent your documents, you may be liable for any accidents or damage, and your insurance may not cover you. Some rental companies will charge a penalty or hold your credit card for the full value of the vehicle.

In the U.S., if you are a visitor driving on a foreign license after the state's time limit has passed, you are driving without a valid license in that state's eyes. You could be cited, fined, or have your vehicle impounded. Check your state's rules before your license expires.

IDP Validity, Expiration, and Renewal

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. It is not tied to your home country's license expiration date. If your home license expires but your IDP is still valid, the IDP is no longer useful — you need both documents to drive abroad. If your IDP expires but your home license is still valid, you need a new IDP to drive in another country.

You cannot renew an IDP. When it expires, you must explore for a new one through AAA, AATA, or your home country's automobile association. There is no grace period — an expired IDP is not recognized by any country.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You will need to contact AAA or AATA from your location and have a new one mailed to you, which takes time. Some countries will accept a police report of the lost permit plus your home license, but this varies. It is wise to carry a photocopy of your IDP separately from the original.

IDP vs. Official License Translation

An IDP is not the same as an official translation of your license. Some countries and rental companies accept an official English translation of your foreign license instead of an IDP. A translation is usually obtained from your home country's transportation authority, a notary, or a certified translator, and it costs less than an IDP.

The difference matters because an IDP is a standardized international document recognized by all countries that are party to the 1926 and 1968 Geneva Conventions on Road Signs and Signals. An official translation is only as good as the country or company that accepts it. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company which they prefer. If you are driving in multiple countries, an IDP is safer because it works everywhere.

Some travelers carry both — an IDP for countries that require it and an official translation for countries or rental companies that accept translations. This adds cost but removes uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico if I have a U.S. license?

Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, rental companies in both countries often require an IDP or an official English translation. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own car, your U.S. license is usually sufficient, but carry proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

Can I get an IDP from the DMV?

No. The DMV does not issue IDPs. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them in the United States. You can explore in person at an AAA office, by mail to either organization, or online through AAA's website.

What if my home country's license is not in English?

That is exactly what an IDP is for — it translates your license into English and nine other languages. If you do not have an IDP, you may need an official English translation of your license from your home country's transportation authority or a certified translator. Some rental companies will accept one or the other, but not all.

How long is an IDP valid?

An IDP is valid for one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. It expires on that date regardless of whether your home country's license is still valid. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one.

Can I drive in the U.S. on a foreign license without an IDP?

Yes, for a limited time. Most states allow you to drive on a valid foreign license for up to one year. Some states have shorter limits. Your license must be valid in your home country and may need to be in English or accompanied by an official translation. Check your state's DMV website for the exact rules.