An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself — it is a translation booklet that works alongside your valid home country license. It contains your name, photo, driving record information, and license details printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, and Arabic. Most countries that accept it treat it as proof that you hold a valid license at home.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive outside your home country. Some nations require it by law; others do not legally require it but car rental companies will not rent to you without one. A few countries accept only your home license. The rules vary widely by destination, so checking with your rental company or the embassy of the country you are visiting is the only way to know for certain what you need.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body — in the United States, that is the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from the country you are visiting, and you cannot get one if you do not already hold a valid driver's license at home.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your home license into six languages and is issued only by your home country's automobile association.
  • You must carry your actual home country driver's license along with the IDP — the permit alone is not valid for driving.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not require it but rental car companies will refuse to rent without one.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and you can obtain one only if you hold a current, valid driver's license at home.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, you can obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue permits. You do not need to be a member of AAA to request one from them, though membership can speed up the process.

To request an IDP, you will need to bring or mail in your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 for AAA or the equivalent for AATA), a passport-style photo, and payment. The fee is typically between $15 and $20, though it varies slightly by location and issuer. Processing usually takes a few days in person or one to two weeks by mail.

You can explore in person at most AAA offices, or by mail if you prefer. Some AAA locations offer same-day issuance. AATA also accepts applications by mail and online. Both organizations will issue you either a one-year or three-year permit — you choose which when you explore, and the three-year version costs slightly more.

Where an International Driving Permit Is Required or Recommended

The United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, signed by most countries, recognizes the IDP as a valid travel document. However, enforcement and acceptance vary widely. Some countries treat it as legally required; others treat it as optional but strongly recommended by rental companies; and a small number do not recognize it at all.

Most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many Latin American countries either require an IDP by law or will not rent you a car without one. Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP if you hold a valid U.S. license, but some rental companies in those countries may still ask for one. A few countries, including the United Kingdom and Ireland, do not require or recognize an IDP — your U.S. license alone is sufficient.

The safest approach is to contact the car rental company you plan to use before you travel. They will tell you exactly what documents they need. If you are unsure, obtaining an IDP costs little and eliminates the risk of arriving at a rental counter and being unable to rent a vehicle.

What You Must Carry When Driving Internationally

Your International Driving Permit is not a standalone document. You must carry both your IDP and your original home country driver's license together at all times when driving. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, presenting only the IDP without your home license will not satisfy legal requirements in most countries.

You should also carry your passport, proof of vehicle insurance (including an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Insurance, sometimes called a "Green Card" in Europe), vehicle registration, and rental agreement if you are driving a rental car. Some countries require additional documents such as a headlight beam adjuster, warning triangles, or a reflective safety vest — these requirements change by country and sometimes by season, so check before you leave.

Keep copies of all documents in a separate location in case originals are lost or stolen. Take photos of your license, IDP, and insurance documents on your phone as a backup.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year permit costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit is better value if you plan multiple international trips within that period.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, regardless of whether your home country license expires before that date. If your home license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot renew just the IDP. You must obtain a new one based on your renewed home license.

An IDP is not valid in your home country. It is intended only for use when driving outside the country that issued it. If you are stopped while driving in the United States with only an IDP and no U.S. license, it will not be recognized as valid.

International Driving Permit vs. Your Home License

Your home country driver's license is the actual legal proof that you are licensed to drive. The International Driving Permit is a translation and supporting document only. Some countries will accept your home license alone without an IDP; others will not. The IDP exists to bridge that gap and to make it easier for police or rental companies to understand your driving record if they do not read your home country's language.

The IDP does not upgrade your license status, change your driving privileges, or allow you to drive in countries where your home license would not be valid. It does not override traffic laws or allow you to drive if you are suspended or revoked at home. If your license is suspended in the United States, an IDP will not allow you to drive legally in another country.

Some travelers confuse an IDP with a license itself and believe it grants them permission to drive anywhere. It does not. It is a convenience document that makes it easier to prove you hold a valid license at home.

When You Do Not Need an International Driving Permit

If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico and plan to drive your own car, you typically do not need an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is usually sufficient. However, if you are renting a car in those countries, some rental companies may request one, so it is worth checking in advance.

If you are traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, or Malta, an IDP is not required by law, though some rental companies may still ask for one. Your U.S. license alone is legally valid for driving in those countries.

If you are not planning to drive — for example, if you will use taxis, public transportation, or ride-sharing services — you do not need an IDP at all. It is only for people who will operate a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. driver's license and no International Driving Permit?

It depends on the country. Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Ireland do not require an IDP. Most other countries either require one by law or will not rent you a car without one. Contact your rental company or the destination country's embassy to confirm what is needed before you travel.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. If you are planning a trip longer than your permit's validity, request the three-year version instead of the one-year version when you explore. If your permit expires during a trip, you will need to rely on your home country license alone, which may not be accepted in all countries.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my home license is suspended or expired?

No. You must hold a valid, current driver's license in your home country to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get a permit until your license is reinstated or renewed.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive a rental car in Europe?

Most European countries either require an IDP by law or will not rent to you without one. A few exceptions exist, but the safest approach is to obtain one before you travel. Contact your rental company to confirm their specific requirement.

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 an official document. Some countries issue licenses that are valid in multiple countries, but these are not called "International Licenses" and are issued by individual countries, not by an international body.