An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license, not a separate license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — you cannot drive on an IDP alone. You must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together when driving in another country. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You do not get one from your state's DMV. The process takes less than an hour if you go in person, or a few days if you mail in your process.

Whether you need an IDP depends on where you are going. Some countries require one by law. Others do not require it but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. A few countries accept only your U.S. license. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's driving rules on its embassy website or ask your rental car company.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license.
  • You need a current, valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment (usually $15 to $20) to get an IDP.
  • AAA and AATA issue IDPs in person at their offices (usually same-day or within a few hours) or by mail (usually within a week).
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent without one — check your destination's rules before traveling.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it expires even if your U.S. license does not.

What you need to bring to get an IDP in person

If you go to an AAA or AATA office in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (which you can fill out at home or at the office), one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. You can get passport photos at most drugstores, post offices, and photo shops for $10 to $15.

The process form is straightforward — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. Both AAA and AATA have the form on their websites, so you can print it and fill it out before you go. This speeds up the process. If you fill it out at the office, it takes a few extra minutes.

Payment is usually $15 to $20 for a one-year IDP or $20 to $30 for a three-year IDP. Prices vary slightly by location. AAA members sometimes get a small discount. Bring cash or a card — most offices take both.

how the process works by mail if you cannot visit an office

Both AAA and AATA accept mail-in applications. You send your completed process form, a copy of the front and back of your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can mail the IDP back to you.

Mail your process to the address listed on the AAA or AATA website for your state or region. Processing usually takes five to ten business days once they receive your envelope. If you are traveling soon, in-person is faster — you can walk out with your IDP the same day.

Keep a copy of your process and the receipt or confirmation number. If your IDP gets lost in the mail, you will need proof that you sent it.

Where to find AAA and AATA offices near you

AAA has offices in most U.S. states. Go to aaa.com and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm before you go. Some smaller offices refer you to a larger one nearby.

AATA has fewer offices than AAA but covers all 50 states. Go to aata.org and look for the office locator, or call their main number. AATA offices are often in travel agencies or at their own locations.

Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has the forms and photos you need. Some offices are appointment-only, especially after the pandemic. A quick call saves a wasted trip.

How long an IDP is valid and when to renew

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you buy. The one-year version costs less but expires sooner. The three-year version costs more but lasts longer. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. If you travel once every few years, buy the one-year version when you need it. If you travel regularly, the three-year version is usually cheaper per year.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on it, not when your U.S. driver's license expires. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP, you must renew your license — your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license is no longer valid. If your IDP expires before your U.S. license, you must get a new IDP if you travel internationally again.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must explore for a new one. There is no grace period. If your IDP expired last month and you are traveling next week, you need to get a new one right away. This is why it is worth getting the three-year version if you travel often.

What happens if you lose your IDP while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming that your U.S. license is valid. This letter is not an official replacement, but it may help you rent a car or explain the situation to police if you are stopped.

When you return to the U.S., you can explore for a new IDP from AAA or AATA. Bring your U.S. license, a new process, a new photo, and payment. Tell them your previous IDP was lost. There is no penalty or special process — you straightforward explore again.

To avoid this, keep your IDP in a separate pocket or bag from your U.S. license. Some travelers make a photocopy of both documents and keep the copies in a different location, so they have proof of the documents even if the originals are lost.

Countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP

Many countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America require an IDP by law. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Brazil. Some countries will not rent you a car without one, even if the law does not technically require it. Australia, New Zealand, and Canada do not require an IDP but some rental companies ask for one.

The rules change, and some countries have exceptions for tourists from certain countries. Before you travel, check the official government website for your destination country or contact the rental car company you plan to use. A five-minute check now prevents a problem at the rental counter.

If you are unsure whether you need one, getting an IDP is cheap insurance. It costs $15 to $20 and takes an hour. If you do not need it, you straightforward do not use it. If you do need it and do not have it, you may not be able to rent a car or drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country. Some countries legally accept a U.S. license alone. Many others require an IDP by law or as a practical matter — rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Check your destination's rules before you travel. If the country does not require an IDP but your rental company does, you will need one to get the car.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving in a week?

If you go to an AAA or AATA office in person, you can get an IDP the same day or within a few hours. If you mail in your process, it usually takes five to ten business days. If you are leaving in a week, go in person to be safe. Call the office first to confirm they have the forms and photos available.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

Check with the rental car company first. Some companies rent to U.S. citizens with only a U.S. license in certain countries. Others require an IDP no matter how long you rent. It is easier to get an IDP before you travel than to show up at the rental counter and find out you cannot rent without one.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I have a valid IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your U.S. license expires. You must renew your U.S. license before you travel. You do not need a new IDP if your current one is still valid — just renew your U.S. license and carry both documents together.

Can I get an IDP from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one. Go to aaa.com or aata.org to find an office near you.