What an International Driving Permit is and when you need one

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company that your U.S. license is real and what class of vehicle you are licensed to drive.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in another country. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one. A few countries accept only an IDP plus your U.S. license; others accept your U.S. license alone. The safest approach is to get one before you leave, because obtaining one while traveling is difficult and slow.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — these are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, your local DMV office, or any other agency.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be obtained in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You can explore at any AAA office or AATA office in the United States; you do not need to explore in your home state.
  • Processing takes minutes to an hour if you explore in person; there is no mail-in or online option.
  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license and IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not valid.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring three things in person to an AAA or AATA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and payment. Your driver's license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privilege is restored.

Your passport or passport card proves your identity and citizenship. A state ID card, Real ID, or birth certificate will not work. If your passport is expired, you can still use it to get an IDP — the IDP does not require a valid passport, only proof that you are a U.S. citizen.

Bring a photo if the AAA or AATA office requests one, though most offices use your driver's license photo. Call ahead to confirm what your local office requires, because policies vary slightly between locations.

How to find an AAA or AATA office near you

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to get an IDP, though members sometimes receive a small discount. To find the nearest office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find AATA offices at aata.org or by calling their main office. Both organizations list their hours online, and many offices are open on Saturdays.

You can explore at any AAA or AATA office in any state — you do not have to go to an office in your home state or the state where you hold your license. If you live near a major city, you likely have multiple offices to choose from.

The cost and how long it takes

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20 depending on which organization issues it and whether you are an AAA member. AAA members sometimes pay $13 to $15. AATA pricing is similar. There is no difference in what the permit says or how long it is valid — the price difference is only the issuing organization's fee.

You can request a one-year IDP or a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs slightly more but is the better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once. Both versions are valid only while your U.S. driver's license is valid, so if your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes worthless.

Processing happens while you wait. If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you will receive your IDP in minutes to an hour. There is no mail-in option and no online process — you must appear in person with your documents and payment.

What happens after you receive your IDP

Your IDP arrives as a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. It contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the classes of vehicle you are licensed to drive, all printed in English and nine other languages. The back pages have space for you to write notes about your vehicle or driving record.

Carry your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together whenever you drive abroad. Neither document is valid without the other. If you lose your IDP while traveling, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate — they cannot issue a replacement, but they can provide a letter confirming your identity and U.S. citizenship, which some rental car companies and police will accept temporarily.

When you return to the United States, your IDP has no value. You do not need it to drive in the U.S., and it will not help you if you are stopped by police here. Keep it in a safe place in case you travel internationally again before it expires.

What the IDP does not do

An International Driving Permit does not change your driving record, your insurance, or your legal status in any country. It does not give you permission to drive in a country that has banned you or suspended your license. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is invalid and you cannot use it.

The IDP does not cover you if you break a traffic law abroad. If you are caught speeding or driving under the influence in another country, the IDP will not protect you from that country's penalties. You are subject to the laws of the country where you are driving, and your IDP is only a translation tool.

An IDP also does not replace travel insurance or international auto insurance. If you rent a car abroad, you still need to purchase the rental company's insurance or obtain coverage from your own insurance company. Check with your auto insurance provider before you travel to confirm whether your U.S. policy covers you in the countries you plan to visit.

Alternatives if you cannot get to an AAA or AATA office

If you live far from any AAA or AATA office or cannot visit one before your trip, some travel agencies and online services claim to obtain an IDP on your behalf. These services are not authorized by the State Department and do not issue legitimate IDPs. Any IDP you receive from a source other than AAA or AATA will not be recognized by foreign police or rental car companies.

Your only legitimate option is to visit an AAA or AATA office in person. If your trip is coming up soon and no office is nearby, consider whether you truly need an IDP for your destination. Research the specific country's requirements — some nations do not require one, and your U.S. license alone may be sufficient. Contact your rental car company directly to ask whether they will rent to you with only your U.S. license and passport.

If you are traveling within the next few days and cannot reach an office, postponing your trip until you can obtain an IDP is safer than driving abroad without one. Driving without the required documents can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal trouble in the country you are visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privilege is restored by your state's DMV. Once your suspension is lifted, you can explore for an IDP when ready.

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

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies require an IDP for any rental, even one day. Others accept a U.S. license alone. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their requirement. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be able to rent from them.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling abroad?

Your IDP becomes invalid the moment it expires. If you are still traveling, you can only drive legally if the country you are in accepts a U.S. license without an IDP. Most countries do not. If you are in a country that requires an IDP and yours has expired, you should not drive. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. You must appear with your driver's license, passport, and payment. There is no mail-in, online, or phone process process. Processing takes minutes to an hour once you are at the office.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist in the U.S. system. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not. Your U.S. driver's license plus an IDP is the correct combination for driving abroad.