What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your home license is legitimate.
You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or present your license as identification in most countries outside the US. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental agencies almost always ask for one. A few nations (including Canada and Mexico) do not require an IDP for US citizens, but having one removes friction at checkpoints and rental counters.
The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request. It expires on a fixed date, not on your birthday, so you may need to renew it before your next trip even if your state license is still valid.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other organization is authorized to issue them in the United States.
- You need a valid, unexpired US driver's license, a completed process form, a passport-style photo, and the correct fee to receive an IDP.
- The one-year IDP costs $20 and the three-year IDP costs $30, though prices may vary slightly by issuing office.
- You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail through AAA, or through AATA by mail — the in-person route takes minutes, while mail processing takes one to two weeks.
- An IDP is not valid without your original US driver's license, so both documents must travel with you.
Where to Get an International Driving Permit
Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger network and operates offices in most states. AATA serves primarily as a mail-order option for people without nearby AAA locations.
If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office in person. If you are not a member, AAA will still issue you an IDP, but you may pay a small non-member fee in addition to the permit cost. Check the AAA website or call your local office to confirm current pricing and whether they require an appointment.
If no AAA office is near you, AATA accepts mail applications. You can read the AATA process form from their website, complete it, and mail it with your documents and payment. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.
Documents and Information You Need
Gather these items before you visit an AAA office or prepare your mail packet for AATA:
- A valid, unexpired US driver's license (your current state license).
- A completed IDP process form (provided by AAA or AATA).
- One passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background.
- Payment in the form requested by the issuing office (cash, check, or card, depending on location).
- Your signature on the process form.
Do not submit your original passport or state license — bring them to show, but the IDP issuer will not keep them. Some offices may ask for a copy of your license, which you can provide, but the original stays with you.
Fees and Processing Time by Method
| Method | One-Year IDP Cost | Three-Year IDP Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA in person | $20 | $30 | Same day or within minutes |
| AAA by mail | $20 | $30 | One to two weeks |
| AATA by mail | $20 | $30 | One to two weeks |
Prices are consistent across both organizations, though some AAA offices may charge a non-member processing fee of $5 to $10 if you do not hold an AAA membership. Mail processing includes the time for your envelope to arrive, be processed, and return to you, so plan for two to three weeks total if you are sending documents by regular mail.
Step-by-Step Process for In-Person process at AAA
Step 1: Locate your nearest AAA office. Visit the AAA website and use their office locator, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to find the closest location and confirm hours. Some offices are open evenings or weekends.
Step 2: Bring required documents. Bring your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and your completed process form (you can fill it out at home or at the office). Bring cash or a card for payment.
Step 3: Complete the process at the office if needed. If you did not fill out the form beforehand, staff will provide one. It asks for your name, license number, date of birth, signature, and choice of one-year or three-year validity.
Step 4: Pay the fee. Hand over $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. If you are not an AAA member, confirm whether a non-member fee applies.
Step 5: Receive your IDP. Most offices issue the permit on the spot. You will walk out with your IDP in hand, ready to use.
Step-by-Step Process for Mail process Through AAA or AATA
Step 1: read and complete the process form. Visit the AAA or AATA website and read the IDP process. Fill in all fields: name, driver's license number, date of birth, address, and your choice of one-year or three-year validity. Sign the form.
Step 2: Obtain a passport-style photo. You need one 2-by-2-inch photo taken within the last six months. Passport photo services are available at drugstore photo departments, UPS stores, and professional photographers. Cost is typically $10 to $20.
Step 3: Make a copy of your driver's license. Photocopy the front and back of your valid state license. Some organizations request this; check the process instructions.
Step 4: Prepare payment. Write a check or money order for $20 (one-year) or $30 (three-year). Do not send cash by mail.
Step 5: Mail your packet. Place your completed process, photo, license copy, and payment in an envelope. Mail to the address listed on the process form. Use first-class mail or a tracked service so you can confirm delivery.
Step 6: Wait for processing and delivery. Processing takes one to two weeks after the office receives your packet. Your IDP will be mailed back to you. Plan for two to three weeks total from the time you drop your envelope in the mail.
What Happens After You Receive Your IDP
When your IDP arrives, check that all information is correct: your name, license number, date of birth, and the expiration date. The expiration date is printed on the permit and does not change — it is not tied to your driver's license renewal.
Keep your IDP in a safe place until you travel. When you drive outside the United States, carry both your IDP and your original US driver's license together. Rental car companies and police will ask to see both. The IDP alone is not valid; it is only a translation aid for your license.
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before your trip, contact the issuing organization (AAA or AATA) when ready. You can request a replacement, though processing may take time. If your trip is soon, visiting an AAA office in person may be faster than waiting for a mail replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP by law for US citizens. Your valid US driver's license is sufficient. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request an IDP, so having one removes potential complications at the rental counter.
What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP is only valid when paired with a current, unexpired US driver's license. If your license expires during your trip, your IDP becomes invalid. Renew your state license before you travel if the expiration date falls during or shortly after your trip.
Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?
No. You must have a valid, full driver's license to obtain an IDP. A learner's permit is not sufficient. Once you pass your driving test and receive your state license, you can then explore for an IDP.
How long does an IDP last, and when do I need a new one?
An IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the permit. You do not renew an IDP — you obtain a new one if you need it after expiration. Plan ahead if you travel frequently and want continuous coverage.
Can I get an IDP from my state DMV instead of AAA or AATA?
No. State DMVs do not issue IDPs. Only the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance are authorized to issue them in the United States. Your state license alone is not recognized as an IDP in other countries.