What an International Driving Permit actually is

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. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your home license is real and current.

You can only get an IDP if you already hold a valid driver's license from your state. The permit lasts either one or three years depending on which version you request, and it costs between $15 and $30. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by your state's DMV. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP through either organization.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works alongside your state license, not a replacement for it.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can request an IDP.
  • AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • The one-year permit costs around $15 to $20, and the three-year permit costs around $20 to $30, though prices vary slightly by location.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.

Getting an IDP in person at AAA

If you have an AAA office near you, the fastest way to get an IDP is to walk in with your valid driver's license and a completed process form. You will need to bring one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches) and pay the fee in cash or card. The office will issue your permit on the spot, usually within 15 minutes.

You can find your nearest AAA office and check its hours on the AAA website. Not all AAA offices issue IDPs, so call ahead or check online before you go. If you are a AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the fee.

Requesting an IDP by mail

To request an IDP by mail, you will need to read and print the process form from the AAA website or the AATA website. Fill it out completely, including your name, address, license number, and the expiration date of your current license.

Mail the completed form along with a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), one passport-style photo, and a check or money order for the fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. The processing time is usually one to two weeks, though it can take longer during peak travel seasons.

Keep a copy of your process and the check number for your records. You will receive your IDP in the mail at the address you provided on the form.

What to bring and what the form requires

The process asks for your full legal name, date of birth, current address, driver's license number, and the expiration date of your license. You will also choose whether you want the one-year or three-year version. The form is straightforward and takes about five minutes to complete.

For the photo, use a standard passport photo — 2 inches by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. Many drugstores and photo studios can take a passport photo for $5 to $15.

Your driver's license must be valid and not expired on the day you submit your process. If your license expires within the next month, renew it first — the IDP cannot be issued on an expired license.

When you need an IDP and when you don't

An IDP is useful if you plan to rent a car, drive, or travel in countries outside the United States. Some car rental companies in Europe, South America, and Asia require an IDP along with your U.S. license. Many countries do not require it but accept it as proof that your license is legitimate.

You do not need an IDP for travel within the United States, even if you fly to another state. You also do not need one if you are only visiting another country as a passenger and will not be driving. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel — some nations have stopped requiring IDPs in recent years.

What happens if your IDP expires while you are traveling

If your IDP expires while you are outside the United States, it is no longer valid for driving or car rental. You cannot renew it while abroad — you must wait until you return home and then explore for a new one through AAA or AATA.

If you are planning a long trip, order the three-year version instead of the one-year version. This costs only $5 to $10 more and covers most extended travel plans. If you are unsure how long you will be away, the three-year permit gives you flexibility without the cost of explore twice.

Replacing a lost or damaged IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot replace it until you return to the United States. Contact AAA or AATA by phone or email to report the loss, and they will note it in their records. When you return home, you can explore for a replacement using the same process as a new process.

To avoid this problem, keep your IDP in a separate pocket or bag from your passport and driver's license. Take a photo of the front and back of your IDP on your phone before you leave, so you have proof of the number and issue date if you need to report it lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Once your license is reinstated or renewed, you can then request an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country for a few days?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to drive. Many countries do not require an IDP, but some rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy or tourism website before you travel.

How long does it take to get an IDP by mail?

Processing usually takes one to two weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your process. Mail delivery adds another few days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total. In-person applications at an AAA office are issued the same day.

Can I use my IDP instead of my driver's license?

No. The IDP is only a translation and must be carried together with your valid state driver's license. Police and rental companies will ask to see both documents.

What if I renew my driver's license while I have an active IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license is renewed, because the license number changes. You will need to explore for a new IDP with your new license number. The old IDP cannot be used even if it has not expired yet.