What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need 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 — it works only alongside your actual license from your state. You carry both documents together when you drive outside the United States.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Many countries require it; some accept your U.S. license alone; a few will accept neither without an IDP. Before you travel, check the specific country's rules — the U.S. State Department website lists requirements by nation. If you are only visiting as a passenger or using public transit, you do not need one.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized to issue them in the United States. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, and you cannot get one online — you must explore in person.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver's license and must be carried with your actual license when you drive abroad.
  • Only the AAA and the American Automobile Touring Alliance can issue an IDP in the United States; your state DMV cannot.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, or three years if you are under 18.
  • You should obtain your IDP before you travel, as it cannot be issued retroactively and is not available at airports or border crossings.

What You Need to Bring to explore

Bring three things to your AAA or AATA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Your driver's license must not be expired, and it must be a real ID-compliant license if you obtained it after May 7, 2025 — though most states issued compliant licenses years before that date.

The passport or passport card proves your citizenship and identity. A driver's license alone is not enough. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP. The passport photo must meet U.S. State Department standards: a clear, color or black-and-white image of your face against a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months.

You do not need to bring proof of travel plans or a reservation. The IDP office will not ask where you are going or when. Bring only the three documents listed above.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

Find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator, or call 1-800-222-4357. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore — membership is not required. AAA offices are located in most states, though availability varies by region.

If there is no AAA office near you, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs. You can find AATA locations at aataidp.com. AATA has fewer offices than AAA, but covers areas AAA does not.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes in person. You will fill out a form, show your documents, and have your photo taken or submit the one you brought. Most offices issue the permit the same day. If they do not have your photo on file, they may mail it to you within one to two weeks.

Cost and How Long Your Permit Is Valid

An International Driving Permit costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA. AAA members may receive a small discount. Payment is cash or card, and the fee is non-refundable.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you are under 18 at the time of issue, it is valid for three years. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. Once it expires, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one and pay the fee again.

Your IDP is only valid if your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless. If your license is suspended or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid either.

What Happens If Your License Changes or You Lose Your Permit

If you renew your U.S. driver's license before your IDP expires, your old IDP is no longer valid. You will need to explore for a new IDP with your new license. The old one cannot be transferred or updated.

If you lose your IDP, you cannot replace it. You must explore for a new one at an AAA or AATA office, pay the fee again, and bring the same documents. There is no lost-and-found process or duplicate issuance. If you are traveling soon, explore as soon as possible — same-day issuance is common, but it is not may provide.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, some offices will accept it. If it is unreadable or missing pages, you will need a new one. Call your local AAA or AATA office to ask whether they can repair or replace it without a full new process.

Countries That Require an IDP and Those That Do Not

More than 150 countries recognize the International Driving Permit. However, recognition does not always mean it is required. Some countries accept your U.S. license alone; others require an IDP; still others require both plus a certified translation of your license.

European countries generally accept an IDP but do not always require one if you also have your U.S. license. Mexico, Canada, and most Caribbean nations accept a U.S. license without an IDP. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan typically require an IDP or a certified English translation of your license. China, India, and several Middle Eastern countries do not recognize U.S. licenses at all and may require an IDP plus additional permits.

The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country. Before you travel, check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for your destination, or contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. They can tell you exactly what documents you need to drive legally.

How an IDP Differs From a License Renewal or Real ID

An International Driving Permit is not a renewal of your driver's license and does not extend your license's expiration date. It is a separate document that translates your existing license. You still need to renew your actual license through your state's DMV on your state's schedule.

An IDP is also not the same as a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID is a U.S. federal standard for domestic travel and identification. An IDP is for international driving only. You may need both — a Real ID license for domestic flights and an IDP for driving abroad — but they serve different purposes and are issued by different organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is valid only if your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP, and any IDP you already have becomes invalid. You must renew or restore your license through your state's DMV first.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies may request an IDP as an additional form of identification. Check with your rental company before you travel. Having an IDP does not hurt and may make the rental process smoother, but it is not legally required in those countries.

What if I get my IDP but my travel plans change and I do not go?

You can keep your IDP and use it for future international travel within its one-year validity period. There is no refund if you do not travel, and you do not need to notify AAA or AATA of a change in plans. The permit is yours to use whenever you need it before it expires.

Can I explore for an IDP by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot mail in an process or complete the process online. This is a requirement set by the international agreement that governs IDPs. Plan to visit an office at least a few days before you travel.

What if I am a new driver with only a learner's permit — can I get an IDP?

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 road test and receive your full license, you can then explore for an IDP at an AAA or AATA office.