What an International Driving Permit Is and Why 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 when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your U.S. license is legitimate and current.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car agencies will not rent to you without one, and some countries (including Italy, Spain, and France) strongly recommend carrying one. If you are stopped by police in a country where you do not speak the language, the IDP removes doubt about your driving status. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

AAA is the primary issuer of IDPs in the United States. You cannot obtain an IDP from your state DMV or from any government office — only AAA and a small number of other travel organizations issue them on behalf of the State Department.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the IDP cannot be issued without it.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) for an IDP, and the permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through AAA's website — each method has different processing times.
  • You need two passport-style photos (2x2 inches) and your driver's license; no other documents are required.
  • An IDP is not a license and does not replace your state driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad.

Getting an IDP in Person at an AAA Office

The fastest way to obtain an IDP is to visit an AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and two passport-style photos (2x2 inches). You do not need an appointment at most AAA locations, though calling ahead to confirm hours is wise. The staff will complete the process form with you, verify your license, and issue the permit on the spot — the entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the fee at the time of issue. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, though members may receive a small discount. If you are not an AAA member, you can still walk in and request an IDP. To find the nearest AAA office, visit AAA.com and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP.

Ordering an IDP by Mail Through AAA

If no AAA office is near you, you can request an IDP by mail. Visit AAA.com, read the International Driving Permit process form, and print it. Fill out the form completely, including your name, address, driver's license number, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your license.

Attach two passport-style photos (2x2 inches) to the process form and include a copy of the front and back of your valid driver's license. Mail the completed package to the AAA address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the fee. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date AAA receives your process. You will receive the IDP in the mail at your home address.

Ordering an IDP Online Through AAA

AAA also offers online ordering for IDPs on their website. Go to AAA.com, search for "International Driving Permit," and follow the link to their IDP ordering page. You will need to upload digital images of two passport-style photos and a copy of your driver's license (front and back). The photos must meet passport photo specifications: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, and your face filling most of the frame.

After you submit the online form and pay the fee by credit card, AAA will process your order and mail the IDP to you. Online processing typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. This method is convenient if you do not have access to an AAA office and prefer not to mail physical documents.

Documents You Need and Photo Requirements

You need only three things to obtain an IDP: a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license; two passport-style photos (2x2 inches); and the completed process form (which AAA provides). The photos must be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain white or off-white background. Avoid photos with sunglasses, hats, or heavy shadows.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has expired or will expire within the next month, renew it with your state DMV before ordering the IDP. The IDP is only valid while your underlying driver's license is valid, so if your license expires, the IDP becomes invalid as well, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date.

Fees and Validity Period

AAA charges a flat fee for an IDP, typically $20 for members and $25 for non-members, though prices vary slightly by AAA club and may change. The fee covers the permit itself and the process processing. There are no additional hidden fees. If you order by mail or online, you may also pay for postage if you request expedited delivery, but standard mail delivery is included in the base fee.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from the date you travel. If you obtain the permit in January and do not travel until December, the permit will expire in January of the following year. Plan ahead if you are traveling near the end of the permit's validity — you may need to obtain a new one before your trip. The IDP cannot be renewed; you must order a new one if you need another after the first expires.

What to Do If You Lose or Damage Your IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can obtain a replacement by contacting AAA. If you obtained the permit in person, return to the same AAA office with your driver's license and two new passport-style photos. If you ordered by mail or online, contact AAA customer service by phone or through their website to request a replacement. AAA will typically issue a replacement at no additional charge if the original permit was damaged through no fault of your own, though policies may vary by location.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide documentation of your U.S. citizenship and may be able to help you contact AAA to arrange a replacement to be mailed to you or held at a U.S. office abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AAA membership to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA membership is not required. Non-members can obtain an IDP at any AAA office, by mail, or online. Members may receive a small discount on the fee, but the permit itself is available to anyone with a valid U.S. driver's license.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and a few other travel organizations authorized by the State Department issue IDPs. Your state DMV cannot issue one. AAA is by far the most widely available source.

What if my driver's license expires soon?

Renew your driver's license with your state DMV before ordering the IDP. The IDP is only valid while your underlying license is valid. If your license expires, the IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you must order a new one if you need another after the first expires. The validity period does not depend on when you travel; it runs from issue date to one year later.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is a translation document only and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license. Foreign police and rental car companies will ask to see both documents. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient.