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 companies, and border officials in other countries that your home license is legitimate.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive a rental car or your own vehicle in another country. Some nations require it by law; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over keys without 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 by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one each time you travel abroad and want to drive. The permit is not a license itself — if your state license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes worthless.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be obtained in person at a local office, not by mail or online.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired state driver's license in hand when you explore, and the IDP will be valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • The fee is typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members through AAA, though AATA pricing may differ slightly.
  • You will need one passport-style photo (2x2 inches) and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to complete the process.
  • Processing takes minutes if you explore in person; there is no mail-in option through AAA, though AATA may offer it in some locations.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of offices across the United States. If you are a AAA member, you can walk into any local AAA office with your documents and receive an IDP the same day. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide, so finding one near you is usually straightforward — use the AAA website locator to find your nearest branch and confirm they issue IDPs before you visit.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP through AAA by paying a higher fee, or you can contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) directly. AATA has fewer physical locations but serves the same purpose. Contact AATA at 1-800-622-7070 or visit their website to find an authorized issuer near you or to ask about mail-in options, which vary by location.

AAA membership is not required to get an IDP, but it does lower the cost. A one-year AAA membership costs around $50 to $70 depending on your state, so if you need an IDP and do not already belong, compare the cost of membership plus the member fee against the non-member fee before deciding.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid, unexpired state driver's license. This is the document the IDP translates, so it must be current. If your license has expired or is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew or restore it.

Bring one passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size used for passport photos. You can obtain one at any pharmacy with a photo service (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart), at a UPS store, or at a professional photographer. The photo must be in color and taken within the last six months. Bring the original print, not a digital copy.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card) will work. A state ID or driver's license alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship.

Bring a completed process form. AAA provides this form at the office, and you can fill it out on-site, so you do not need to obtain it in advance. AATA also provides the form at the point of issue. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number — basic information from your driver's license.

The process Process at AAA

Visit your local AAA office during business hours. Bring your driver's license, passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, and payment. Hand these to the staff member at the counter.

The staff will complete the process form with you, verify your information against your license, and check that your photo meets the size and quality requirements. This step takes about five minutes. They will then issue your IDP on the spot — the entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will receive a booklet-style document with your name, license number, and photograph. Keep this with your driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States. The IDP is valid for one year from the date printed on the cover.

Fees and Payment

AAA members pay $20 for an International Driving Permit. Non-members pay $30 through AAA. AATA pricing may vary; contact them directly for current rates. Payment is cash or card, depending on the office.

There are no additional hidden fees. The price you are quoted at the office is the total cost. Some offices may charge a small fee if you need a replacement IDP due to loss or damage, but this is typically the same as the original fee.

Remember that an IDP is valid for only one year. If you travel internationally again the following year, you will need to purchase a new one. Plan ahead if you know you will be driving abroad in multiple years.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. Write down the expiration date and keep it somewhere visible so you do not accidentally try to use an expired permit when you travel.

When you rent a car or drive in another country, carry both your state driver's license and your IDP together. Some countries require the IDP by law; others do not. Rental companies almost always require it, even in countries where it is not legally mandated. Do not leave home without both documents.

The IDP does not extend your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where you would not otherwise be permitted to drive. It is purely a translation document. If you are under the legal driving age in another country, the IDP will not change that. If your state license is suspended or revoked, the IDP becomes invalid when ready.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. Although AAA can issue an IDP the same day, offices can become busy, and you risk arriving to find a long wait or the office closing before you finish. explore at least two weeks before you travel.

Do not assume your state ID or passport alone is enough. Rental companies and some countries specifically require the IDP booklet. Carry all three documents if you have them.

Do not try to renew an IDP. You cannot extend a one-year permit — you must obtain a new one each year. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot drive legally in most countries. Check the expiration date before you leave home.

Do not explore by mail through AAA. The organization does not offer mail-in service for IDPs — you must appear in person. AATA may offer mail service in some states, so ask when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your state license must be valid and unexpired when you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it first at your state DMV, then explore for the IDP. The IDP is only a translation of your current license.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, but rental car companies in both countries often will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you book. Your state driver's license alone may be accepted, but having the IDP removes any doubt and speeds up the rental process.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement or confirm that your state license is valid. When you return home, visit AAA or AATA to obtain a new IDP for future trips. A lost IDP cannot be replaced remotely.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not. The IDP is the only document the U.S. provides for driving abroad.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you explore in person at AAA, you receive it the same day — usually within 15 minutes. AATA processing times vary by location. Neither organization offers expedited service because the standard service is already when ready for in-person applications.