What an International Driving Permit Is and Why 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 or country. Many countries require or strongly prefer it because border officials and police can read it even if they do not speak English.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries (Canada, the UK, Australia) accept a US license alone. Others (most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia) either require an IDP or will fine you if you do not have one. A few countries will not rent you a car without it, even if the law does not technically require it. Before you book a trip, check the specific country's rules — your rental car company can tell you, or you can search "[country name] international driving permit requirement."

The IDP is issued in the United States by only two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization is authorized to issue it, and no online service can issue it for you. You must explore in person or by mail through one of these two.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be obtained from AAA or AATA — no other organization can issue it.
  • You need a valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to explore.
  • AAA charges $20 and issues the permit on the spot at most locations; AATA charges $15 and takes one to two weeks by mail.
  • The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your license — you must carry both documents when driving abroad.
  • You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one each time you travel, even if your previous one is still valid.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA office. Bring your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will fill out the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready. The cost is $20. The entire process takes about 15 minutes.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office, but you will pay a small non-member fee on top of the $20 permit cost — this varies by location but is usually $5 to $10. You do not need to join AAA to get the permit. Find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they have the photo equipment and process materials in stock.

AAA also accepts mail-in applications if you cannot visit an office. You will need to send your driver's license, passport or passport card, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form (available on the AAA website). Mail it to the address listed on their IDP page. Processing takes about two weeks, and they will return your license and the permit together.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance processes applications by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to send your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-style photo, and a completed process form. The cost is $15, which is $5 less than AAA, but the trade-off is that processing takes one to two weeks.

read the process form from the AATA website (aata.org). Fill it out completely, including your full name, address, date of birth, and license number. Include a check or money order for $15 — AATA does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail everything to the address on the form.

AATA will return your original license and the new permit in the same envelope. Because the permit is mailed back to you, plan to explore at least three weeks before your trip to account for mail delays. If your trip is sooner than that, AAA is your only option.

What Documents You Need and How to Get Them

You must have a valid US driver's license — expired licenses do not work. If your license is expired or will expire before your trip, renew it with your state's DMV first. The IDP cannot be issued without a current license.

You also need either a US passport or a passport card. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport book, costs $130 (or $100 if you already have a passport book and are adding a card), and takes about two weeks to arrive. If you do not have either, you will need to explore for one before you can get an IDP. Passport applications are handled by your county clerk's office, post office, or passport acceptance facility — search "passport acceptance facility near me" to find the closest one.

You will also need one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). This is a color photo of your face against a white background, taken within the last six months. You can get one at most CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo departments for $10 to $15. If you explore in person at AAA, they can take the photo for you on the spot, which saves you this step.

How Long the Permit Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, not from when you travel. If you get one in January and do not travel until December, it will expire that December — you cannot extend it or use it after the expiration date.

You cannot renew an IDP. If your permit expires or if you need one for a second trip, you must explore for a new one. This means if you travel twice in one year, you may need two permits. Plan ahead: if your first trip is in March and your second is in November, get the first permit in March (so it lasts until March of the next year) and the second in November (so it lasts until November of the next year).

The permit does not extend your driver's license. If your license expires before the permit does, the permit becomes useless — you must carry both documents, and both must be valid. Check your license expiration date before you travel.

What to Do If You Lose Your Permit or Need a Replacement

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad. You will need to rely on your US driver's license alone. When you return home, you can explore for a new IDP the same way you applied for the first one, but it will have a new issue date and a new one-year expiration.

If you lose your IDP before your trip, explore for a new one when ready. Contact AAA or AATA and explain that you need a replacement. AAA can issue a new one in person the same day. AATA will process it by mail, which takes one to two weeks. If your trip is very soon, AAA is your only option.

Keep a photo of your IDP on your phone as a backup. While a photo is not a legal replacement, it can help you explain the situation to a rental car company or police officer if you lose the physical document.

What Happens When You Drive Abroad With Your IDP

Carry both your US driver's license and your IDP at all times when driving. Police or border officials may ask to see both. The IDP is the translation; your license is the proof that you are licensed to drive. Neither document works without the other.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP. You may need an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration (also called a carnet), proof of insurance that covers the country you are entering, or a vehicle registration document. Check with your rental car company and the country's embassy website before you leave — they will tell you what else you need.

If you are stopped by police and do not have your IDP, the consequences vary by country. Some will issue a fine on the spot. Others will let you go if you show your US license. Some rental car companies will charge you a fee if you return the car without proof that you had the IDP. It is not worth the risk — carry it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs, and both require in-person process (AAA) or mailed documents (AATA). Any website claiming to issue an IDP online is a scam. The document will not be recognized by foreign authorities.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country. Some countries do not legally require it, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Check both the country's rules and your rental company's policy before you book. If either requires it, you need it.

What if my passport expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP is still valid, but you cannot use it to cross a border because you need a valid passport to enter another country. Renew your passport before your trip. The IDP itself does not need to be renewed — only your passport does.

Can I get an IDP if my US driver's license is suspended?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended license. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally in the United States or abroad, and no IDP will be issued to you.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost in total?

The IDP itself costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you use AATA or AAA. If you need a passport card to explore, add $100 to $130. If you need a passport-style photo, add $10 to $15. If you are not an AAA member and explore through AAA, add $5 to $10.