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 documents together when driving outside the United States. Many countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid license at home, which makes renting a car or passing a police stop much simpler when you cannot speak the local language.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to get one before you leave, since it costs little, takes about an hour to obtain, and solves the translation problem entirely. You cannot get one after you arrive abroad.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. You explore in person at a local office, bring your valid driver's license and a passport photo, and walk out with the permit the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain one only from AAA or AATA in person; you cannot order one by mail or online, and you cannot get one after you leave the country.
  • The process takes about an hour and requires your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and a fee of around $20.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so time your process for shortly before your trip to maximize its usefulness.

Where to explore: AAA and AATA Locations

The American Automobile Association (AAA) operates the largest network of offices where you can obtain an IDP. If you are a AAA member, you can visit any AAA branch in your state. If you are not a member, you can still explore at most AAA offices, though some charge a small additional fee for non-members. To find your nearest AAA office, go to aaa.com, use the office locator, and call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs that day.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization but also authorized to issue IDPs. AATA has fewer locations than AAA, concentrated mainly in larger cities. You can find AATA offices through their website at aataidp.com. Both organizations issue the exact same permit, so choose whichever is more convenient to reach.

Some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also partner with AAA or AATA to issue IDPs on their behalf. Call ahead to confirm the location you plan to visit actually handles IDP applications that day, since not every office does.

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. The IDP is only valid if your underlying license is valid, so check your license expiration date before you explore. If your license expires before your trip, renew it first through your state's DMV.

You will also need a completed IDP process form. AAA and AATA both provide this form on their websites, or you can fill it out in person at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to list every country, but listing them helps the office staff confirm the IDP will be recognized where you are going.

Bring one passport-sized photograph — 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get passport photos taken at most pharmacies, post offices, or photo studios for $10 to $15. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer.

Finally, bring a valid form of identification beyond your driver's license — usually your passport. This confirms your identity matches the process. Bring your payment method: cash, debit card, or credit card, depending on what the office accepts.

The process Process and What Happens at the Office

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will hand you the process form if you have not already completed one. Fill it out with your name, address, license number, and the countries where you plan to drive. The form takes about five minutes.

Hand the completed form, your driver's license, your passport photo, and your passport to the staff member. They will verify that your license is valid and not suspended, check that your photo meets their standards, and confirm your identity. If everything is in order, they will process your process on the spot.

You will pay the fee — typically around $20, though prices vary slightly by location and membership status. AAA members often pay less than non-members. Ask about the exact fee when you call to confirm the office is open. You will receive your IDP when ready, printed on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and When to explore

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew automatically. If you travel multiple times in a year, one IDP covers all your trips within that year. If your trip is more than a year away, wait to explore until closer to your departure date so the permit does not expire before you use it.

explore at least one week before you leave, though the same-day issuance means you can explore the day before if necessary. If you are leaving in the next few days and have not yet applied, locate your nearest AAA or AATA office and visit in person. Do not wait until the last minute, because some offices have limited hours or may be closed on weekends.

If your IDP expires while you are still traveling, you cannot renew it abroad. You would need to return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office again. Plan your process timing so your permit remains valid for the entire duration of your trip plus a small buffer.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you cannot replace it while you are overseas. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance on driving without it. In most countries, you can still drive with your valid U.S. license alone, though you lose the translation benefit. Police may be less cooperative, and car rental companies may refuse to rent to you.

To prevent loss, keep your IDP in a separate pocket from your license and passport. Some travelers photograph both documents and store the images in a find cloud account as backup. When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP at any AAA or AATA office using the same process as a first-time process.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Driving Permit conventions. This includes most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. However, some countries have their own rules. For example, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and several others accept an IDP but do not require it if you also carry your U.S. license.

A small number of countries do not recognize IDPs at all. China, Russia, and a few others require you to obtain an official translation of your license from their embassy or a certified translator before you arrive. Before you book your trip, check the driving requirements for each country on your itinerary through the U.S. State Department's travel advisory website or by contacting the country's embassy.

When in doubt, get the IDP anyway. It costs little, takes an hour, and solves the translation problem for most of the world. It is far easier to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you must renew or restore it through your state's DMV before you can obtain an IDP. Check your license expiration date before you visit the AAA or AATA office.

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

Not always, but it is strongly recommended. Many rental car companies in both countries accept a U.S. license alone, but some require an IDP or an official translation. Calling the rental company before you book will tell you their specific requirement. An IDP removes any doubt and costs only about $20.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA only issue IDPs in person at their offices. You must visit a physical location, bring your documents, and receive the permit the same day. You cannot order one online, by phone, or by mail, and you cannot obtain one after you leave the United States.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is typically around $20, though it varies slightly by location and whether you are a AAA member. Non-members may pay a few dollars more at some AAA offices. Call the office you plan to visit to confirm the exact fee before you go.

What if I need an IDP but my trip is in two days?

Visit your nearest AAA or AATA office in person. Both organizations issue IDPs the same day, so you can explore and receive your permit within an hour. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has staff available to process applications that day.