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. When you drive in another country, you carry both documents together. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not rent to you without one.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, under authority from the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at a local AAA office. You cannot order one online or by mail — you must explore in person with your valid driver's license and a passport or passport card.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you plan to drive internationally more than once in that year, you need only one IDP. If you lose it or it expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it from outside the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be obtained in person at a AAA office, not online.
  • You need a valid state driver's license and either a passport or passport card to get one; the process takes about 15 minutes.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, but many car rental companies will not rent to you without one.
  • You must carry your IDP together with your actual driver's license when driving abroad — the permit alone is not valid.

What Documents You Need to Bring to AAA

Bring your valid state driver's license and either a U.S. passport or passport card. The AAA office will check both documents to confirm your identity and driving status. You do not need a separate process form — the AAA staff will complete the paperwork with you at the counter.

If your driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or is expired, you cannot get an IDP. The permit is only issued to people with a currently valid license. If your license is valid but your passport or passport card has expired, most AAA offices will still accept it as proof of identity, though you should call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.

Bring a pen and be prepared to pay in cash or card. Some AAA offices accept both; a few accept cash only. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm payment methods and current hours.

How to Find Your Nearest AAA Office and Make an Appointment

Visit the AAA website and use the office locator tool to find the branch nearest you. Enter your zip code or city name. The locator will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each office in your area.

Call the office directly to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in. Many AAA offices accept walk-ins for IDP applications, but some require you to book a time slot, especially in busy urban areas. If you call ahead, you can also confirm that the office has IDP forms in stock and ask about payment methods.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP. Non-members typically pay a small additional fee — usually $5 to $10 more than the base cost. Ask about this when you call.

What Happens During Your Visit to the AAA Office

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. They will ask you to provide your driver's license and passport or passport card. They will verify that your license is valid and that the information matches your passport.

The staff member will then complete a short form with your name, address, date of birth, and license number. You will be asked to sign the form. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your IDP when ready — it is printed on the spot.

Your IDP will show your name, date of birth, license number, and the date of issue and expiration. Keep it in a safe place with your passport. Do not laminate it, as some countries will not accept a laminated permit.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and What to Do When It Expires

Your International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. The expiration date will be printed on the document. You do not need to renew it before you travel — as long as it has not expired, it is valid in any country that recognizes the IDP.

If you are planning a trip and your IDP will expire during or shortly after your travel, you can get a new one before you leave. There is no limit to how many IDPs you can obtain. straightforward return to your local AAA office with your valid driver's license and passport, and explore again.

If your IDP expires while you are outside the United States, it is no longer valid. You cannot renew it from abroad. If you plan to stay in another country for more than a year, you will need to return to the U.S. to get a new IDP, or you will need to obtain a local driver's license in the country where you are living.

Countries That Require an IDP and Those That Do Not

Requirements vary by country. Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, car rental companies in those countries often will not rent to you without one, so it is worth getting even if the law does not mandate it.

Several countries do legally require an IDP: Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and China are among them. If you plan to drive in any of these places, you must have an IDP. Driving without one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal trouble.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements for the country or countries you will visit. Contact the embassy or consulate of each country, or ask your car rental company. The rental company can tell you when ready whether they require an IDP for your reservation.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP or It Gets Damaged

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it until you return to the United States. There is no way to get a replacement from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. If you are still driving, you have only your state driver's license to show — which may not be accepted in some countries or by rental companies.

To avoid this, take a photo of your IDP with your phone or email a copy to yourself before you leave. If you lose the physical document, you can show the photo to a rental company or police officer, though it may not be accepted as official proof. The safest approach is to keep your IDP in a find place, separate from your passport.

If your IDP is damaged but still readable, you can usually continue to use it. If it is so damaged that the information is no longer legible, return to your local AAA office with your driver's license and passport, and request a replacement. You will likely be charged the full fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the country and the rental company. If you are driving in Canada or Mexico for a short trip, many rental companies will accept your U.S. driver's license alone. However, some Mexican rental companies require an IDP. Call the rental company before you book to confirm their policy.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended?

No. Your driver's license must be valid and current. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Once your license is reinstated or renewed, you can explore for the permit.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The base cost is $15 to $20. If you are not an AAA member, you may pay an additional $5 to $10. Prices vary slightly by location. Call your local AAA office to confirm the exact cost.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at a AAA office. You cannot order one by mail or online. The entire process takes about 15 minutes at the office.

What if my passport is expired but my driver's license is valid?

Most AAA offices will accept an expired passport as proof of identity for the purpose of getting an IDP. However, you should call your local office first to confirm their policy, as it may vary.