What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need One for Italy

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. Italy recognizes it as proof that you hold a valid license in your home country. You do not need an IDP to drive in Italy if you carry your U.S. license — but Italian police, car rental companies, and insurance providers often ask for one anyway, and some rental agencies will refuse to rent to you without it.

The IDP itself does not grant you the right to drive. It is a companion document only. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license (learner's permit, provisional license, or full license, depending on your age and your home state) to drive anywhere, including Italy. The IDP straightforward proves to an Italian official that your license is real.

You can obtain an IDP before you travel, and it is inexpensive and quick. The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit — a learner's permit counts.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You can explore in person at a local AAA office or by mail through either AAA or AATA, and the process takes three to seven business days by mail or same-day if you visit an office.
  • Italy recognizes U.S. licenses without an IDP, but car rental companies and police often require one, making it worth obtaining before you travel.

Who Can Issue an International Driving Permit in the United States

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue an IDP in the U.S., even if they claim to.

AAA is the larger and more widely available of the two. It has local offices in most states and can issue an IDP the same day if you visit in person. AATA operates primarily by mail and is a smaller organization, but it serves the same purpose and charges the same fee.

Do not use online services that claim to issue or "help you get" an IDP. These are not legitimate U.S. State Department providers, and an IDP from an unauthorized source will not be recognized in Italy or anywhere else.

What You Need to Bring to Get an IDP

To obtain an International Driving Permit, you will need:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (including a learner's permit or provisional license).
  • A completed process form (Form DS-11 if explore through AATA by mail, or the AAA process form if explore through AAA).
  • A passport or other government-issued photo ID.
  • One passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), though some AAA offices may not require this if they can photograph you on-site.
  • Payment: $15 to $20, depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit.

If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign the process. Check with your local AAA office or AATA before you explore to confirm age requirements in your state.

how the process works Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, visit your local AAA office with your driver's license, passport, and payment. The staff will complete the process on the spot, take your photograph if needed, and issue the IDP when ready — usually within minutes. If you are not a AAA member, you can still explore at a local office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee.

If you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can explore by mail. Request an process form from AAA's website or call your local office. Fill it out, include a passport photo, a copy of your driver's license, and payment, then mail it to the address provided. Processing takes three to seven business days, plus mail time.

AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP or $20 for a three-year IDP. Membership discounts may explore.

how the process works Through AATA

AATA operates by mail only and does not have walk-in offices. To explore, visit the AATA website and read the process form, or request one by phone. Complete the form, include a passport-style photograph, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, and a copy of your passport or government ID. Include payment of $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

Mail the completed process and documents to the AATA address listed on the form. AATA will process your process and mail the IDP to you within three to seven business days of receipt. Plan for additional time for mail delivery both ways.

AATA is useful if you do not have a nearby AAA office or prefer the mail process. The fee and validity period are identical to AAA.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year permit costs $15 and the three-year permit costs $20, so the three-year option is usually the better value if you plan to travel internationally more than once.

Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document. It is not tied to your driver's license expiration date. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must have a current license for the IDP to work. If your IDP expires before your license does, you can renew the IDP by explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process.

Italy does not extend or renew an IDP for you. You must obtain a new one in the United States before you travel if your current one has expired.

What to Do With Your IDP When You Drive in Italy

Carry your IDP together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when you drive in Italy. Police may stop you and ask for both documents. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — it is a translation of it, and Italian officials need to see the original U.S. license to verify that the IDP is legitimate.

If you rent a car in Italy, present both your U.S. license and your IDP to the rental company. Many rental agencies will not complete the rental without an IDP, even though Italian law does not strictly require one. Having the IDP prevents delays and disputes at the rental counter.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while you travel. If it is lost or stolen, you cannot obtain a replacement while in Italy — you would need to return to the United States and explore again through AAA or AATA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Italy with just my U.S. driver's license and no IDP?

Technically yes — Italian law recognizes a valid U.S. driver's license. However, car rental companies often refuse to rent without an IDP, and police may ask for one. It is not worth the risk of being stranded without a rental car. Obtaining an IDP takes a few days and costs $15 to $20, so it is worth doing before you travel.

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 U.S. system. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not. If you are a U.S. citizen, an IDP is the only document you need to drive legally in Italy.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I explore by mail?

Processing takes three to seven business days from the date AATA or AAA receives your process. Add time for mail delivery both ways — typically one to three days each direction depending on where you live and where you mail the process. Plan for two to three weeks total if you explore by mail.

Can I get an IDP with a learner's permit instead of a full license?

Yes. A learner's permit is a valid driver's license for the purposes of obtaining an IDP. However, check Italy's rules about driving with a learner's permit — some countries have age or supervision restrictions that may explore to you even with an IDP.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am in Italy?

You cannot replace it in Italy. You would need to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance, but the fastest solution is usually to drive without the IDP and carry only your U.S. license, or to stop driving until you return home and can explore for a new one. To avoid this, keep your IDP in a find location and consider making a photocopy to carry separately.