An International Driving Permit lets you drive in Spain using your US license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. Spain recognizes it as a valid form of identification to drive, alongside your actual US license. You cannot drive in Spain with only an IDP — you must carry both documents together. The IDP itself is not a license; it is a translation that helps Spanish police, rental companies, and insurance providers understand your US license.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you leave the United States. The process takes less than an hour in person, costs between $20 and $30, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose. You cannot get an IDP in Spain or at a US embassy abroad — you must obtain it here.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document that must be carried with your US driver's license; it is not a standalone license.
  • You can get an IDP from AAA or AATA in person only — there is no online or mail option — and the process takes less than an hour.
  • You need your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo (2x2 inches) to get an IDP.
  • An IDP costs $20 to $30 and is valid for either one or three years; the three-year option is usually the better value.
  • Spain also accepts your US license alone if it is in English and not expired, so an IDP is recommended but not legally required.

Where to get an International Driving Permit

AAA is the easiest option if you are already a member. Walk into any AAA office with your documents, and they will issue an IDP on the spot. If you are not a member, you can still get one — AAA does not require membership to issue an IDP, though some offices may charge a small additional fee. Find your nearest AAA office on their website and call ahead to confirm they have the IDP service available and what their current fee is.

If there is no AAA office near you, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues IDPs. AATA is a smaller network, so locations are less common, but they follow the same in-person process. You can search for AATA offices on their website. Both organizations issue the same IDP document — there is no difference in what Spain will accept.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three things: your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo that is 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can get a passport photo printed at most drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) for $10 to $15, or at a UPS Store. Do not use a photo from your phone or a selfie.

Your driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Your passport or passport card must also be valid. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one before you can get an IDP; that process takes several weeks through your county clerk or passport acceptance facility.

One-year versus three-year permits

AAA and AATA both offer a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs around $20, and the three-year permit costs around $30. If you plan to drive in Spain or other countries more than once in the next three years, the three-year option is the better value. If this is a one-time trip, the one-year permit is sufficient and cheaper.

The validity period starts on the day you receive the IDP, not on the date you travel. So if you get a three-year permit in January and travel to Spain in March, you will have nearly three years left when you arrive. There is no way to extend an IDP after it expires — you must get a new one.

What to do when you arrive in Spain

Carry both your US driver's license and your IDP together at all times when driving. Spanish police may stop you and ask for both documents. Rental car companies will also ask to see both. If you have only the IDP and not your US license, you are not legally allowed to drive. If you have only your US license and not the IDP, you can still drive — Spain accepts a valid US license in English — but the IDP makes it easier for police and rental companies to verify your information.

Keep your IDP in a safe place, such as your wallet or a travel document holder. Do not leave it in the car or in checked luggage. If you lose it while in Spain, you cannot get a replacement there — you would need to contact AAA or AATA from abroad, which is not practical. If you lose your US license, that is a separate issue you would handle with your state's DMV.

Whether you actually need an IDP for Spain

Spain does not legally require an International Driving Permit. Your valid US driver's license alone is sufficient to drive there, as long as it is in English and not expired. However, an IDP is strongly recommended because it removes any confusion at a traffic stop or when renting a car. A Spanish police officer or rental agent may not be fluent in English and may not be familiar with the format of a US license. An IDP, which is printed in Spanish and nine other languages, eliminates that barrier.

Rental car companies often ask for an IDP even though Spain does not require it. Some companies will rent to you without one, but others will refuse or charge an extra fee. Checking your rental agreement before you book will tell you whether the company requires an IDP. If you are borrowing a car from a friend or family member in Spain, an IDP is less critical, but it is still useful if you are stopped by police.

Getting an IDP if you have a suspended or revoked license

You cannot get an International Driving Permit if your US driver's license is suspended or revoked. AAA and AATA will verify your license status before issuing an IDP, and they will refuse if there is a suspension or revocation on your record. This is true even if you are traveling to Spain and will not be driving in the United States.

If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted before you can get an IDP. Contact your state's DMV to find out when your suspension ends and what steps you need to take to reinstate your license. If your license is revoked, the process to get it back is longer and varies by state. In either case, you cannot travel to Spain and drive legally without resolving the suspension or revocation first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs in person only. You must visit an office in your state, bring your documents, and receive the IDP the same day. There is no online or mail-in option. If you are traveling soon and have no AAA or AATA office nearby, you may need to travel to the nearest one or adjust your travel dates.

What if my US driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. You must renew your license at your state's DMV first. Renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your state. Once your license is renewed and you have the new card in hand, you can then get an IDP from AAA or AATA.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car in Spain?

Most rental car companies in Spain require an IDP, though some will rent without one. Check your rental agreement or call the company before you book. If the company requires an IDP and you do not have one, they may refuse to rent to you or charge a fee. It is easier to get an IDP before you travel than to deal with this problem at the rental counter.

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. Your US driver's license is your actual license; the IDP straightforward translates it into other languages so foreign authorities can understand it.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

The process takes less than an hour at an AAA or AATA office. You walk in with your documents, fill out a form, pay the fee, and leave with your IDP the same day. There is no waiting period or processing time. However, you need to find an office near you and may need to travel to reach one.