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 — it works only alongside your actual license, and it is recognized in over 150 countries. If you plan to rent a car or drive outside the United States, many car rental companies and some countries require you to carry one.

The IDP does not replace your state license and does not give you driving privileges you don't already have. It straightforward proves to a foreign police officer or rental agent that your U.S. license is legitimate. Without it, you may be turned away at a rental counter or face trouble if stopped by local authorities.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance. AAA is the most widely available option because it has local offices in most states.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP from AAA.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) for an IDP that is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at any AAA office, or by mail if you are a AAA member, without taking any test.
  • An IDP requires a passport-style photo and proof of your identity and current address.
  • The IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license.

What You Need to Bring to AAA

Before you visit an AAA office, gather these documents. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. You will also need one passport-style photograph, which is 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA offices can take this photo on-site for an additional fee if you don't have one already.

Bring a document that proves your identity and current address. This can be a passport, a state ID card, a utility bill, a lease, or a bank statement. The document must show your name and the address where you currently live. If your address has changed since you got your driver's license, bring proof of the new address.

You do not need to bring your Social Security number or any other sensitive information beyond what is on your license. AAA will copy information directly from your license onto the IDP form.

how the process works in Person at an AAA Office

Visit any AAA office during business hours. You do not need an appointment, though calling ahead can help you avoid a wait. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit. Hand over your driver's license, passport-style photo, and proof of address.

The staff member will fill out a one-page process form with you. This takes about five minutes. You will sign the form, and they will process your IDP on the spot. Most AAA offices issue the permit when ready — you will walk out with it the same day. The cost is typically $20, though some offices may charge slightly more.

Your IDP will be valid for one year from the date it is issued. Write down the expiration date so you know when to renew it if you plan to travel again.

how the process works by Mail as a AAA Member

If you are a AAA member, you can request an IDP by mail instead of visiting an office. Contact your local AAA club or go to the AAA website and look for the International Driving Permit section. Request an process form, or read it if it is available online.

Fill out the form and mail it to the address provided, along with your passport-style photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and proof of your current address. Include a check or money order for the fee. Mail delivery typically takes one to two weeks each way, so plan ahead if you need the permit before a specific travel date.

Some AAA clubs now offer online ordering for members. Check your local AAA website to see if this option is available in your state. If it is, you can upload your photo and documents digitally and pay by credit card, which is faster than mailing.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Once you have your IDP, keep it with your driver's license at all times when you are driving outside the United States. The two documents work together — the IDP is useless without your actual license, and your license alone may not be accepted in some countries or by some rental companies.

Store them in the same place, such as your wallet or travel documents folder. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for help, though they cannot issue a replacement. You will need to get a new one from AAA when you return home.

Your IDP is valid for one year. If you plan to travel internationally again after it expires, you will need to explore for a new one. The process is the same, and you can renew it at any time before or after it expires.

When You Don't Need an IDP

Some countries do not require an IDP, and some car rental companies will rent to you with just your U.S. license. However, it is impossible to know in advance which rental agencies or countries will accept your license alone. Carrying an IDP removes this uncertainty and costs only $20.

If you are traveling to Canada or Mexico, an IDP is rarely required, though it does not hurt to have one. If you are renting a car from a major international rental company (such as Hertz, Avis, or Enterprise), call ahead and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. Some will accept your U.S. license; others will not.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before any international trip where you plan to drive. It is inexpensive, takes little time, and solves the problem before you arrive at a rental counter in a foreign country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?

Your U.S. license alone may not be accepted outside the country. An IDP translates your license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries. Many car rental companies and some countries require it. It costs $20 and is valid for one year, so it is worth getting before you travel.

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and unexpired when you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP from AAA?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, it typically takes one to two weeks for your process to reach AAA and another one to two weeks for the permit to arrive at your home. Plan ahead if you have a specific travel date.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot get a replacement from the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You will need to get a new one from AAA when you return to the United States. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone may not be accepted by rental companies or authorities in some countries.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is issued by AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance and is recognized worldwide.