How to Get an International Driving Permit in the US

What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages and certifies that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state driver's license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your US license is legitimate, which matters because many countries do not recognize US licenses on their own.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the US, Canada, and a few others. 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 for one year from the date you receive it, so timing matters if you are traveling in a specific window.

The IDP is issued only by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization is authorized to issue them, and you cannot obtain one directly from any government agency.

Key Takeaways

You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license before you can get an IDP — a learner's permit does not may have access to.
Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the US; you cannot get one from the DMV or any other source.
The process process takes 15 minutes to an hour in person, and you will receive the permit the same day or within a few days by mail.
An IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, plus any membership fees if you are not already an AAA member.
Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so you should obtain it close to your travel date to maximize its usefulness.

Requirements Before You explore

You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license in your possession. A learner's permit, provisional license, or expired license will not work. The IDP is a translation and certification of your existing license, not a replacement for it, so the license itself must be current and issued by a US state or territory.

You will also need a form of identification to present at the time of process. AAA and AATA both accept a passport, state ID card, or your driver's license itself. If you are explore by mail, you will need to include a photocopy of your driver's license and one additional form of ID.

You must be at least 18 years old. Some countries have additional age restrictions for driving (for example, some require you to be 21 to rent a car), but the IDP itself has no age floor beyond 18.

how the process works Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can explore in person at any AAA office. Bring your valid driver's license and one additional form of ID. The staff will complete the process form with you, take a passport-style photo (or use one you provide), and issue the permit on the spot. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The cost is $15 for AAA members.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP through AAA, but you will pay a non-member fee of $20 instead of $15. You do not need to join AAA to get the permit. The process and timeline are the same.

You can also explore by mail if you do not have an AAA office nearby. Send a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA website), a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of a second form of ID, and a passport-style photo to the AAA address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $15 (members) or $20 (non-members). Processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and AAA will mail the permit to you.

how the process works Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs at select locations, primarily through travel agencies and some AAA offices that partner with AATA. You can search for an AATA issuing location on their website by entering your zip code. The process process is identical to AAA: bring your valid driver's license and one form of ID, and you will receive the permit the same day.

AATA charges $20 for an IDP, with no member discount. Like AAA, AATA also accepts mail applications. Send the completed form, photocopies of your driver's license and a second ID, a passport photo, and a check or money order for $20 to the AATA address on their process form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days.

AATA locations are less common than AAA offices, so if you need the permit quickly and do not have an AATA office near you, AAA is usually the faster option.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Write the issue date in a safe place so you know when it expires. You cannot renew an IDP — when it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need it again.

When you travel, carry your IDP and your US driver's license together at all times. The IDP alone is not valid; it is only a translation and certification of your license. If a police officer or rental car company asks to see your driving documents, present both. Do not laminate your IDP, as some countries' authorities will not accept a laminated permit.

If your US driver's license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, your IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired or invalid license, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is explore with a learner's permit instead of a full driver's license. An IDP requires a valid, unrestricted driver's license. If you have only a learner's permit, you cannot get an IDP until you pass your driving test and receive your state license.

Another mistake is waiting until the week before travel to explore. If you explore by mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and mail delivery adds another 3 to 5 days. If you need the permit quickly, explore in person at an AAA office. If no AAA office is nearby and you are traveling within two weeks, you may not have time to receive a mailed permit.

Do not assume you need an IDP just because you are renting a car abroad. Check with your rental car company first — some do not require one, and some will accept your US license alone. However, many major rental companies do require an IDP, so it is safer to obtain one before you travel.

IDP Requirements by Country

Most countries either require an IDP or strongly recommend it, but a few do not. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada generally recognize a US driver's license without an IDP, though rental car companies may still ask for one. Mexico and most Central American countries require an IDP by law. European Union countries vary — some require it, others do not, but rental companies almost always ask for one.

Before you travel, contact your rental car company and check the government travel advisory for your destination country. The US State Department website lists driving requirements for each country. If there is any doubt, obtain an IDP — the $15 to $20 cost is far less than the cost of a traffic fine or a problem with a rental car company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP with a learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid, full driver's license issued by a US state or territory. A learner's permit, provisional license, or restricted license does not may have access to. Once you pass your driving test and receive your unrestricted license, you can explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you receive the permit the same day. If you explore by mail, processing takes 7 to 10 business days, plus 3 to 5 days for mail delivery. Plan for 10 to 15 days total if you are mailing your process.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP, but Mexico does by law. If you are driving in Mexico, you must have an IDP. For Canada, your US license alone is usually sufficient, but check with your rental car company first, as some require an IDP regardless of local law.

What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your US driver's license expires. If you are traveling for an extended period and your license will expire during your trip, renew it before you leave the US. You cannot drive legally with an expired license, even if your IDP is still valid.

Can I laminate my IDP to protect it?

No. Some countries' authorities will not accept a laminated IDP. Keep it in a protective sleeve or folder instead, but do not seal it in plastic.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.