What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign police that you hold a valid license in your home country. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry with it at all times. Most countries do not require an IDP, but some do, and many rental car companies will not rent to you without one.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in certain countries, particularly in Central America, South America, parts of Asia, and the Middle East. European countries, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand generally do not require one, though having one can still be useful if you are stopped by police who do not speak English. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs between $15 and $20. You cannot get an IDP by mail or online; you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried with your actual license at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you must explore in person at one of their offices.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process form to get an IDP.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you choose.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, while others do not; check your destination country's requirements before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to Get an IDP

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired or suspended. The IDP is only valid if your underlying license is valid, so if your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privileges are restored.

You also need one passport-sized photo, which is 2 inches by 2 inches. Most AAA offices have a photo booth on-site, or you can bring one from a drugstore or photo shop. The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background.

Bring a completed IDP process form. AAA and AATA both provide these forms on their websites, or you can fill one out when you arrive at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to provide proof of travel plans or a plane ticket.

Where to explore for an IDP

AAA is the larger and more widely available option. If you are an AAA member, you can explore at any AAA office in the United States. If you are not a member, you can still explore at most AAA locations, though some charge a small non-member fee on top of the IDP cost. To find your nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com and use their office locator tool.

AATA is the second authorized issuer. AATA locations are less common than AAA offices but are available in most states. You can find an AATA office through their website at aata.org. Both organizations issue the same IDP document; the choice is straightforward which office is closer to you.

Call ahead before you go. Some AAA and AATA offices require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Having an appointment guarantees you will be seen quickly, but walk-ins are usually processed within 15 to 30 minutes.

How Long an IDP Is Valid

AAA and AATA offer two versions of the IDP: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year version costs $15, and the three-year version costs $20. Choose based on how often you plan to drive internationally. If you are taking a single trip, the one-year permit is cheaper. If you travel internationally more than once every three years, the three-year permit saves money over time.

An IDP expires on the date printed on the document, not when your driver's license expires. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you must renew your license to continue using the permit. If your IDP expires before your license does, you can get a new IDP by returning to AAA or AATA with your current license and a new photo.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

The countries that legally require an IDP are scattered and change occasionally. They include Argentina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Uruguay. However, this list is not complete, and some countries have regional variations — a province or state within a country may require one even if the national government does not.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask whether an IDP is required for driving. You can also check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country, which often mentions driving requirements. Rental car companies sometimes require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required, so ask your rental company when you book.

Even if an IDP is not required, having one can be useful. If you are stopped by police who do not speak English, the IDP provides an official translation of your license information, which can help resolve the situation more quickly.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be arrested, depending on the country and the officer's judgment. Some countries treat it as a minor traffic violation; others treat it as driving without a license. The consequences are unpredictable and can derail your trip.

Your U.S. driver's license alone is not enough in countries that require an IDP, even though it is a valid license. The IDP is the proof that your license is recognized internationally. Without it, you have no way to prove to a foreign police officer that you are licensed to drive.

Renewing or Replacing an IDP

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it abroad. You must wait until you return to the United States and visit an AAA or AATA office. Plan ahead: if your IDP will expire during your trip, get a new one before you leave.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you have no recourse until you return home. Some countries may accept a police report of the loss plus your driver's license, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to make a photocopy of your IDP and keep it separate from the original, so you have proof of the document number if it is lost.

To replace an IDP after you return home, bring your driver's license, a new passport-sized photo, and a completed process form to AAA or AATA. The process is the same as getting your first IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your IDP is valid only if your underlying driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privileges are restored and your license is reinstated.

Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Europe?

Most European countries do not legally require an IDP, but many rental car companies request one anyway. Check with your rental company when you book. If they require one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you or charge an extra fee.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace it abroad. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original so you have the document number if it is lost. Some countries may accept a police report of the loss plus your driver's license, but this is not may provide. Get a new IDP when you return to the United States.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. driver's license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries and is not available in the United States. You cannot get an international license as a U.S. citizen; you can only get an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

The process takes about 15 minutes in person at an AAA or AATA office. You cannot get an IDP by mail or online. If you have an appointment, you will be seen quickly. Walk-ins are usually processed within 15 to 30 minutes.