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 only useful outside the United States. If you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in another country, many rental agencies and some countries require you to carry one.

The IDP does not replace your state license and does not give you any driving rights you don't already have. It straightforward proves to a foreign police officer or rental company that you are a licensed driver in the United States. Without one, a rental agency may refuse to rent to you, or a police officer in another country may not accept your U.S. license as proof of your driving status.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. The other is the National Automobile Club. AAA is the more widely available option, with local branches in most states.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an International Driving Permit; a learner's permit does not may have access to.
  • AAA charges a flat fee (typically $20) for an IDP valid for one year, or you can pay more for a three-year permit.
  • You can explore in person at any AAA office with your driver's license, passport, and a completed process form, and receive your permit the same day.
  • An IDP is only valid while you carry it with your actual driver's license; it has no value on its own.
  • You do not need an IDP to drive in the United States, even if you are a foreign visitor with a valid license from your home country.

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 — this is the most important item, and you cannot get an IDP without it. A learner's permit, temporary license, or expired license will not work.

You will also need a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID. AAA uses this to confirm your identity. Bring the original document, not a copy.

Finally, you will need to complete Form DS-11 or the AAA International Driving Permit process, depending on which AAA office you visit. Some offices provide the form on-site; others ask you to fill it out online before you arrive. Call your local AAA branch ahead of time to ask which form they use and whether you should bring it completed or fill it out there.

How to Find Your Local AAA Office and explore

Visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool to find the branch nearest you. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm that your location offers this service before you go. You can call the office directly or check their website.

Walk in during business hours with your driver's license, passport, and completed process. The staff will review your documents, take a photo if needed (some offices use the photo from your passport instead), and process your permit on the spot. Most people receive their IDP the same day.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP, but you may pay a slightly higher fee. Ask about membership costs when you call — sometimes joining AAA and getting the IDP together costs less than the non-member price alone.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

AAA charges a standard fee for an International Driving Permit, though the exact amount varies slightly by state and whether you are a member. A one-year permit typically costs around $20, and a three-year permit costs more — usually in the $30 to $40 range. These are flat fees; there are no additional charges or hidden costs.

Your IDP is valid for the length of time you purchase — either one or three years from the date of issue. It expires on a specific date printed on the permit itself. Check that date before you travel, because an expired IDP is as useless as no IDP at all.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it overseas. You must return to the United States and visit an AAA office to get a new one. Plan ahead if you are taking a long trip.

What Your IDP Does and Does Not Do

Your International Driving Permit is a translation document only. It does not give you permission to drive in another country if your U.S. license would not. It does not override that country's age requirements, licensing rules, or traffic laws. If you are too young to drive in a particular country, an IDP will not change that.

An IDP also does not cover you for insurance purposes. Your U.S. car insurance may or may not cover you when you drive abroad — that depends entirely on your policy. Contact your insurance company before you travel and ask whether your coverage extends to the countries you plan to visit. If it does not, you will need to purchase temporary coverage from a local provider or an international insurance broker.

Finally, an IDP is not a substitute for your actual driver's license. You must carry both documents together. A police officer or rental agent who sees only your IDP has no proof that you are licensed to drive.

Alternatives If You Cannot Visit AAA in Person

If you live far from an AAA office or cannot visit in person, the National Automobile Club (NAC) also issues IDPs and may have different office locations or mail-in options in your state. Contact them to ask whether they offer mail-in service or have an office closer to you.

Some travel agencies and passport acceptance offices also handle IDP applications on behalf of AAA, though this is less common. Call AAA directly and ask whether any travel agencies near you are authorized to process IDP applications.

Do not attempt to order an IDP online from a third-party website. Only AAA and the National Automobile Club are authorized to issue them, and scam sites that claim to sell IDPs online are common. Order only through an official AAA office, the AAA website (if they offer online ordering in your state), or the National Automobile Club.

How to Use Your IDP When You Travel

When you rent a car abroad, present both your U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. The rental agent will review both documents. Some rental companies may ask to keep a copy of your IDP on file, but they should never take the original — you need to carry it with you while you drive.

If you are stopped by police while driving in another country, have both documents ready. The officer will use your IDP to understand your U.S. license. Do not hand over only the IDP; always present it alongside your actual license.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while you travel — ideally in the same wallet or bag as your passport. If you lose it, you cannot get a replacement while you are abroad. You will have to return to the United States and visit an AAA office to get a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit with a learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid, full U.S. driver's license. A learner's permit does not may have access to, even if it is current and in good standing.

How quickly can I get an IDP if I need one soon?

If you visit an AAA office in person with all required documents, you can receive your IDP the same day. There is no waiting period. If you are not near an AAA office, call ahead to confirm they have the permit in stock and can process it when ready.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may request one, and it can be helpful if you are stopped by police. It is not required by law, but it is inexpensive and can prevent confusion.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid. You cannot renew it overseas — you must return to the United States and visit an AAA office. If you are taking a long trip, purchase a three-year permit instead of a one-year permit.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that works only with your U.S. driver's license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. You cannot get an international license from AAA — only an IDP.