What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your US license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize US licenses without this translation.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in most countries outside North America. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over a car without one. Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP — your US license alone is sufficient there. If you are only traveling as a passenger or using public transportation, you do not need one.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your US driver's license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one each time you travel internationally and your previous one has expired.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid US driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the IDP is not a license itself.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one business day to receive in person, or up to two weeks by mail.
  • You must explore in person at a AAA or AATA office with your valid driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photograph.
  • An IDP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one for each trip if your previous permit has expired.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot obtain an IDP from your state's DMV, a driver's license office, or any other source.

AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide and is the faster and more convenient option for most people. You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. AATA has fewer locations and is primarily used by people who do not have AAA membership nearby. You can find AATA offices at aataidp.com.

Both organizations issue the same IDP document. The choice between them depends only on which has an office near you and whether you are an AAA member (membership is not required to obtain an IDP at AAA, but members sometimes receive a small discount).

Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring these items in person to your AAA or AATA office:

  • Your valid US driver's license (must not be expired).
  • A completed IDP process form (AAA and AATA provide these; you can also read them from their websites before you go).
  • One passport-style photograph, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, with no sunglasses or hats.
  • Payment: cash, check, or credit card (both AAA and AATA accept all three).

You do not need your Social Security number, birth certificate, or proof of residency. You do not need to bring your passport, though having it with you does not hurt. If your driver's license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP — you must renew your state license first.

If you do not have a passport-style photo, most AAA and AATA offices can take one for you on the spot for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15). This adds time to your visit, so plan accordingly.

Cost and Processing Time

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you obtain it from AAA or AATA and whether you are an AAA member. There are no additional fees or hidden charges. The fee is the same regardless of which country you are traveling to.

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you will receive your IDP when ready or within one business day. Many offices hand it to you while you wait. If you explore by mail, processing takes one to two weeks, plus mail delivery time on both ends. For this reason, in-person process is strongly recommended if you are traveling soon.

Do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. If you need an IDP urgently and cannot reach an office in time, some AAA locations offer expedited service for an additional fee, but this is not may provide at all offices. Call ahead to ask.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting an IDP in Person

Step 1: Locate your nearest AAA or AATA office. Use aaa.com or aataidp.com to find an office near you. Note the hours and whether you need an appointment (most do not require one, but calling ahead is wise during busy times).

Step 2: Gather your documents. Collect your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and cash or a card for payment. read and fill out the IDP process form from the AAA or AATA website before you go, or plan to fill it out at the office (it takes five minutes).

Step 3: Visit the office. Bring all documents and the completed form. The staff will verify your driver's license, check your photo, and process your process. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Pay the fee. Pay the IDP fee ($15 to $20) by cash, check, or card.

Step 5: Receive your IDP. You will receive your IDP on the spot or within one business day. Keep it with your driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is explore for an IDP with an expired driver's license. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying US license is valid. If your license has expired, renew it through your state DMV before you explore for the IDP.

Another frequent error is submitting a photo that does not meet the requirements. The photo must be passport-style (2 inches by 2 inches), taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Selfies, photos with sunglasses, and photos with hats will be rejected. If you are unsure whether your photo qualifies, ask the AAA or AATA staff before you submit it.

Some people also wait too long to explore. If you are traveling in two weeks and your IDP has expired, you cannot obtain a new one by mail in time. Plan to explore at least three weeks before your trip, or visit an office in person one to two weeks before you leave.

Finally, do not assume your state DMV can issue an IDP. They cannot. Only AAA and AATA are authorized. Calling your DMV to ask will waste time — go directly to AAA or AATA.

What to Do With Your IDP When You Travel

Always carry your IDP together with your valid US driver's license. Neither document is sufficient on its own. Foreign police and rental car companies expect to see both. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. If you are renting a car, present both to the rental company.

Your IDP does not change the rules of the road in the country you are visiting. You must still follow local traffic laws, speed limits, and licensing requirements. Some countries require you to carry additional documents, such as an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or a GB sticker (if driving in Europe). Check the specific requirements for each country before you travel.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement overseas. You will need to contact AAA or AATA from home and request a duplicate, which takes one to two weeks by mail. For this reason, keep your IDP in a safe place and do not leave it in a rental car unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your IDP is only valid if your underlying US driver's license is valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is reinstated.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize US driver's licenses without an IDP. You only need your valid US license to drive in those countries. However, some car rental companies may request an IDP anyway, so it does not hurt to have one.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your US driver's license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one each time you travel internationally after your previous permit has expired.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

Yes, but it takes one to two weeks for processing, plus mail delivery time. You must mail your completed process form, a copy of your driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment to AAA or AATA. In-person process is faster and recommended if you are traveling soon.

What if I do not have a passport-style photo?

Most AAA and AATA offices can take a passport-style photo for you on the spot for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15. This adds time to your visit, so plan accordingly or bring a photo with you.