What an International Driver's Permit Is and Whether You Need One
An International Driver's 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 many countries will not accept it without your U.S. license present. Whether you need one depends on where you are going and for how long.
Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; some do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you leave. Your car rental company can also tell you whether they will rent to you without one. If you are traveling to Europe, Canada, Mexico, or Australia, an IDP is often optional but useful as a backup translation. If you are traveling to parts of Asia, Africa, or South America, it may be required.
An IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you get. It expires on the date printed on it, not on the date your U.S. license expires. You cannot renew an IDP—you must get a new one if yours has expired and you need another.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driver's Permit is a translation of your U.S. license and must be carried with your actual license at all times while driving abroad.
- You can get an IDP only from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's DMV.
- You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment—the process takes about 15 minutes in person.
- An IDP costs between $15 and $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail.
- Check the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel, because some require an IDP and others do not recognize it.
Where to Get an International Driver's Permit
Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue an IDP: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's DMV cannot issue one, and no other private company can either. If you see an IDP offered anywhere else online, it is not valid.
AAA is the larger and more widely available option. You can visit any AAA office in person, or you can explore by mail if you are not a member. AATA also accepts applications by mail and in person at select locations. Both organizations charge similar fees and follow the same rules set by the State Department.
If you are an AAA member, visiting an office in person is usually the fastest route—you can often walk out with your IDP the same day. If you are not a member, you can still explore in person at an AAA office without joining, or you can explore by mail through either organization. explore by mail takes longer because of processing time, but it is an option if no office is near you.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Bring or submit the following items to get an IDP:
- A valid U.S. driver's license (not expired, and not a learner's permit or permit from another country)
- A completed IDP process form (AAA form DL 43 or AATA's equivalent)
- One passport-sized photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
- Payment in cash, check, or card (depending on the office or organization)
- Your signature on the process
You do not need your passport to get an IDP, though you will need your passport to enter most countries. You do not need proof of travel plans. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen—a valid U.S. driver's license is enough.
If you are explore by mail, you will also need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the organization can return your IDP to you. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon.
how the process works in Person at an AAA or AATA Office
Walk into any AAA office with your driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and payment. The staff will review your documents, take your signature, and issue your IDP on the spot. The whole process takes about 15 minutes. You can drive away with your permit the same day.
If you do not have a passport photo ready, some AAA offices have a photo booth on-site or can direct you to one nearby. If you do not have the process form filled out, the office staff can help you complete it. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but calling ahead is a good idea during busy times.
The cost for an in-person IDP is typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit at AAA. AATA charges similar amounts. Prices vary slightly by location, so ask when you arrive or call ahead.
how the process works by Mail
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your process to AAA or AATA. read or request the process form, fill it out completely, and include your driver's license copy, passport photo, payment, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Mail everything to the address on the process form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the organization receives your envelope. Your IDP will be returned to you in the self-addressed envelope you provided. Plan to submit your process at least four to six weeks before you travel, in case there are delays.
The cost is the same as in-person ($15 to $20 for one year, $30 for three years), but you will pay for return postage as well. Some organizations now accept online applications through their websites, which can speed up the process—check the AAA or AATA website for your state to see if that option is available.
One-Year Versus Three-Year Permits
You can choose between a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP when you explore. A one-year permit costs less upfront ($15 to $20) but expires after 12 months. A three-year permit costs more ($30) but lasts three years from the date of issue.
Choose a one-year permit if you travel internationally only once or twice and do not plan to drive abroad again soon. Choose a three-year permit if you travel regularly or want to keep a valid IDP on hand for unexpected trips. Remember that an IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. driver's license is also valid—if your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.
What to Do With Your IDP When You Travel
Carry your IDP and your U.S. driver's license together at all times when you are driving in another country. The IDP is a translation of your license, not a replacement for it. If a police officer or rental car company asks to see your license, show both documents.
Keep your IDP in a safe place, such as your wallet or travel documents folder. If it is lost or stolen while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement until you return to the United States. If you are renting a car, give the rental company both your U.S. license and your IDP when you pick up the vehicle.
Some countries may also ask to see your passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. An IDP does not replace any of these documents—it is an additional translation tool only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driver's Permit with a learner's permit?
No. You must have a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. A learner's permit is not a driver's license and does not meet the requirement. If you have only a learner's permit, you will need to pass your road test and get your full license first.
How long does it take to get an International Driver's Permit?
In person at an AAA or AATA office, you can get one the same day—usually within 15 minutes. By mail, processing takes two to four weeks from the date the organization receives your process. Plan to explore at least four to six weeks before you travel if you are mailing your process.
Do I need an International Driver's Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?
It depends on the rental company. Many rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some require an IDP as well. Check with your rental company before you book. Having an IDP is a safe backup and can help if there is a dispute about your identity or driving record.
What happens if my International Driver's Permit expires while I am traveling?
An expired IDP is no longer valid. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can still drive using your U.S. license alone in most countries, but some may not accept it. Check the rules for each country you are visiting. When you return home, you can get a new IDP if you need one for future travel.
Can I get an International Driver's Permit online?
Some AAA and AATA locations now accept online applications through their websites, which can speed up processing. However, you will still need to provide a passport photo and payment. Check the AAA or AATA website for your state to see if online applications are available in your area.