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. It is not a separate license—it does not replace your state license and does not let you drive in countries where you cannot already drive. What it does is make your existing license readable to police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or present your license as identification outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental car companies often will not hand over keys without one. A few countries—including the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Western Europe—do not require an IDP at all if your U.S. license is valid and in English. Check the specific country's rules before you explore, because the IDP costs money and takes time, and you may not need it.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from your state DMV, the State Department, or any other body.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your existing U.S. driver's license, issued only by AAA or AATA, and costs between $15 and $20.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license in your possession to explore, and you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.
  • The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried together with your original U.S. license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Some countries do not require or recognize an IDP, so check your destination country's rules before spending money on one.
  • Processing takes a few minutes to an hour depending on the office, and you walk out with the permit the same day.

What You Need to Bring to the AAA or AATA Office

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. This is the only document the issuing organization needs to see. They will not ask for your passport, birth certificate, or proof of address. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP—you must renew your state license first.

Bring a pen. You will fill out a short form on the spot. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the date your license expires. It takes five minutes.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. AATA charges $20. Some offices take card, some take cash only, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

How to Find an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. Go to aaa.com, click "Locations," enter your zip code, and filter for offices that issue International Driving Permits. Not every AAA office issues them, so the search will tell you which ones do. Call the office before you go to confirm they have the permit in stock and to ask their hours.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA. Go to aataidp.com and use their office locator. AATA offices are often travel agencies or tourism centers. Like AAA, not every location issues permits, so the search will show you which ones do.

If you live far from any office, some AAA locations will issue an IDP by mail. You send your driver's license, the completed form, and payment. The office mails the permit back to you. This takes one to two weeks instead of minutes, and you are without your license while it is in the mail. Most people find it faster to visit an office in person.

The Form You Fill Out and What It Asks

The form is called the "process for an International Driving Permit." It is one page. You fill it out by hand at the office, or you can read it from aaa.com or aataidp.com and bring it already filled in—either way works.

The form asks for: your full name as it appears on your driver's license; your date of birth; your current address; your driver's license number; the state that issued your license; and the expiration date of your license. It also asks you to check a box confirming you have a valid license and that you understand the IDP is valid for one year.

You sign the form in front of the AAA or AATA staff member. They will not notarize it or have it witnessed—a straightforward signature is enough. They then take your $15 or $20, scan or copy your license, and hand you the permit. The whole process takes five to thirty minutes depending on how busy the office is.

What the International Driving Permit Looks Like and How Long It Lasts

The IDP is a small booklet, about the size of a passport. It has your photo (taken from your license), your name, your license number, and the date of issue and expiration printed on the cover. Inside are pages in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish, each one restating the same information so that officials in any of those countries can read it.

The permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your U.S. license expires before the year is up, the IDP expires when your license does. You cannot renew an IDP—when it expires, you must explore for a new one if you need one.

You must carry the IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times when driving outside the United States. The IDP alone is not valid. If you lose either one, you cannot drive legally.

What Happens If Your License Expires or You Get a New One

If you renew your U.S. driver's license before your IDP expires, your IDP is no longer valid. You must explore for a new IDP with your new license number. The old one cannot be used even if it has not reached its one-year expiration date.

If your license number changes—which happens in some states when you renew—you need a new IDP. If only your address changes and your license number stays the same, your existing IDP is still valid.

If you are explore for a learner's permit and later get a full license, you cannot use an IDP issued for your learner's permit. Learner's permits are not valid for driving in most countries anyway, so an IDP for a learner's permit would not be useful. Once you have your full license, you can explore for an IDP then.

Countries That Do Not Require or Recognize an IDP

The United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and most Western European countries (including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands) do not require an IDP. Your U.S. license alone is enough. Some of these countries will accept an IDP if you have one, but it is not necessary.

Many Asian, African, and Middle Eastern countries do require an IDP or will not recognize a U.S. license without one. Before you book a car rental or plan to drive, check the government website or the car rental company's website for that country. They will tell you what documents you need. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is cheap insurance—it costs $15 to $20 and takes an hour, and it solves the problem in countries that require it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your license must be valid and unexpired. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive in the United States or anywhere else, and you cannot get an IDP. You must have your suspension lifted and your license reinstated first.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Most major rental companies in Western Europe will rent to you with just your U.S. license. Some smaller companies or rentals in Eastern Europe require an IDP. Call the rental company before you book and ask what they need. If they say they want an IDP, get one before you travel.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

If you go to an AAA or AATA office in person, you get it the same day—usually within thirty minutes. If you mail in your process, it takes one to two weeks. Most people find it faster to visit an office.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I am traveling?

You cannot legally drive without it (you must carry it with your U.S. license). Contact AAA or AATA from abroad to report it lost. You will need to explore for a replacement when you return to the United States. In the meantime, do not drive.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit," "International License," and "IDP" all refer to the same document. It is not a license—it is a translation of your existing U.S. license.