What an AAA International Driving Permit is and who needs one

An AAA International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. Foreign countries recognize it as proof that your U.S. license is valid, because many police officers and rental car companies abroad cannot read English licenses or may not trust them without official translation.

You need one if you plan to drive in another country. Some nations require it by law; others do not legally require it but rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one. A few countries accept only the IDP and your passport, not your U.S. license alone. The safest approach is to get one before you leave — it costs less than $20 and takes minutes to obtain.

The IDP is issued by AAA (American Automobile Association) in the United States, though similar permits exist in other countries. You do not need to be an AAA member to get one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • You can obtain one from AAA in person, by mail, or online, and it costs between $15 and $20 depending on validity length and how you order.
  • The one-year permit costs less but is useful only for a single trip, while the three-year permit makes sense if you travel internationally more than once.
  • Many rental car companies abroad will not rent to you without an IDP, even if your U.S. license is valid, so getting one before departure prevents problems at the counter.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or government-issued ID to obtain an IDP; the permit itself does not allow you to drive if your license is suspended or expired.

How to get an AAA International Driving Permit

You have three ways to obtain an IDP from AAA: in person at a local AAA office, by mail, or online. The in-person route is fastest — you walk in with your license and passport, pay the fee, and leave with the permit in hand. Most AAA offices can issue one the same day. To find the nearest office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator.

By mail, you send AAA a completed process form (available on their website), a photocopy of your driver's license, a photocopy of your passport, and payment. Processing takes one to two weeks. Online ordering is also available through AAA's website; you upload images of your documents and pay by card, and AAA mails the permit to you within the same timeframe.

The cost is approximately $15 for a one-year permit and $20 for a three-year permit. AAA members may receive a small discount, typically $2 to $3 off. Some AAA offices charge slightly different fees, so confirm the exact price when you visit or order. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license and a government-issued ID (passport, passport card, or Real ID) to complete the order.

One-year versus three-year permits

The one-year permit costs less upfront and makes sense if you are taking a single international trip. It is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue, so if you obtain it in March for a June trip, you have until March of the following year to use it. After that, it expires and is no longer valid.

The three-year permit costs more but is worth the extra $5 if you travel internationally more than once every three years or if you are unsure whether you will travel again. It remains valid for three years, so you can use it for multiple trips without reordering. Many people choose the three-year version straightforward to avoid having to obtain a new one if plans change.

Neither permit is refundable if you do not use it, so choose based on your actual travel plans. If you are certain you will not leave the country again after this trip, the one-year permit saves money. If there is any chance you might travel internationally within the next three years, the three-year permit is usually the better choice.

What countries require or recognize an International Driving Permit

No country legally requires an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license and passport. However, many countries' traffic laws state that a foreign driver should carry an IDP, and police may fine you if you cannot produce one during a traffic stop. More importantly, rental car companies in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East often will not rent to you without one, even if the law does not technically require it.

The safest assumption is that you should have an IDP for any country outside the United States, Canada, and a few Caribbean nations. Specific requirements vary by country and change periodically, so contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or ask your rental car company in advance whether they require one. Many rental companies list their IDP policy on their website.

Some countries, such as Mexico and certain Central American nations, technically do not require an IDP but strongly recommend it. Others, including many European countries, expect one as standard documentation. Carrying one costs almost nothing and eliminates uncertainty at a rental counter or during a police interaction abroad.

What an International Driving Permit does and does not do

An IDP is only a translation of your U.S. driver's license. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. It does not allow you to drive if your U.S. license is suspended, revoked, or expired. It does not change your insurance coverage or legal status as a driver. It straightforward makes your existing U.S. license readable to foreign officials and rental companies.

You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving abroad. If you are stopped by police, you present both documents. If you are renting a car, you show both. Neither document alone is sufficient. If your U.S. license expires while you are traveling, your IDP becomes useless — you must renew your license before the trip or carry proof of renewal.

An IDP does not cover liability or damage if you cause an accident. Your auto insurance policy (or a rental car company's insurance) covers that. An IDP is purely a translation document, similar to a certified translation of any other official paper. It proves your license is real and valid; it does not insure you or give you permission to drive in a country where you are not legally allowed to drive.

Renewing or replacing an International Driving Permit

If your IDP expires, you obtain a new one the same way you obtained the first: through AAA in person, by mail, or online. There is no renewal process — you straightforward order a new permit. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad; you would need to contact AAA by phone or email and request an emergency replacement, though this is not may provide to arrive before your trip ends.

If your U.S. driver's license is renewed, suspended, or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid. You must obtain a new IDP that matches your current license status. If your license is suspended, an IDP issued under that suspension is worthless and may cause legal problems if you attempt to use it to rent a car or drive abroad.

Keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip, separate from your passport and license if possible. If you lose it, you can still drive using your U.S. license and passport in most countries, though rental companies may refuse service. Replacing it requires contacting AAA, which can take weeks.

International Driving Permit versus Real ID and other travel documents

An IDP is not the same as a Real ID, passport, or passport card. A Real ID is a U.S. driver's license that meets federal security standards and allows you to board domestic flights without a passport. It does not help you drive abroad. A passport or passport card proves your citizenship and is required to enter most countries; it is not a driving document.

You need all three for international driving: a valid U.S. driver's license (Real ID or standard), a passport or passport card, and an IDP. The IDP translates your license. The passport proves your identity and citizenship. The license proves you are licensed to drive. None of them replaces the others.

Some countries also require an International Driving Permit issued by their own motor vehicle authority if you are relocating there or staying long-term. That is different from the AAA IDP and is obtained through that country's government. For tourism and short-term travel, the AAA IDP is what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license and no International Driving Permit?

Legally, yes, in most countries — your U.S. license is valid. However, rental car companies often will not rent to you without an IDP, and police may question whether your license is authentic if they cannot read it. Carrying an IDP costs $15 to $20 and eliminates both problems, so it is worth obtaining before you leave.

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

In person at an AAA office, usually the same day. By mail or online, one to two weeks. If you are leaving soon, visit an AAA office in person. If you have more time, ordering online is convenient and costs the same.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

You should have one. Many rental companies will not rent to you without it, regardless of trip length. Getting one takes minutes and costs less than $20, so it is easier to obtain it before you arrive at the rental counter than to argue or find a different company.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

Your permit becomes invalid when ready. You can still drive using your U.S. license and passport in most places, but rental companies may refuse service. You cannot replace it while abroad — you would need to contact AAA by phone or email, which may not help before your trip ends. Obtain a permit that is valid for the entire duration of your travel.

Is an International Driving Permit the same thing as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is called a permit because it does not grant new driving rights — it only translates your existing U.S. license.