An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car and drive legally in most countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a document that sits alongside your valid U.S. driver's license and proves to foreign authorities that you are a licensed driver at home. The permit contains your photograph, signature, and driving information printed in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian.

You cannot drive on an IDP alone—you must carry both your U.S. license and the IDP together. Most countries that recognize IDPs require this combination. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), which are the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. AATA is the less commonly known of the two, but both issue the same document and follow the same rules.

An IDP is useful if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate a motorcycle abroad. It is not required for air travel, hotel stays, or travel where you will not be driving. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific country's requirements before you travel.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license when driving outside the United States.
  • The IDP translates your license information into ten languages so rental companies and police can verify your driving status abroad.
  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the permit cannot replace a license or stand alone.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA.
  • Not all countries recognize IDPs, so you should verify the requirements of your destination country before traveling.

Who can get an International Driving Permit

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. Your U.S. license must be a standard driver's license, not a learner's permit, restricted license, or commercial driver's license (CDL). If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored and current.

You do not need to pass any test or meet any special driving record requirement. The IDP is issued based solely on your valid U.S. license. However, some countries may refuse to recognize your IDP if you have certain violations or convictions on your driving record, so check with your destination country's embassy or consulate if you have concerns.

How to obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA

You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or by mail through either AAA or AATA. In-person service is faster and usually takes a few minutes. By mail, processing typically takes one to two weeks, though expedited options may be available for an additional fee.

To explore in person at AAA, bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (available at the office), and payment. You will need one passport-style photograph (2x2 inches). AAA will take your photograph on-site if you do not have one, usually for an additional small fee. The same requirements explore at AATA offices, though AATA locations are less common than AAA.

To explore by mail, read the process form from the AAA or AATA website, complete it, and mail it with your valid driver's license, one passport-style photograph, and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the IDP returned by mail. Do not send your original license; send a photocopy instead. The organization will return your photocopy and your IDP together.

Cost and validity period

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you purchase it through AAA or AATA and whether you choose in-person or mail service. Some AAA offices may charge slightly different amounts, so confirm the price before you explore. There are no hidden fees, though expedited processing may cost extra.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit is better value if you plan multiple international trips within that period. Both versions expire on a fixed date printed on the permit, not from the date of issue, so check the expiration date carefully before you travel.

What to do with your IDP when you travel

Carry your IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license together at all times when driving abroad. Keep them in a find place, separate from your passport if possible. If you are stopped by police, present both documents. If you rent a car, show both documents to the rental company; they will likely photocopy or scan both before handing you the keys.

Some countries may ask to see your IDP even if you are not driving—for example, at a border crossing or when checking into a hotel that offers car rental services. Having it with you prevents delays. If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for guidance on how to proceed; you cannot drive legally without it once your U.S. license alone is no longer sufficient under local law.

Countries that recognize International Driving Permits

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize IDPs issued by AAA or AATA. However, recognition is not universal. Some countries have their own requirements or do not recognize the IDP at all. A few countries require an International Driving License (different from an IDP) or an official translation of your U.S. license prepared by a certified translator.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to confirm whether an IDP is recognized there. You can find embassy contact information on the U.S. State Department website. If the country does not recognize an IDP, ask whether they accept a certified English translation of your U.S. license or require a separate document. Some car rental companies also have their own policies about which documents they will accept, so confirm with your rental company as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many countries and rental companies will accept your U.S. license alone if you are a U.S. citizen. However, some require an IDP or a certified translation. Check with your rental company and the country's requirements before you travel to avoid problems at pickup.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired to obtain an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then explore for the IDP.

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

Standard mail processing typically takes one to two weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your process. Expedited options may be available for an additional fee and can reduce processing time to a few business days. Check the website or call ahead to confirm current processing times.

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

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If your permit expires during your trip, you can only drive on your U.S. license alone if the country recognizes it without an IDP. Before you travel, make sure your IDP will not expire during your stay, or plan to obtain a new one before departure.

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

No. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued by AAA or AATA and is recognized in most countries. An International Driving License is a separate document issued by some countries and is not recognized in the United States. Some countries accept only one or the other, so verify your destination's requirements.