What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid American license, and it is recognized in roughly 150 countries. If you plan to rent a car or drive outside the United States, many rental companies and some countries require you to carry one.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is one of two organizations in the United States authorized to issue IDPs. The other is the American Automobile Touring Alliance. AAA issues the vast majority of them. The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue, though your U.S. license does not need to be renewed for it to remain useful.

You cannot drive legally in another country on an IDP alone. You must have your valid U.S. driver's license with you at all times. The IDP is a companion document — think of it as a certified translation that tells a police officer or rental agent what your license says.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA issues International Driving Permits in person at local AAA offices, and the document is ready the same day you explore.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to the AAA office.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on your AAA membership status, and non-members can purchase one without joining.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one year and must be carried with your U.S. license whenever you drive abroad.
  • Some countries and rental companies require an IDP, while others accept only your U.S. license, so check your destination's rules before you travel.

Who Can Get an International Driving Permit from AAA

You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP from AAA. Your license does not have to be from your home state — AAA will issue an IDP to anyone with any valid American license. The license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired.

You do not have to be a AAA member to get an IDP. Non-members pay a higher fee than members, but both can walk into an AAA office and request one. If you are a AAA member, bring your membership card to receive the member discount.

There is no age restriction, no driving record check, and no written test. AAA issues IDPs to new drivers and experienced drivers alike. The only requirement is a current, valid U.S. driver's license.

What Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring three things to your local AAA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form, and one passport-style photograph.

The process form is called the process for International Driving Permit. AAA provides it at the office, or you can read it from the AAA website before you go. It asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the country or countries you plan to visit. The form takes five minutes to complete.

The photograph must be passport-sized: 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain background and your face clearly visible. You can have one taken at most AAA offices for a small fee if you do not have one ready. Some offices accept digital photos printed on the spot.

Bring your AAA membership card if you are a member — this lowers the fee. If you are not a member, you can still get an IDP; just expect to pay the non-member rate.

how the process works at an AAA Office

Find your nearest AAA office by visiting the AAA website or calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Most cities have at least one office, and many have several. Call ahead or check online to confirm the office is open and has IDP applications in stock, though they almost always do.

Walk in with your license, completed process form, and photograph. Hand these to the staff member at the counter. They will verify your license, check your process for completeness, and take your photograph if you did not bring one. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will pay the fee on the spot — $15 for AAA members or $20 for non-members as of 2024, though fees vary slightly by region. AAA accepts cash and card. You will receive your IDP when ready, printed and ready to use. There is no waiting period.

What Your International Driving Permit Covers and Does Not Cover

Your IDP translates your license information into English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. It shows your name, date of birth, license number, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive in the United States. A police officer or rental agent in another country can read this information without needing your U.S. license translated separately.

The IDP does not change what you are allowed to drive. If your U.S. license restricts you to automatic transmission or prohibits towing, those restrictions travel with you. The IDP straightforward makes your existing license readable abroad.

The IDP is not a license itself. You cannot drive on an IDP alone, even in countries that recognize it. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together. If you lose your U.S. license, your IDP becomes useless.

An IDP does not override local traffic laws or age requirements. If a country requires drivers to be 25 to rent a car, your IDP will not lower that age. It is a translation tool, not a permission document.

How Long Your IDP Is Valid and What to Do When It Expires

Your International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date AAA issues it. The expiration date is printed on the front of the document. After that date, it is no longer recognized in other countries, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid.

If you plan to drive abroad again after your IDP expires, you must get a new one. Return to an AAA office with your current U.S. license, a new process form, and a new photograph. The process is identical to your first IDP. You will receive a new permit the same day.

Some travelers get a second IDP before their first one expires if they know they will be driving internationally again within the year. This is allowed — you can hold two valid IDPs at once, though you only need one to drive.

Checking Your Destination's IDP Requirements Before You Travel

Not every country requires an IDP. Some accept only your U.S. driver's license. Others require an IDP, a license translation, or both. The rules vary widely and change occasionally, so check before you book your trip.

Start by contacting the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit. Their website usually lists driving requirements for American visitors. You can also call the rental car company you plan to use — they know which documents they accept and which countries require an IDP.

As a general rule, European countries are more likely to require or strongly recommend an IDP. Many Asian and Latin American countries accept a U.S. license alone. Some countries require an IDP only if you plan to drive; if you hire a driver or use public transportation, you may not need one.

Getting an IDP takes one visit to an AAA office and costs $15 to $20. If there is any chance your destination requires one, it is simpler to get it before you leave than to scramble for one abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. AAA will not issue an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV first, then visit AAA.

Do I need to be a AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

No. Non-members can get an IDP at any AAA office. Members pay $15 and non-members pay $20 as of 2024. You do not have to join AAA to purchase an IDP.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or advise you on whether you can continue driving on your U.S. license alone. You can also return to an AAA office in the United States to get a new one.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail?

No. AAA issues IDPs only in person at local offices. You must visit an office with your license, process, and photograph. The process takes 10 to 15 minutes and you receive the permit the same day.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license and is valid for one year. An International License does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own licenses to foreign residents, but that is different from an IDP.