When You Need an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your valid driver's license into ten languages. You need one if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some countries will let you drive on your U.S. license alone for a short visit, but many will not recognize it without an IDP alongside it. Police in countries that require an IDP can fine you, impound your rental car, or refuse to let you drive if you cannot produce one.

The IDP itself is not a license — it does not replace your U.S. driver's license, and you cannot drive anywhere with only an IDP. You must carry both documents together. The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you purchase, and it expires whether you use it or not.

Whether a specific country requires an IDP depends on that country's laws, not on U.S. law. Some nations treat the IDP as mandatory; others treat it as optional but strongly recommended. A few accept only your U.S. license. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements through its embassy website or your car rental company, because the rules change and vary by region within some countries.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a ten-language translation of your U.S. driver's license that you must carry alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • Most countries outside the United States require an IDP to rent a car or drive legally, though a few accept a U.S. license alone.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other U.S. organization issues them.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, or you can pick one up in person at an AAA office the same day.
  • Your IDP is valid for one or three years and expires on a fixed date regardless of use, so check the expiration before you travel.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other entity — not the DMV, not online services, not travel agencies — can issue a legitimate IDP. If you see an IDP offered anywhere else, it is not valid.

AAA is the larger and more accessible option. You can visit an AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card, pay the fee, and receive your IDP the same day. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP; membership is not required. AAA also accepts mail orders — you send in your license, passport, and payment, and they mail the IDP to you within one to two weeks.

AATA serves as the second issuer and operates similarly to AAA. You can order through their website or by mail. Both organizations charge between $15 and $20 for a one-year IDP and slightly more for a three-year version. Prices vary slightly, so check both if cost matters to you.

What Documents You Need to Bring

To obtain an IDP in person or by mail, you need two things: a valid U.S. driver's license and proof of identity. The proof of identity must be a passport, passport card, or in some cases a state ID. A birth certificate alone is not sufficient.

Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP until your driving privileges are restored. The IDP is a translation of your license, so it cannot exist without a valid license to translate.

If you are explore by mail, you will need to send photocopies of both documents. AAA and AATA provide instructions on their websites for what to include and where to mail your packet. Do not send original documents — send copies only, and keep your originals with you.

How Long an International Driving Permit Takes to Arrive

If you visit an AAA or AATA office in person, you can walk out with your IDP the same day. This is the fastest option and the one to choose if you are leaving soon.

If you order by mail, expect one to two weeks for processing and delivery. This timeline assumes you send in all required documents correctly and the organization does not need to contact you for clarification. If documents are missing or unclear, the process takes longer. Mail your process at least three weeks before you travel to leave a safety margin.

Some AAA offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, usually $10 to $15 more. Ask when you call or visit whether expedited service is available at your location.

How Long Your International Driving Permit Stays Valid

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. The three-year version costs more but is better value if you travel internationally more than once during that period.

Your IDP expires on a specific date printed on the document. It does not matter whether you use it or not — the expiration date is fixed. If you travel after your IDP has expired, it is no longer valid, and you will need to purchase a new one before you leave.

Check your IDP's expiration date before you book your trip. If it expires during your travel or shortly after, purchase a new one before you go. You cannot renew an IDP — you must purchase a new one.

Countries That Require an International Driving Permit

Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America require or strongly recommend an IDP. This includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, Australia, and Mexico. Some countries will fine you or impound your rental car if you cannot produce an IDP when asked by police.

A smaller number of countries — including Canada and a few others — accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP, though carrying an IDP anyway is still recommended because it removes any ambiguity at a traffic stop.

The safest approach is to assume you need an IDP for any country outside the United States and Canada unless you have confirmed otherwise through that country's official embassy website or your rental car company. Rental companies often require an IDP as a condition of the rental agreement, regardless of local law.

International Driving Permit vs. Real ID and Passport Cards

An International Driving Permit is not the same as a Real ID or a passport card, though they are sometimes confused.

A Real ID is a U.S. domestic security standard. It affects whether you can board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without additional ID, but it has nothing to do with driving abroad. Your driver's license may or may not be Real ID-compliant, and this does not affect whether you need an IDP.

A passport card is a travel document issued by the U.S. State Department. It proves your citizenship and identity but is not a driving document. You need a passport card (or full passport) to prove your identity when you explore for an IDP, but the passport card itself does not replace the IDP when you are driving.

When you drive abroad, you must carry three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, your IDP, and your passport or passport card. Each serves a different purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license?

In Canada, yes. In most other countries, no — police will not recognize it as valid. Even in countries where a U.S. license is technically legal, rental car companies usually require an IDP as part of their rental agreement. Carrying an IDP removes any doubt at a traffic stop.

What if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot obtain an International Driving Permit while your license is suspended or revoked. The IDP is a translation of your license, so it cannot exist without a valid license to translate. Once your driving privileges are restored, you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

Check with your rental car company and the country's laws. Most rental companies require an IDP regardless of trip length. Some countries will fine you or impound the car if you are stopped without one. It is not worth the risk — purchase an IDP before you travel.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online from a website other than AAA or AATA?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue valid IDPs in the United States. Any other website offering an IDP is selling a document that will not be recognized by police or rental companies abroad. Use only AAA or AATA.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are stopped by police, you will be in violation. If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot drive legally. Check the expiration date before you leave and purchase a new IDP if needed.