When You Need an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. 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.

The rule varies by country. Some nations require an IDP by law; others accept a U.S. license but may give police grounds to fine you if they stop you. A few countries accept a U.S. license without an IDP for tourists staying less than a certain number of days — often 30 days. Car rental companies almost always require an IDP even in countries where it is technically optional, because they use it to verify your identity and driving status across language barriers.

If you are driving in Canada or Mexico for a short trip, you typically do not need an IDP — your U.S. license is sufficient. For any other country, assume you need one unless you have checked the specific country's rules and your rental company's policy.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a separate license, and you must carry it with your U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • Most countries outside North America require an IDP by law or as a condition of car rental, even if your U.S. license is technically valid.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other U.S. organization is authorized to issue them.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20, takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person, and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • You must explore in person with your valid U.S. driver's license, passport, and a passport-style photo; you cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other company, website, or service can legally issue a valid IDP.

AAA is the larger and more accessible option. If you are an AAA member, you can visit any AAA office and request an IDP. If you are not a member, you can still obtain one at an AAA office without joining. AATA serves a smaller network but operates the same way. To find an office near you, visit the AAA website or call their customer service line.

Some travel agencies and online services claim to sell IDPs, but these are either scams or they are straightforward ordering the document from AAA or AATA on your behalf and charging a markup. You will save money and time by going directly to AAA or AATA yourself.

What You Need to Bring

You must explore in person. Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport, and a passport-style photograph (usually 2 by 2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to ask what your local office accepts.

You cannot obtain an IDP by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office. You will fill out a short form, show your documents, and pay the fee. The IDP is issued on the spot.

Cost and Validity Period

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization issues it and whether you are an AAA member. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount.

You can choose between a one-year IDP and a three-year IDP. The three-year version costs slightly more but is valid longer. Choose based on how often you plan to drive abroad. If you are taking one trip, the one-year permit is sufficient. If you travel internationally multiple times over the next few years, the three-year version is more economical.

How to Use Your International Driving Permit Abroad

An IDP is not a license — it is a translation document. You must carry it together with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving. Police in other countries will ask to see both documents. If you present only the IDP or only your U.S. license, you may be fined or refused permission to drive.

Keep both documents in a safe place while traveling. Some travelers carry copies of both in a separate location in case the originals are lost or stolen. If your U.S. license expires while you are abroad, the IDP becomes invalid even if it still has time remaining, so check your license expiration date before your trip.

When an International Driving Permit Is Not Enough

Some countries require more than an IDP. A few nations demand an International Driving Permit plus a certified translation of your U.S. license into the local language, obtained from a professional translator. Others require proof of vehicle registration, insurance documents in the local language, or a vehicle inspection certificate.

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask what documents you need to drive legally. Also contact your car rental company — they often have a checklist of what they require. Do this at least two weeks before your trip, because some documents take time to obtain.

Driving in the United States with an International Driving Permit

An IDP has no legal standing in the United States. You cannot use it to drive here. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to drive in any U.S. state. If you are a visitor to the United States and do not have a U.S. license, you can drive on a valid license from your home country, but you should also carry an IDP as proof that your home country license is legitimate.

If you are a U.S. resident planning to drive within the country, your state-issued driver's license is the only document you need. An IDP serves no purpose for domestic driving and will not help you if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. license and no International Driving Permit?

Most European countries legally require an IDP alongside your U.S. license. Some may allow you to drive without one for a short visit, but car rental companies almost always require it. Driving without one where it is required can result in fines or vehicle impoundment. It is safer and cheaper to obtain an IDP before you go.

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

An expired IDP is not valid. If you are traveling for an extended period, obtain a three-year IDP before you leave. If your IDP expires during your trip, you cannot legally drive. Plan ahead and renew before departure if needed.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP. Restore your U.S. license first through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Canada or Mexico?

Most car rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some rental agencies may request one. Call your rental company before your trip to confirm their policy. It does not hurt to have an IDP even if it is not required.

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

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but the U.S. does not. If someone offers to sell you an "international license," it is a scam.