What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells foreign police and rental car companies that your U.S. license is legitimate, because many countries do not recognize American licenses without this translation.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or operate a vehicle in another country. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over a car without one. A few countries accept only an IDP plus your original license, not the license alone. The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue.

The U.S. does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, two private organizations are authorized by the State Department to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both issue the same document; the difference is where you go and what you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP; the IDP is not a license itself.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office or AATA location, or by mail through AATA if you cannot visit in person.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail; in-person issuance is usually same-day or next-day.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, the fastest route is your local AAA office. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and cash or a card. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though AAA members may receive a small discount. Most AAA offices issue the IDP on the spot or within one business day.

If you are not a AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP at an AAA office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee or be asked to provide additional identification. Call your local AAA office before you go to confirm they have the document in stock and what they require.

To find the nearest AAA office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool. AAA has locations in most states, but availability varies by region. If no AAA office is near you, AATA is your alternative.

Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) accepts mail-in requests and is the better choice if you cannot visit an office in person or live far from an AAA location. You will need to complete the AATA process form, provide a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, include one passport-style photo, and send a check or money order for the fee (typically $15 to $20).

Mail your completed process to the AATA address listed on their form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date AATA receives your envelope. AATA will mail the IDP to your address once it is ready. Plan ahead if you are leaving the country soon — do not wait until the week before your trip.

You can also visit an AATA office in person if one is located in your state. AATA has fewer physical locations than AAA, so check their website first to see whether an office serves your area. If an office is nearby, in-person service is usually faster than mail.

Documents and Photos You Will Need

Gather these items before you visit an office or prepare your mail-in request:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (your state license, not a learner's permit or ID card).
  • One passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background.
  • Payment: cash, check, or card, depending on where you explore. AAA and AATA both accept multiple payment methods.
  • For mail-in requests: a photocopy of the front and back of your driver's license (do not send the original).

Do not use a photo from your phone or a casual snapshot. Many drugstores, including CVS and Walgreens, offer passport photo services for $10 to $15. If you already have a passport, you can use that photo if it meets the size requirement.

Timeline and When to explore

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. If you are planning a trip abroad, explore at least three weeks before you leave. This gives you time to receive the IDP by mail if you use AATA, or to visit an AAA office if you prefer in-person service.

If your trip is sooner than three weeks away, visit an AAA office in person — most issue the IDP the same day or next day. Calling ahead to confirm they have stock and can serve you without an appointment is wise, especially during busy travel seasons.

If you are not traveling when ready but know you will need an IDP within the next year, you can obtain it now. There is no penalty for holding an IDP before you use it, and having it on hand removes the stress of last-minute paperwork.

What Happens After You Receive Your IDP

When your IDP arrives, check that all information is correct: your name, license number, date of birth, and signature. If anything is wrong, contact the issuing organization (AAA or AATA) when ready to request a correction or replacement.

Store your IDP in a safe place at home until you travel. When you leave the country, carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together in your travel documents. Do not separate them — the IDP is useless without the license it translates. Some rental car companies will ask to see both; others may only glance at the IDP, but you must have both to be legal in most countries.

If your U.S. license expires or is suspended before your IDP expires, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot renew an IDP — you must obtain a new one if you need another after the first year ends or if your license changes.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is explore too close to a travel date. Mail processing takes one to two weeks, and if AATA is busy, it may take longer. If you are leaving in less than two weeks, do not use mail — visit an AAA office instead.

A second mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet the 2-by-2-inch requirement or shows your face at an angle or partially obscured. Passport photo services know the exact standard; using one saves you a rejection and resubmission.

A third error is forgetting to bring or include a copy of your driver's license. AAA and AATA both need proof that your license is valid and current. If you mail your process, photocopy both sides of your license — do not send the original.

Finally, do not assume your state ID card or learner's permit will work. Only a valid, unexpired driver's license qualifies. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV before you explore for the IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired when you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An expired license will be rejected by AAA or AATA.

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

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies in Europe and other regions require an IDP by policy, even for one-day rentals. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require it, you will need one regardless of trip length.

What if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

Contact your country's U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can advise you on local driving laws and whether you can continue to drive with only your U.S. license. Some countries allow it; others do not. Having your license is essential, so keep it separate from your IDP.

Can I get an IDP for a learner's permit or a state ID card?

No. Only a valid driver's license qualifies. Learner's permits and state ID cards are not recognized by AAA or AATA for IDP issuance. You must hold a full, unexpired driver's license.

How long does an IDP last, and can I renew it?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. You cannot renew it — you must obtain a new one if you need another after the year ends. Plan ahead if you travel frequently or take multiple trips abroad within a year.