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 documents together when driving outside the United States. Most countries recognize an IDP as proof that you hold a valid license in your home country.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate any motor vehicle in a foreign country. Some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if your state license is valid. A few countries — including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy — have made IDPs mandatory for U.S. drivers, though many others accept them as optional but recommended.

An IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot obtain an IDP from your state DMV, the State Department, or any other agency.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP must be obtained from AAA or AATA before you travel — it is not issued by the DMV or State Department.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP; the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • The process takes 15 minutes in person at an AAA office or can be done by mail, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on validity length.
  • An IDP is only valid outside the United States and must be carried together with your original state driver's license at all times.
  • You do not need to pass a test, provide medical records, or renew your state license to obtain an IDP.

Requirements Before You explore

You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license in your possession. The license can be from any state. If your license has expired or is suspended, you cannot obtain an IDP until it is renewed or the suspension is lifted.

You also need a passport or passport card — either current or expired within the last five years. This is used for identity verification only and does not need to be valid for travel. If you do not have a passport, you can still obtain an IDP by providing two forms of identification, such as a state ID card and a Social Security card, though policies vary slightly between AAA and AATA.

Bring a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA/AATA equivalent, depending on where you explore). You can read and fill this out before you arrive, or complete it on-site. You will also need one passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches — if you explore in person at an AAA office. Some locations accept digital photos; call ahead to confirm.

How to Obtain an IDP in Person at AAA

Locate your nearest AAA office using the AAA website or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Not all AAA branches issue IDPs, so confirm that your location offers this service before you visit.

Bring your valid driver's license, passport or passport card, a completed process form, and one passport-style photograph. The process takes approximately 15 minutes. You will pay the fee on-site — $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit — in cash or card depending on the office.

You will receive your IDP when ready. It is a small booklet printed in English and nine other languages. Check it for accuracy before you leave the office, including your name, license number, and signature. If there is an error, ask the staff to correct it on the spot.

How to Obtain an IDP by Mail

If no AAA office is near you or you prefer not to visit in person, you can explore by mail through AAA or AATA. Visit the AAA website and select "International Driving Permit" or go directly to the AATA website to request an process packet.

Complete the process form and gather your documents: a photocopy of your valid driver's license (front and back), a photocopy of your passport or passport card, and one passport-style photograph. Mail these items along with a check or money order for $15 (one year) or $20 (three years) to the address provided on the process.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your packet. If you need your IDP faster, in-person process at an AAA office is the only way to receive it the same day. Some AAA offices offer expedited mail service for an additional fee; ask when you call.

Validity, Renewal, and Expiration

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which term you purchase. The one-year permit costs $15; the three-year permit costs $20. Choose based on how often you plan to travel internationally.

An IDP expires on the date printed on the front cover. It is not renewed — you must obtain a new one when the current permit expires. You cannot renew an expired IDP; you must reapply from the beginning with a new process, fee, and photograph.

An IDP is only valid outside the United States. It cannot be used to drive within any U.S. state. If your U.S. driver's license expires while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid — you must have both documents current to drive abroad.

What Happens at the Border and During Rental

When you cross an international border or arrive at a car rental counter, present both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Border officials and rental agents will not accept one without the other. The IDP serves as proof that your license is legitimate and valid; it does not grant you any driving rights beyond what your state license already permits.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond an IDP — for example, an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration, proof of insurance, or a vehicle registration document. Check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit on the U.S. State Department website or with your car rental company before you travel.

If you are stopped by police while driving abroad, have both documents ready. The IDP translates your license information; the officer will verify your identity using both. Driving without an IDP in a country that requires one can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or denial of entry.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Do not wait until the week before your trip to explore. If you explore by mail, allow at least 4 weeks for processing. If you explore in person, you can receive your IDP the same day, but AAA offices can have long wait times during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

Do not assume your state DMV can issue an IDP. Only AAA and AATA are authorized. If someone offers to obtain an IDP for you through any other channel, they are not providing a legitimate document.

Do not travel with only an IDP and leave your driver's license at home. An IDP is not valid without your original state license. Both must be carried together at all times while driving abroad.

Do not confuse an IDP with a Temporary Visitor Driver's License or other state-issued documents. An IDP is specifically for international travel and is issued only by AAA or AATA.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your state driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you obtain an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it through your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. An expired license cannot be used to obtain a permit.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only necessary if you plan to operate a motor vehicle. If you will use taxis, public transportation, or hire a driver, you do not need one. However, it is inexpensive and takes little time to obtain, so many travelers get one as a precaution.

What if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready to report it. They can issue a replacement, but this may take time depending on where you are. Some car rental companies and border officials may accept a police report of the loss in place of the original document, though this varies. Carry a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location as backup.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

No. An International License does not exist as an official document. An IDP is the only internationally recognized translation of a U.S. driver's license. Any document claiming to be an "International License" obtained outside of AAA or AATA is not legitimate.

Can I use an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

An IDP is not required in Canada or Mexico, though it is accepted. Your valid U.S. driver's license alone is sufficient to rent a car and drive in both countries. However, some rental companies may request an IDP, so it does not hurt to have one.