What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driver's 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 U.S. license, and many countries will not accept it without one. You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in most countries outside the U.S., Canada, and a few others. Some countries require it by law; others make it optional but strongly recommended because police and rental companies recognize it more readily than they recognize English-language U.S. licenses.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's DMV, the federal government, or any other source. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document — the choice between them depends only on which organization you can reach and pay.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in your possession when you explore, and the IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which term you choose at the time of process.
  • You can explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail if you live far from an office, but the in-person route is faster and requires only a few minutes.
  • The IDP is not a separate license and does not replace your U.S. license — you must carry both documents when you drive abroad.
  • Some countries do not recognize the IDP at all, so you should check the specific country's driving rules before you travel.

What You Need to Bring or Submit

To get an IDP from AAA or AATA, you need only three things: a valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and payment. You do not need to pass a test, provide proof of residency, or submit medical records.

If you explore in person, bring your driver's license and a passport or state ID card. The office staff will complete the form with you and take a photo on the spot — the photo comes from your driver's license record, so you do not need to provide one separately. If you explore by mail, you will fill out the form yourself, include a photocopy of your driver's license, and mail it with a check or money order. Some AAA offices accept credit cards in person; by mail, payment methods vary by organization.

The process form itself is short and asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the term you want (one or three years). AAA and AATA both provide the form on their websites, and you can read it before you go.

how the process works in Person at AAA or AATA

The fastest way to get an IDP is to walk into an AAA or AATA office with your driver's license and payment. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can find office locations on the AAA or AATA website by entering your zip code. Not every town has an office, but most cities and many suburbs do.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want an International Driver's Permit. They will hand you the process form or pull it up on their computer. You fill in your information, they verify your driver's license, take or confirm your photo, and process your payment. You will receive the IDP when ready — you walk out with it the same day.

If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office. AAA membership is not required. However, some AAA offices may charge a slightly higher fee for non-members, so ask about the cost when you call or arrive.

how the process works by Mail

If no AAA or AATA office is near you, you can explore by mail. read the process form from the AAA or AATA website. Fill it out completely, including your driver's license number and the term you want. Make a photocopy of your driver's license (front and back), and include it with the form. Write a check or money order for the fee and mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person process — typically two to three weeks, sometimes longer depending on mail delays and the organization's workload. You will receive your IDP by mail at the address you provided on the form. Some people choose to explore by mail several weeks before their trip to allow time for processing and mail delivery.

AATA also accepts online applications through their website, which can be faster than mailing a paper form. Check the AATA website to see if online process is available in your state.

Cost and How Long the IDP Is Valid

An International Driver's Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and whether you are a member. The one-year IDP and the three-year IDP cost the same amount, so most people choose the three-year term to avoid having to reapply if they travel again.

The IDP is valid for the term you choose — either one or three years from the date of issue. It expires on the date printed on the document. You do not renew an IDP; when it expires, you explore for a new one if you need it. Your U.S. driver's license must also be valid on the date you travel — if your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because you cannot drive without a valid U.S. license.

What Countries Accept the IDP and What to Check Before You Travel

Most countries in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa recognize the International Driver's Permit. However, some countries do not accept it, and a few require additional documents like an International Driving Permit issued by a different organization or a certified translation of your U.S. license. The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country.

Before you book a rental car or plan to drive abroad, check the specific country's driving requirements on its official government website or through your car rental company. The rental company can tell you when ready whether an IDP is required, accepted, or unnecessary for that country. If the country does not accept the IDP, ask the rental company what documents they do accept — some will accept a certified English translation of your license, and some will rent to you with only your U.S. license.

A few countries that do not recognize the IDP include Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. If you plan to drive in any of these places, research the alternative documents you will need before you travel.

What Happens If Your IDP Is Lost or Damaged While You Travel

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are abroad, you cannot get a replacement from AAA or AATA while you are outside the U.S. You can only explore for a new one after you return home. If you lose your IDP during your trip, contact your car rental company when ready — they can often work with you to complete your rental or return without the document, especially if you still have your U.S. license and passport.

To reduce the risk, keep your IDP in a separate place from your U.S. license and passport. Some travelers photocopy their IDP and keep the copy in a different bag. If your IDP is damaged but still readable, most police and rental companies will accept it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driver's Permit if I am only renting a car for a day trip?

It depends on the country. If you are driving in Canada or Mexico for a short trip, an IDP is usually not required — your U.S. license is enough. For most other countries, rental companies and local police expect an IDP, even for a one-day rental. Check with your rental company before you book.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV before you can explore for an IDP.

How long does it take to get an International Driver's Permit if I explore in person?

You receive it the same day. In-person applications at AAA or AATA offices take about 10 to 15 minutes, and you walk out with the IDP in hand. By mail, processing takes two to three weeks or longer depending on mail delivery.

Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an International Driving Permit?

No. The International Driver's Permit (IDP) issued by AAA and AATA is the document recognized in most countries. Some countries issue their own "International Driving Permit" through their own organizations — these are different documents and are not valid in the U.S. Make sure you are getting the correct IDP from AAA or AATA before you travel.

What if the country I am visiting does not recognize the International Driver's Permit?

Contact your rental company and ask what documents they accept. Some countries accept a certified English translation of your U.S. license instead. Others may accept your U.S. license alone, though this is less common. Your rental company can tell you what is required before you book.