What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One
An International Driving 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 United States.
Not every country requires an IDP. Some accept only your U.S. license; others require both. The safest approach is to get one before you leave, because obtaining one while traveling is difficult and often impossible. An IDP costs between $15 and $30 and takes less than an hour to obtain in person.
The U.S. State Department does not issue IDPs. Two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue them: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). AAA is far more widely available, with offices in most states.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or the American Motorcyclist Association and must be obtained before you travel.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; the IDP is not a replacement and does not work without it.
- The process takes less than an hour and costs $15 to $30, and you can obtain one in person at most AAA offices.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not renew automatically.
- Different countries have different rules about whether an IDP is required, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.
How to Get an IDP Through AAA
Visit your local AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card. You will also need to bring one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). If you do not have a photo, most AAA offices can take one on-site for an additional fee of $10 to $15.
Fill out the IDP process form at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to have booked travel yet; listing your destinations helps, but is not required.
Pay the fee — typically $20 for members and $30 for non-members — and your IDP will be printed and issued the same day. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. AAA will not mail an IDP; you must pick it up in person.
If you do not have an AAA membership and want to join, you can do so at the same visit. Membership costs vary by state and membership level, but a basic membership is usually $50 to $70 per year. You do not need membership to get an IDP, but members pay less.
Getting an IDP Through the American Motorcyclist Association
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) also issues IDPs, but only to members. If you are an AMA member, you can request an IDP by mail or in person at an AMA office. The process is similar to AAA: you submit your driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the completed process form.
AMA membership costs $50 per year and includes roadside information, insurance discounts, and other benefits for motorcycle owners and riders. If you are not a member and do not own a motorcycle, AAA is your only practical option.
What to Bring and What to Expect
| Document or Item | Required or Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Required | Must not be expired. Suspended or revoked licenses are not accepted. |
| Passport or passport card | Required | Used to verify identity. A state ID is not sufficient. |
| Passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) | Required | Color or black and white. Most AAA offices can take one on-site for $10–$15. |
| Completed IDP process form | Required | Provided at the AAA office; takes 5 minutes to complete. |
| List of countries you plan to visit | Optional | Helpful but not required. The IDP is valid in all countries that recognize it. |
Your IDP will be a booklet about the size of a passport. It contains your name, photo, license number, and driving restrictions in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. The back of the booklet lists which countries recognize the IDP.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. If you need an IDP for a second year, you must return to AAA or AMA and obtain a new one.
Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP
Most countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America recognize the IDP. However, recognition varies. Some countries require it; others accept it but do not require it; and a small number do not recognize it at all.
Countries that typically require an IDP include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, and Japan. Countries that accept it but do not require it include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A few countries — including Ireland and some Caribbean nations — do not recognize it.
The best approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country before you travel, or check the country's official tourism website. The IDP booklet itself lists recognized countries, but that list can change. Your rental car company can also tell you whether an IDP is required for your destination.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot get an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. AAA and AMA will verify your license status before issuing an IDP. If your license is under suspension, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can obtain an IDP.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before visiting AAA. You can check your status online through most state DMV websites, or call the DMV directly.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged IDP
If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, you cannot replace it abroad. You will need to return to the United States and visit an AAA or AMA office in person to obtain a new one.
If you lose your IDP before you travel, return to AAA or AMA and request a replacement. You will need to bring the same documents as before: your driver's license, passport, and a new passport-sized photo. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original fee.
To avoid this problem, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original. Some travelers also photograph their IDP and store the image in their phone or email. If your IDP is lost, these copies can help you prove you had one, though they are not legal replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?
Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not officially require an IDP, but it is recommended because Mexican police may not be familiar with U.S. licenses. Rental car companies in Mexico often require one. If you are renting a car, ask the rental company before you travel.
Can I get an IDP by mail or online?
No. AAA and AMA issue IDPs only in person. You must visit an office with your driver's license, passport, and photo. Some AAA offices may offer expedited service if you call ahead, but the IDP itself is always issued on-site.
How long is an IDP valid?
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew. If you travel more than one year after obtaining your IDP, you will need to get a new one before you leave.
What if I have an international license from my home country?
An international license from another country is not the same as a U.S. IDP. If you are a U.S. resident or citizen with a U.S. driver's license, you need a U.S. IDP. If you hold a foreign license and are visiting the U.S., you may be able to drive on that license, but rules vary by state.
Will an IDP help if I get pulled over by police?
An IDP translates your license information but does not change your legal status or driving record. If you are pulled over, police will check your U.S. license, not your IDP. The IDP is primarily useful for rental car companies and as proof of your right to drive if there is a language barrier.