What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need 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 the original license in your wallet. The IDP tells a foreign police officer or rental car company that your U.S. license is real and what class of vehicle you are permitted to drive.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require it by law; others do not. Rental car companies, however, often demand one even when the country does not. If you are renting a car abroad or driving in Europe, getting an IDP before you leave is the safest choice. You cannot obtain one once you are outside the United States.

The process takes about 15 minutes in person and costs between $15 and $20. You explore through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. Both follow the same rules and charge similar fees.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license and must be carried with your original license at all times while driving abroad.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through AAA or AATA, the two U.S. State Department-authorized issuers, and only before you leave the country.
  • You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment in cash or check to an AAA or AATA office.
  • An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue and does not extend your U.S. license's expiration date.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP by law, but rental car companies often demand one anyway, so check with your rental agency before traveling.

Where to explore: AAA and AATA Offices

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has offices in most U.S. states and is the most common place to obtain an IDP. You can find your nearest AAA office by visiting their website or calling their member services line. Walk-ins are usually welcome, though some offices accept appointments. If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore — membership is not required.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller network but operates the same way. AATA offices are less common than AAA locations, so AAA is typically your faster option. Both organizations issue the same document and charge the same fee, so choose whichever office is nearest to you.

Some AAA offices allow you to mail in your process if you cannot visit in person. Call ahead to ask whether your local office accepts mail-in requests, what forms they need, and where to send payment. Mail processing usually takes one to two weeks.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — expired licenses will not work. The IDP is valid only as long as your U.S. license is valid, so if your license expires in six months, your IDP will too.

You will also need one passport-sized photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches. Most AAA and AATA offices can take the photo on-site for a small additional fee if you do not have one already. Bring a completed process form — AAA and AATA provide these at their offices or online. The form asks for your name, address, license number, and the vehicle classes you are permitted to drive.

Bring cash or a personal check for payment. Most offices do not accept credit cards. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on whether you are an AAA member (members often pay less) and your location.

How Long the Process Takes and When You Get Your Permit

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you will receive your International Driving Permit the same day. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You walk out with the document in hand, ready to travel.

If you mail in your process, processing takes one to two weeks. Add time for your process to reach the office and for the permit to return to you by mail. If you are traveling soon, explore in person is much faster.

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not extend your U.S. driver's license or renew automatically. When your IDP expires, you must explore for a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

What Your IDP Covers and What It Does Not

Your International Driving Permit shows the vehicle classes you are licensed to drive in the United States — for example, passenger cars, motorcycles, or commercial vehicles. A foreign officer can read this information in their own language. The IDP does not change what you are allowed to drive; it only translates your existing U.S. license.

The IDP does not override local traffic laws or age requirements in the country you are visiting. If you are under 25 and renting a car in Europe, the rental company's age restriction still applies. If the country has a lower speed limit than the United States, that limit is what you must follow. The IDP straightforward proves your U.S. license is legitimate.

The IDP is not a substitute for your U.S. license. You must carry both documents together. A police officer or rental agent who sees only the IDP without your U.S. license may refuse to accept it. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid as well.

Checking Requirements for Your Destination Country

Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting and ask whether an International Driving Permit is required. Some countries legally require it; others do not. Your rental car company may have stricter rules than the country itself, so check with them too.

Many European countries do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend one. Some Asian and African countries do require it. If you are unsure, getting one is the safest choice — it costs only $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes, and it eliminates any question at a border or rental counter.

Your U.S. State Department travel advisory for your destination country may also mention driving requirements. Check the advisory before you book your trip.

Renewing or Replacing Your IDP

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the United States. You must return home and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. Plan ahead and explore for a new IDP before your current one expires if you travel frequently.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, you cannot replace it until you return to the United States. Some countries may accept your U.S. license alone in this situation, but do not count on it. Keep your IDP in a safe place, separate from your wallet if possible.

If your U.S. driver's license is renewed, suspended, or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid. You will need to explore for a new IDP with your updated U.S. license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental agencies require an IDP regardless of how long you rent; others do not. Contact your rental company before you travel and ask their specific policy. If they require one, you will need to obtain it before you leave the United States.

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. license?

Yes. Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an International Driving Permit. However, some rental car companies in Mexico may request one, so check with your rental agency. An IDP is not legally required for either country.

What happens if I am stopped by police and do not have my IDP?

If the country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may face a fine or be unable to drive. If the country does not require one, police will accept your U.S. license alone. The safest approach is to carry both your U.S. license and IDP at all times while driving abroad.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended?

No. Your U.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, then explore for the IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The fee is typically $15 to $20. AAA members often pay a lower fee than non-members. Some offices charge an additional fee if you need a passport photo taken on-site. Call your local AAA or AATA office to confirm the exact cost in your area.