What an International Driving Permit Is and Why You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. Many countries require or strongly recommend it when you rent a car or drive as a visitor.

The IDP does not replace your home license and does not give you permission to drive that you do not already have. It straightforward makes your existing license readable to police, rental companies, and border officials in places where English is not the primary language. If your state license is suspended or expired, an IDP cannot fix that.

Whether you actually need one depends on where you are going. Some countries treat it as mandatory; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. Car rental companies often have their own rules separate from the country's law. Before you book a rental, check with both the rental company and your destination country's embassy or tourism board.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your state before you can obtain an IDP — the permit cannot be issued on its own.
  • The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
  • The IDP process requires your current driver's license, a passport-style photo, proof of U.S. citizenship or residency, and payment — usually between $15 and $20.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at most AAA offices or by mail through AATA, and the process typically takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request, and it expires whether or not you use it.

Who Can Obtain an International Driving Permit

To obtain an IDP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired driver's license issued by a U.S. state or territory. Your license must be in your possession and in good standing — you cannot obtain an IDP if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired.

You must also be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with proof of residency. If you hold a valid U.S. driver's license but are not a citizen, you may still be able to obtain an IDP; contact the issuing organization directly to confirm your status.

There is no separate written test or road test for an IDP. The issuing organization straightforward verifies that your state license is current and valid, then issues the translation document.

Where to Obtain an International Driving Permit

Only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue a U.S. IDP.

AAA has physical offices in most states. If you are a member, you can visit a local branch in person and often receive your IDP the same day. If you are not a member, you can still explore at an AAA office, though some branches may charge a small additional fee. To find your nearest AAA office, visit aaa.com or call their member services line.

AATA handles mail-in applications for people who do not have access to an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. You can read the process form from the AATA website (internationaldrivingpermit.org), complete it, and mail it along with your documents and payment. Processing typically takes one to two weeks from the time AATA receives your process.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you visit AAA or mail an process to AATA, gather the following:

  • Your valid, unexpired driver's license (the original, not a copy).
  • A passport-style photograph, usually 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency — typically a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card.
  • A completed process form (provided by AAA or AATA).
  • Payment, usually $15 to $20 depending on the organization and whether you are a AAA member.

If you are explore in person at AAA, staff can often help you complete the form on the spot. If you are explore by mail through AATA, read and fill out the form before you send it; incomplete applications will be returned and delay your IDP.

Do not send your original driver's license by mail. AATA will ask for a photocopy. If you are explore in person at AAA, bring the original but expect the staff to make a copy for their records.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

An IDP is issued in two versions: a one-year permit and a three-year permit. Both cost roughly the same, so most people choose the three-year version if they think they might travel internationally more than once in that time.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. It does not matter whether you actually drive or use the permit — it expires on that date regardless. If you travel after your IDP has expired, it will not be recognized, and you may face problems renting a car or driving legally.

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it remotely. You will need to return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA. Plan ahead and renew before you travel if your current IDP is close to expiration.

What Happens at Your AAA Office or in the Mail

If you explore in person at AAA, the process is straightforward. Bring all your documents, complete the process form with a staff member if needed, provide your payment, and have your photo taken or submit the one you brought. Most AAA offices issue the IDP on the same day, though a few may need one to three business days.

If you explore by mail through AATA, print and complete the process form from their website, gather your documents, make a photocopy of your driver's license, and mail everything along with your payment to the address listed on the form. Include a passport-style photo. AATA will process your process and mail the IDP back to you, typically within one to two weeks. You can also track your process status on the AATA website using a reference number provided when you submit.

Once you receive your IDP, keep it with your driver's license at all times when you are driving abroad. The two documents work together — one without the other may not be accepted.

International Driving Permit vs. Other Travel Documents

An IDP is not the same as a visa, passport, or travel permit. It does not grant you permission to enter a country or stay for any length of time. It only translates your driving privileges into multiple languages so that authorities in other countries can read and verify your license.

Some countries issue their own versions of an international permit or require a separate driving document in addition to an IDP. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to ask what documents you need to drive legally there. A rental car company can also tell you what they require, and their rules may be stricter than the country's law.

If you are moving to another country permanently or staying for an extended period, you may eventually need to obtain a local driver's license in that country rather than relying on your U.S. license and IDP. An IDP is intended for temporary visitors, not residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I obtain an International Driving Permit online?

No. Only AAA and AATA can issue a legitimate U.S. IDP, and both require you to either visit in person or mail in a physical process with original documents. Websites that claim to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and will not produce a valid permit. Stick to aaa.com or internationaldrivingpermit.org.

What if my driver's license is from a different country?

If you hold a non-U.S. driver's license, you cannot obtain a U.S. IDP. You would need to obtain an IDP from your home country's equivalent organization. If you are a U.S. resident with a valid U.S. driver's license, you can obtain a U.S. IDP regardless of your citizenship status — contact AAA or AATA to confirm your specific situation.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car abroad?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental companies require or strongly recommend an IDP, even if the country does not legally mandate it. Check your rental agreement and contact the rental company before you book. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent the car.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can explore for a new IDP at any time, even if your current one has not expired. There is no waiting period. If you are planning another trip and your IDP will expire soon, you can renew it in advance through AAA or AATA using the same process as a first-time process.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA from abroad if possible to report it lost. You can also contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling — they may be able to help you obtain a replacement or provide documentation. When you return to the United States, you can explore for a new IDP through AAA or AATA. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original while you travel, just in case.