An IDP is an official translation of your home country driver's license, not a separate permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into multiple languages — typically English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese. It does not replace your home country license. You must carry both documents together when driving outside your home country, and many rental car companies and police officers will ask to see both.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or transportation authority, not by the United States or any country you plan to visit. The United States does not issue IDPs; if you are a U.S. driver, you obtain one from your home country before you travel. If you are a foreign driver visiting or moving to the United States, you may already have an IDP from your home country, but it does not replace a U.S. state driver's license or permit.

IDPs are valid for one or three years depending on which type you purchase. They are not a substitute for a valid driver's license in any country, and they do not grant you permission to drive if your home license is suspended, expired, or invalid.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association, not a U.S. government agency.
  • You must carry your original home country driver's license and the IDP together; one without the other is not valid.
  • IDPs are useful for renting cars, crossing borders, and communicating with police in countries where English is not the primary language.
  • If you are a U.S. resident or citizen, you need a state driver's license or permit to drive legally in the United States, regardless of whether you have an IDP.
  • An IDP does not extend the validity of an expired or suspended license in any country.

Who needs an IDP and when

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in a country outside your home country and your driver's license is not in English or the primary language of the country you are visiting. Many countries recognize IDPs as proof that your license is valid, especially when a police officer cannot read your home country's language or script.

Rental car companies often require an IDP even if the country you are visiting speaks English, because it provides a standardized, internationally recognized translation of your license information. Some rental agencies will refuse to rent to you without one, so it is worth checking your rental agreement before you travel.

If you are moving to the United States or another country and plan to drive there, an IDP is not a substitute for obtaining a local driver's license or permit. You will need to pass the written and driving tests required by that state or country, even if you have a valid license and IDP from your home country.

How to obtain an IDP from your home country

The process for obtaining an IDP depends on which country issued your driver's license. In most countries, you contact the national automobile association — such as the American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States, the Automobile Association in the United Kingdom, or the equivalent body in your home country.

You will typically need to provide your valid home country driver's license, a completed process form, one or two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. The fee varies by country and by whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit; in the United States, AAA charges around $20 for a one-year IDP and $30 for a three-year IDP, though prices may differ by location.

Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to four weeks if you mail your process. Some automobile associations offer expedited processing for an additional fee. You can often explore online or by mail, but you will need to mail in your original license and photographs, so plan ahead if you need the IDP before a specific travel date.

IDP validity and what happens when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. An expired IDP is no longer recognized as valid in any country, even if your home country driver's license is still valid.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it in the country you are visiting. You will need to return home or contact your home country's automobile association to request a replacement, which can take several weeks. For this reason, if you travel frequently or for long periods, the three-year IDP is usually the better choice.

If your home country driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it is a translation of an expired document. You must renew your home country license first, then obtain a new IDP if you need one.

IDP and U.S. driver's licenses: what you need to know

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you do not obtain an IDP from a U.S. government agency. Instead, you obtain one from the AAA or a similar automobile association in the United States. The IDP translates your U.S. state driver's license into other languages so you can drive legally in other countries.

If you are a foreign national visiting the United States, your home country IDP does not permit you to drive in the U.S. You must have a valid driver's license from your home country, and you may also need to obtain a U.S. state driver's license or learner's permit depending on how long you plan to stay and whether you are working or studying. Some states allow visitors to drive on a valid foreign license for a limited time (often 30 days to one year), but the rules vary by state.

If you are a foreign national moving to the United States permanently or temporarily, you will need to pass your state's written test and driving test to obtain a state driver's license or permit. An IDP from your home country does not waive these requirements, though some states may accept your home country license as proof that you have already passed a driving test, which can reduce the testing you need to do.

Common reasons an IDP is rejected or not accepted

An IDP may be rejected if it is expired, if your home country driver's license is expired or suspended, or if the IDP does not match the name and date of birth on your home country license. Some countries and rental car companies also do not recognize IDPs issued more than a certain number of years ago, even if they have not technically expired, so check with your rental company or the country you are visiting before you travel.

Police officers in some countries may not be familiar with IDPs, especially in rural areas or smaller towns. Carrying both your home country license and your IDP together, along with your passport, gives you the best chance of being understood if you are stopped. If a police officer does not recognize your IDP, your home country license is your primary proof that you are licensed to drive.

Some rental car companies require an IDP even though it is not legally required in the country you are visiting. This is a company policy, not a law. If you do not have an IDP, contact the rental company before you book to ask whether they will rent to you with only your home country license, or whether you can obtain an IDP before your trip.

IDP versus a Real ID or state driver's license

An IDP is not the same as a Real ID-compliant driver's license, and it does not replace either one. A Real ID is a U.S. state driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. An IDP is a translation document for international driving.

If you are a U.S. resident, you need a state driver's license or permit to drive legally in the United States. You may also want a Real ID-compliant license if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. An IDP is separate and is only useful if you plan to drive in other countries. You can have all three: a state driver's license, a Real ID-compliant version of that license, and an IDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an IDP and no home country license?

No. An IDP is a translation of your home country driver's license, not a license itself. You must carry both your original home country license and the IDP together. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental car company, you will need to show both documents.

How long does it take to get an IDP?

Processing time is usually one to two weeks if you explore in person at an automobile association office, or two to four weeks if you mail your process. Some offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee. Plan ahead if you need the IDP before a specific travel date, especially if you are mailing your process.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico if I have a U.S. driver's license?

An IDP is not legally required to drive in Canada or Mexico with a U.S. driver's license, because English is widely spoken and understood. However, some rental car companies may require one, so check your rental agreement. If you are stopped by police, your U.S. license is sufficient proof that you are licensed to drive.

What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid in any country. You cannot renew it while traveling; you will need to contact your home country's automobile association to request a replacement, which takes several weeks. For frequent travelers, purchasing a three-year IDP instead of a one-year permit reduces the risk of expiration during a trip.

Does an IDP replace my state driver's license if I move to the United States?

No. If you move to the United States, you must obtain a state driver's license or permit by passing your state's written and driving tests. An IDP from your home country does not waive these requirements, though some states may accept your home country license as proof of prior driving experience and reduce the testing you need to complete.