An International Driving Permit lets you drive in other countries using your US license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that proves you hold a valid US license and are legally allowed to drive. Many countries recognize it as proof of your driving authority when your US license alone might not be enough.

You do not need an IDP to drive in most countries. Canada, Mexico, and most of Europe accept your US license by itself. But some countries require an IDP, some rental car companies will not rent to you without one, and some insurance policies will not cover you unless you have one. If you are planning to drive abroad, checking the specific rules for your destination before you leave is the only way to know for certain whether you need one.

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 Department of Motor Vehicles. Both organizations issue the same document — the choice between them is straightforward which office is closer to you or easier to visit.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your US driver's license into ten languages and is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license in your possession to get an IDP — the IDP cannot be obtained before you hold a license.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your US license expires, whichever comes first.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law, some rental companies require one as a condition of renting, and some insurance policies will not cover you without one.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail if you are a member of AAA.

Who issues the International Driving Permit

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue an IDP: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles does not issue them, and no other organization is legally permitted to do so.

AAA is the larger and more widely available of the two. It has local offices in most states and major cities. AATA has fewer locations but serves the same purpose. Both issue an identical IDP that is recognized worldwide. The only practical difference is location and convenience — choose whichever organization has an office near you.

Be cautious of websites or services that claim to issue an IDP or to "get" one for you. These are not legitimate. The only valid IDP comes directly from AAA or AATA.

What you need to bring to get an International Driving Permit

To get an IDP in person, you need three things: a valid, unexpired US driver's license; a completed process form; and payment. You cannot get an IDP if your US license has expired or been suspended.

The process form is straightforward and asks for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. AAA and AATA both provide the form on their websites, or you can fill one out when you arrive at the office. You will also need to bring a passport-sized photograph — typically 2 by 2 inches — though some offices may take one for you on the spot for an additional fee.

If you are explore by mail through AAA (membership required), you will mail in your completed form, a photocopy of your driver's license, a passport photo, and payment. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service, usually one to two weeks.

How long an International Driving Permit is valid

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. However, if your US driver's license expires before that year is up, your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your license expires. You cannot renew an IDP — once it expires, you must get a new one.

This means if you get an IDP late in your license cycle, you may only have a few months of use from it. Plan ahead if you know you will be driving abroad. If your US license is expiring soon, you may want to renew your license first, then get the IDP, so you have a full year of validity.

Cost and how to pay

An IDP costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you get it in person or by mail and which organization you use. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. Payment is usually cash, check, or card, depending on the office. When you explore by mail, you typically mail a check or provide card information with your process.

This is a one-time fee. You do not pay annually to keep the IDP valid — once you pay and receive the document, there are no renewal fees until the permit expires and you need a new one.

Countries that require an International Driving Permit

No single list covers every country, because rules change and vary by region. However, some countries that commonly require or strongly recommend an IDP include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, and Thailand. Many European countries do not require one but accept it as additional proof of your driving authority.

The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, or check the US State Department's travel advisory for that country. They can tell you whether an IDP is required. You can also ask your car rental company — many will not rent to you without one, even if the country itself does not require it.

Some travel insurance and car rental insurance policies will not cover you unless you have an IDP. Check your policy before you travel, because this requirement is separate from whether the country itself requires one.

How to get an International Driving Permit in person or by mail

In person: Find the nearest AAA or AATA office using their websites. Bring your valid driver's license, a completed process form, a passport photo, and payment. The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive your IDP when ready.

By mail: This option is available to AAA members only. read the process from the AAA website, photocopy your driver's license, include a passport photo and payment, and mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AAA will mail the IDP to you. Some AAA members can also order online through their account.

If you are not an AAA member and cannot visit an office in person, you will need to either become a member (which has its own cost and process) or visit an office. AATA does not offer a mail-in option for non-members, so your only choice would be to visit an AATA office in person.

What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit while traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are abroad, contact the US embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a replacement IDP — only AAA and AATA can do that — but they can provide guidance on how to proceed and may be able to help you contact AAA or AATA to arrange a replacement when you return home.

In the meantime, your US driver's license is still valid for driving in most places. However, if the country you are in requires an IDP by law, losing it could create a legal problem. The embassy can advise you on whether you need to stop driving or whether your license alone is sufficient until you can get a replacement.

To avoid this situation, keep your IDP in a separate place from your wallet. Many travelers keep it in their hotel safe or with their passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico both recognize a valid US driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may require an IDP as a condition of renting, so check with your rental company before you book. Your US license is legally sufficient to drive in both countries.

Can I get an International Driving Permit before I have a US driver's license?

No. You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license in your possession before you can get an IDP. The IDP is a translation of your existing license, not a standalone document. If you are a new driver, get your US license first, then get the IDP if you need it.

What happens if my US driver's license expires while I'm using my International Driving Permit abroad?

Your IDP becomes invalid on the same date your US license expires. You will no longer be legally permitted to drive. If you are still traveling, you will need to stop driving or return home to renew your US license. Plan your travel dates around your license expiration if possible, or renew your license before you leave.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document that proves you hold a valid US license. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some other countries issue their own versions of an IDP, but the US version is issued only by AAA and AATA and serves only as a translation of your US license.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in the United States?

No. An IDP is only for driving outside the United States. Inside the US, you must have your valid US driver's license. The IDP is a companion document, not a replacement for your US license.