An Inter-American Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into Spanish and Portuguese

An Inter-American Driving Permit (also called an International Driving Permit or IDP in some contexts) is a separate document issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). It is not a license itself — it works alongside your valid U.S. driver's license to provide a translation of your driving record and personal information into Spanish and Portuguese.

The permit is recognized in most countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Some countries require it; others accept it as helpful documentation. You cannot drive legally on an Inter-American Driving Permit alone. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and with you at all times when you drive.

The permit is issued for a fixed term — typically one or three years depending on which version you request — and it expires whether or not you use it. You must renew it if you plan to drive in those countries again after expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • An Inter-American Driving Permit is issued by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and costs between $15 and $30 depending on the term length you choose.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in your possession when you explore, and the permit cannot be issued if your license is expired or suspended.
  • The permit is a translation document only — it does not replace your U.S. license and must be carried together with it when driving in other countries.
  • Some countries in the Americas require the permit by law; others do not, so check the specific country's entry requirements before your trip.
  • You can obtain the permit in person at most AAA offices or by mail through the AAA website, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail.

Who Issues the Inter-American Driving Permit and Where to Get One

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of the Inter-American Driving Permit in the United States. If you are not an AAA member, you can still request the permit through AAA's website or by visiting a local AAA office in person. The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) also issues the permit, though AAA is the more widely available option.

You have two ways to obtain the permit: in person at an AAA office or by mail. In-person service is faster — you can often receive the permit the same day or within a few days. By mail, you submit your process and documents to AAA's processing center, and the permit arrives in one to two weeks. Both methods require you to provide your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photograph.

AAA membership is not required to request the permit, but members may receive a small discount on the fee. Non-members pay the full fee, which varies by term length but typically ranges from $15 to $30.

Documents and Information You Need to Provide

To request an Inter-American Driving Permit, you must provide the following:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (expired licenses cannot be used to obtain the permit).
  • One passport-style photograph, typically 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months.
  • A completed process form, available from AAA or downloadable from their website.
  • Payment for the permit fee (cash, check, or credit card, depending on whether you explore in person or by mail).

If you are explore by mail, you will also need to include a photocopy of your driver's license (both sides) and a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the permit to be returned to you. Some AAA offices may accept digital photographs or allow you to take one on-site, so call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

You do not need a passport to obtain the Inter-American Driving Permit, though you will need a passport to enter most countries in the Americas. The permit is a separate document and does not replace passport requirements.

Term Length and Renewal

The Inter-American Driving Permit is issued for either one year or three years, depending on which version you request when you explore. The one-year permit costs less but expires sooner; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer. Choose based on how often you plan to drive in countries that recognize the permit.

The permit expires on a fixed date regardless of when you first use it. If you plan to drive in those countries again after expiration, you must request a new permit. There is no grace period — an expired permit is not valid for driving, even if you are still within the country.

To renew, you follow the same process as a first-time request: provide a valid U.S. driver's license, a new photograph, a completed process, and the renewal fee. You can renew by mail or in person at an AAA office. If your U.S. driver's license has expired or been suspended, you cannot renew the Inter-American Driving Permit until your license is valid again.

Which Countries Recognize the Inter-American Driving Permit

The Inter-American Driving Permit is recognized in most countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. However, recognition varies: some countries require it by law, some accept it as supplementary documentation, and a few do not recognize it at all.

Countries that typically require or strongly recommend the permit include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. However, requirements change, and some countries may accept only a U.S. license with an official Spanish translation instead. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm current driving document requirements.

The permit is not valid in Canada or the United States. In Canada, your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. In the United States, you must have a valid U.S. driver's license to drive legally.

What Happens If Your U.S. License Expires or Is Suspended

If your U.S. driver's license expires while you are traveling, your Inter-American Driving Permit becomes invalid as well. The permit is only a translation of your license; it has no independent legal standing. You cannot drive on the permit alone, even if the permit itself has not yet expired.

If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain or renew an Inter-American Driving Permit. AAA will not issue the permit if your license is not valid. If your license is suspended while you are abroad and holding a valid Inter-American Driving Permit, the permit is no longer valid for driving, and you should not operate a vehicle.

If you need to renew your U.S. driver's license while traveling, contact your home state's DMV to find out whether you can renew by mail or online. Some states allow remote renewal; others require you to renew in person at a DMV office in your home state.

Cost and Processing Time

The fee for an Inter-American Driving Permit ranges from approximately $15 to $30, depending on whether you request a one-year or three-year permit. AAA members may receive a discount of $2 to $5. Fees vary slightly by AAA office location, so confirm the exact cost with your local office or on the AAA website before you explore.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you can often receive the permit the same day or within a few business days. If you explore by mail, allow one to two weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you have a specific travel date — explore at the last minute risks the permit arriving after you leave.

Payment methods vary by location. In-person applications typically accept cash, check, and credit card. By-mail applications usually accept check or credit card. Confirm the accepted payment methods with AAA before you submit your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Inter-American Driving Permit to drive in Mexico?

Mexico does not legally require the Inter-American Driving Permit, but it is recommended because it provides a Spanish translation of your driving information. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient for driving in Mexico, but carrying the permit can help if you are stopped by police and do not speak Spanish fluently.

Can I get an Inter-American Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not expired at the time you explore. If your license has expired, you must renew it with your state DMV first, then request the Inter-American Driving Permit.

What if I lose my Inter-American Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. You can continue to drive on your valid U.S. driver's license alone in most countries, though some may require the permit specifically. Request a replacement permit when you return home, or contact AAA to see if they can issue a duplicate while you are abroad.

Is the Inter-American Driving Permit the same as an International Driving Permit?

No. The Inter-American Driving Permit is specific to countries in the Americas and is issued by AAA. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is issued for countries worldwide and is obtained through different organizations. Check which document your destination country recognizes.

Can I renew my Inter-American Driving Permit before it expires?

Yes. You can renew the permit at any time before it expires by submitting a new process to AAA. There is no penalty for early renewal, and the new permit's expiration date will be calculated from the date of renewal, not from the old permit's expiration date.