An International Driving Permit lets you drive legally in countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is valid, because many countries do not recognize American licenses on their own.

You do not need an IDP to drive in every country. Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe accept your U.S. license as-is. But countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central America often require an IDP, and some rental car companies will refuse to rent to you without one, even in places where the law does not technically demand it. Before you travel, check the specific country's requirements — your rental company's website or the U.S. State Department travel advisory for that country will tell you whether an IDP is necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not by your state's DMV.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and the IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. license is valid.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or you can order by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, so you need a new one each time you travel internationally if more than a year has passed.

Who issues International Driving Permits in the United States

Only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs in the U.S.: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Your state's DMV does not issue them. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP from AAA — membership is not required. AATA is less common and has fewer locations, so AAA is usually the faster option.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. Most AAA branches can issue an IDP on the spot during business hours. If there is no AAA office in your area, you can order an IDP by mail from AAA's website, though this takes longer.

What you need to bring to get an International Driving Permit

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one form of identification with a photo — your passport works, or a state ID card. You will also need to fill out a short form at the AAA office. Some locations ask for a passport-style photo, though many now use a digital photo taken on-site, so call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

If you are ordering by mail, you will need to send a photocopy of your driver's license, a completed process form (available on AAA's website), and a passport-style photo. Mail your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks.

Cost and how long an International Driving Permit lasts

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you get it in person or by mail. There is no difference in what you receive — the price variation reflects processing fees. In-person service at an AAA office is usually $15 to $17; mail orders may cost slightly more.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If you travel internationally more than once a year, or if your first trip is more than a year away, you may need to renew your IDP before your next trip. Check the issue date on your permit before you leave the country. Your IDP is only valid as long as your U.S. driver's license is also valid, so if your license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid.

How to use your International Driving Permit when you travel

Always carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license. The IDP alone is not enough — you must have both documents. When you rent a car, hand both to the rental agent. If you are stopped by police, show both your U.S. license and your IDP. The IDP is the translation; the license is the proof that you are licensed to drive.

Some countries require you to carry additional documents, such as an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or an International Registration Certificate for your rental car. Your rental company will tell you what you need when you book. The IDP is separate from these documents.

International Driving Permits and your U.S. driving record

An IDP does not affect your U.S. driving record or your license status. It is purely a translation document for use outside the United States. If you receive a traffic ticket or are in an accident while driving in another country, that incident is handled by the laws and courts of that country — it does not automatically show up on your U.S. record, though some countries do share information with U.S. authorities in serious cases.

Getting an IDP does not change your insurance coverage. Before you travel, contact your car insurance company to ask whether your U.S. policy covers you when you drive a rental car abroad. Many policies do not, and you may need to purchase additional coverage from the rental company or a travel insurance provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your U.S. license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is about to expire, renew it through your state's DMV before you explore for the IDP.

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may ask for one, so it does not hurt to have it. Check with your rental company before you travel.

What if my International Driving Permit is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA's international customer service line or the U.S. embassy in the country where you are traveling. AAA can issue a replacement, though it may take time. In the meantime, your U.S. driver's license alone may not be enough to rent a car, so ask your rental company or the embassy what to do.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license and is valid for one year. An International License does not exist as a single document — some countries issue their own licenses that are recognized in other countries through reciprocal agreements, but the U.S. does not participate in these systems.

How far in advance should I get an International Driving Permit before my trip?

Get it at least two weeks before you travel if you are ordering by mail, or a few days before if you are getting it in person at an AAA office. This gives you time to receive it and check that all the information is correct before you leave.