What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It does not replace your license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive, or ride a motorcycle in most countries outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others do not, but rental companies often will not hand over keys without one. A few countries accept only an IDP, not a U.S. license alone. The rules vary by country, so check the specific country's requirements before you book a trip.

An IDP is not a license. It carries no driving privileges on its own. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted, an IDP will not override that — you cannot drive on an IDP by itself.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by AAA and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when driving abroad.
  • You must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid U.S. driver's license, and have a passport or passport card to obtain an IDP from AAA.
  • AAA issues the IDP in person at most AAA offices and charges a flat fee that does not vary by state; the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
  • The IDP is issued on the spot at AAA offices — you do not mail anything in or wait for approval from a government agency.
  • Different countries have different rules about whether an IDP is required, so verify the requirements for each country you plan to visit before your trip.

Requirements to Get an IDP from AAA

To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must meet four basic requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you must hold a valid U.S. driver's license — it cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. Third, you must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card with you when you explore. Fourth, you must explore in person at an AAA office; AAA does not issue IDPs by mail or online.

Your driver's license does not need to be from your home state. If you hold a valid license from any U.S. state or territory, AAA will issue you an IDP. The license must be current on the day you explore — if it expires tomorrow, you can still get an IDP today, but if it expired yesterday, you cannot.

Bring your passport or passport card to the AAA office. AAA uses it to verify your identity and to confirm your citizenship. A driver's license alone is not enough for identification purposes during the IDP process.

how the process works at an AAA Office

Walk into any AAA office with your valid driver's license and passport or passport card. You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment, though some offices may ask you to do so during busy times. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit.

The staff member will ask you to fill out a short form. This form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and passport information. You will also choose whether you want a one-year or three-year IDP. The one-year permit costs less; the three-year permit costs more but lasts longer and is useful if you travel internationally more than once in that period.

Once you complete the form and pay the fee, AAA prints the IDP on the spot. You walk out with it the same day. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You do not wait for mail, approval from a government agency, or a second visit.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

AAA charges a flat fee for an International Driving Permit. The fee is the same no matter which state you live in or which AAA office you visit. As of the most recent information available, the cost is a single payment that covers either a one-year or three-year permit — you choose which length when you explore.

A one-year IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. A three-year IDP is valid for three years. After the permit expires, it is no longer valid for driving abroad, even if your U.S. driver's license is still current. You must obtain a new IDP if you want to drive internationally again after expiration.

The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or license type. AAA does not refund the fee if you lose the permit, change your mind, or do not use it. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot get a replacement abroad — you would need to return to the United States and visit an AAA office again.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Bring three things to the AAA office: your valid U.S. driver's license, your valid U.S. passport or passport card, and payment for the fee. You do not need to bring proof of address, vehicle registration, or insurance. You do not need a medical certificate or vision test. AAA does not conduct any test or interview beyond checking that your documents are valid.

Wear clothing that allows for a photograph if the AAA office takes one for their records, though this is not always required. Bring a pen in case the form requires handwriting. If you are not a AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP — membership is not required, though some AAA offices may offer a discount to members.

The IDP is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport. It contains your name, license number, date of birth, and a photo or description. It is printed in English and nine other languages. Keep it with your driver's license at all times when driving abroad — police or rental companies may ask to see both documents together.

Finding an AAA Office Near You

AAA has offices in most U.S. states and territories. To find the nearest office, visit the AAA website and use their office locator tool, or call AAA customer service and ask for the office closest to your home or travel location. Not every AAA office is open on weekends, and hours vary by location, so check before you go.

If you live in a state without AAA offices or cannot reach one before your trip, contact AAA directly to ask about alternatives. Some AAA offices can process applications by mail in limited circumstances, though this is rare and takes longer than an in-person visit.

How an IDP Differs from Other Travel Documents

An IDP is not a visa, travel permit, or international license. It is purely a translation document. A visa is a stamp or sticker in your passport that allows you to enter a country; an IDP does not grant entry to any country. A travel permit is a document some countries require to drive within their borders; an IDP is not a travel permit, though some countries may require both.

Your U.S. driver's license remains your actual driving credential. The IDP straightforward makes it readable to authorities and rental companies abroad. If your U.S. license is suspended or revoked, the IDP becomes invalid for driving purposes, even though the physical document itself does not expire.

Some countries issue their own international driving permits through their motor vehicle departments. The AAA IDP is recognized in most countries that recognize any international permit, but always check the specific country's requirements before traveling. A few countries do not recognize the AAA IDP and require only a national license or a different type of international document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is about to expire?

Yes, as long as your license is valid on the day you explore. If your license expires in one week, you can still get an IDP that day. However, the IDP is only as valid as your underlying U.S. license — once your license expires, the IDP is no longer valid for driving, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Some rental companies in some countries will rent to you with only a U.S. license. Others require an IDP by policy. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require an IDP and you do not have one, you may not be able to rent the car.

What happens if I lose my IDP while I am traveling?

You cannot get a replacement abroad. If you lose it, you have only your U.S. driver's license to show police or rental companies. Some countries will accept the U.S. license alone; others will not. Contact your rental company or the U.S. embassy in that country for guidance on what to do next.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An international driver's license is a term sometimes used loosely, but it does not exist as an official document. The AAA International Driving Permit is the closest thing — it is the document most countries recognize. Some countries issue their own versions, but the AAA IDP is the standard in the United States.

Can I get an IDP if I hold a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must hold a full, valid driver's license. A learner's permit or provisional license does not meet the requirement. If you are under 18, you cannot get an IDP at all, regardless of what type of license you hold.