An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into multiple languages so you can rent a car or drive legally in other countries

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation booklet. It works alongside your valid home-country driver's license, never instead of it. The IDP contains your name, photo, and driving record information printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. It tells police and car rental companies in other countries that your home license is real and current.

You get an IDP from your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not from the country you plan to visit. The United States issues them through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). The process takes a few days to a few weeks depending on which organization you use and whether you explore in person or by mail.

Whether you need one depends on where you are driving and what you are doing there. Some countries require it by law. Others do not require it but car rental companies demand it anyway. A few places accept your home license alone. The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your driver's license issued by your home country's automobile association, and you must carry it together with your actual license.
  • The United States issues IDPs through AAA and AATA; you need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-style photo to get one.
  • Many European countries do not legally require an IDP, but most car rental companies will refuse to rent to you without one.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you purchase, and it does not extend your home license or change your driving record status.
  • If you are moving to another country permanently or working there long-term, an IDP is temporary — you will need to obtain a local driver's license within weeks or months.

When car rental companies and countries actually require an IDP

Car rental companies in Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America almost universally require an IDP before they will hand over keys, even in countries where the law does not technically mandate one. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and local rental agencies typically list it as a requirement on their booking pages. If you show up with only your U.S. license, they will turn you away or charge a fee to issue a temporary local license on the spot — which costs more than an IDP and takes time you may not have.

By law, some countries do require an IDP. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Austria, and several others in Europe. Mexico, Brazil, and several Asian countries also list it as a legal requirement for foreign drivers. However, enforcement varies. A police officer in a small town may not know the rule, or may accept your U.S. license with your passport. Driving without the required document can result in a fine, a ticket, or confiscation of your vehicle — the risk is not worth the cost of an IDP.

A few countries and regions do not require an IDP and many rental companies will rent to you with only your U.S. license. Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand generally accept a U.S. license alone. Japan and South Korea have mixed policies — some rental companies require an IDP, others do not. Check with your specific rental company and research the country's current rules before you book.

How to get an International Driving Permit from AAA or AATA

To get an IDP in the United States, you must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid U.S. driver's license, and have a passport or passport card. You will also need a passport-style photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the fastest and most widely available option. You can explore in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through their website. In-person applications are usually processed the same day. Mail applications take one to two weeks. Online applications require you to upload your photo and documents; AAA will mail the permit to you within five to seven business days. AAA charges a fee for the permit — the amount varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $20 for a one-year permit.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second issuer. You must explore by mail or in person at their office in New York City. Mail applications take two to three weeks. AATA charges a similar fee. If you do not live near an AAA office or prefer a different organization, AATA is your alternative, but the timeline is longer.

You do not need to be a AAA member to get an IDP from AAA, though members sometimes receive a small discount. Bring or mail your valid driver's license, passport or passport card, the passport photo, and a completed process form. AAA provides the form on their website or at the office.

How long an International Driving Permit lasts and what happens when it expires

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which type you purchase. A one-year permit costs less upfront. A three-year permit costs more but is cheaper per year if you travel internationally more than once. Check the expiration date on your permit before you travel — an expired IDP is as useless as no IDP at all.

An IDP does not extend your home driver's license or change its expiration date. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid because it is a translation of an expired license. You must renew your U.S. license first, then get a new IDP. Similarly, if your IDP expires but your U.S. license is still valid, you need a new IDP to drive internationally again.

If you are traveling to multiple countries over several years, a three-year IDP may save you money and hassle. If you are taking a single trip, a one-year permit is usually enough. You can purchase a new one whenever you need it — there is no limit on how many times you can get an IDP.

What an International Driving Permit does not do

An IDP does not give you permission to drive in a country where you are not allowed to drive. If you are under the legal driving age in that country, or if your license is suspended or revoked, an IDP does not override those rules. It is a translation tool, not a legal exemption.

An IDP does not change your driving record or insurance status. If you have points on your license, a DUI, or a suspension in the United States, that record travels with you. Some countries will deny you entry or refuse to rent you a car if they discover a serious violation. Be honest with rental companies and border officials about your driving history.

An IDP does not replace a local driver's license if you are moving to another country. If you relocate for work or residency, most countries require you to obtain a local license within a set period — usually 30 to 90 days. An IDP is for temporary visitors, not permanent residents. Check the rules of your destination country before you move.

International Driving Permit versus a local license in your destination country

If you are visiting for a vacation or short business trip, an IDP is the right choice. It is fast to get, inexpensive, and legal in most countries. You keep your U.S. license and do not have to navigate a foreign licensing system.

If you are relocating, studying abroad, or working in another country for more than a few months, you will need a local driver's license. The process varies by country. Some countries allow you to exchange your U.S. license for a local one without a test. Others require you to pass a written test, a driving test, or both. Some require you to hold an IDP for a certain period before you can convert it. Research your destination country's requirements early — the process can take weeks or months, and you may not be able to drive legally during that time.

A few countries recognize an IDP as proof that you are a licensed driver and will issue you a local license with minimal testing. Many others do not. Do not assume your IDP will speed up the local licensing process — it usually does not.

What to bring when you travel with an International Driving Permit

Always carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together. An IDP alone is not valid — it must accompany your home license. Police, rental companies, and border officials will ask to see both documents. If you lose one, the other is useless for driving.

Bring your passport as well. Many countries require you to show your passport when you rent a car or if you are stopped by police. Your IDP has your passport number on it, so the documents should match.

Keep copies of all three documents (license, IDP, and passport) in a separate location — a hotel safe, a trusted friend's email, or cloud storage. If your originals are lost or stolen, copies help you prove who you are and speed up replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. license is valid. Mexico does not legally require one either, but many car rental companies demand it. If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, get an IDP before you go. If you are driving your own car, check with your insurance company about coverage in Mexico; some policies do not cover you outside the U.S.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your IDP is a translation of your current, valid U.S. driver's license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. You must resolve the suspension or renew your license first. An expired license cannot be translated.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

Through AAA, a one-year IDP costs between $15 and $20, and a three-year IDP costs between $20 and $30, depending on your state. AATA charges similar fees. These are the only official U.S. issuers. Websites that claim to issue IDPs for much higher prices are often scams — buy directly from AAA or AATA only.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement by mail, but it will take time. In the meantime, you have only your U.S. license, which may not be accepted by rental companies or recognized by police in countries that require an IDP. Carry copies and keep your original in a safe place. If you are stranded, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for help.

Does an International Driving Permit work in all countries?

An IDP is recognized by most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This includes most of Europe, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. A few countries do not recognize it, so research your specific destination. Even in countries that recognize it, some rental companies or police may not be familiar with it — carry your U.S. license and passport as backup proof of identity and driving status.