What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your California driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your California license — you must carry both documents together when driving outside the United States. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued under the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. If you are traveling as a passenger, or if you are driving only in Canada or Mexico, you do not need one. Some car rental companies outside the US require an IDP even if local law does not, so check with your rental agency before you travel.

California does not issue IDPs directly. Instead, you obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both organizations are authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs. The process is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes in person.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is issued only by AAA or AATA in California, not by the DMV, and you must have a valid California driver's license to obtain one.
  • You need to bring your valid driver's license, a completed process form, one passport-sized photo, and payment in cash or check — most AAA offices do not accept credit cards for IDP fees.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location; there is no online or mail-in option for obtaining an IDP.
  • An IDP does not extend your driving privileges or change your license status — it is only a translation document and must be carried with your California license at all times when driving abroad.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in California

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most widely available source for IDPs in California. AAA has over 60 local offices throughout the state, and most are open during standard business hours. You can find the nearest AAA office by visiting the AAA website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-922-8228.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller organization but also authorized to issue IDPs. AATA has fewer locations than AAA, primarily in larger cities. If you do not have an AAA membership or prefer not to use AAA, you can search for AATA locations on their website.

Both organizations issue the same IDP document. The choice between them depends on which has a location near you and whether you are an AAA member. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, but members sometimes receive a small discount on the fee.

Documents and Information You Must Bring

Bring your valid California driver's license — this is the only document the issuing organization will accept as proof of your driving status. An expired license, a learner's permit, or a provisional license will not work. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP.

You will need to complete an process form at the office. Both AAA and AATA use the official State Department form, which takes about five minutes to fill out. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You do not need to bring a blank form — the office will provide one.

Bring one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent and show your face clearly. You can obtain a passport photo at most CVS, Walgreens, or UPS locations for $10 to $15, or at some AAA offices for a small additional fee. The photo does not need to meet the same strict requirements as a US passport photo, but it should be recognizable.

Bring payment in cash or check. Most AAA offices do not accept credit cards or debit cards for IDP fees. The fee is typically $15 to $20, depending on which organization issues the permit and whether you are an AAA member. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee and payment methods accepted at your local office.

The process Process and Timeline

Walk into an AAA or AATA office during business hours with your license, photo, and payment. You do not need an appointment. Tell the staff member you want to explore for an International Driving Permit.

The staff member will hand you the process form and ask you to fill it out. The form is one page and takes about five minutes. You will list your name, address, license number, and the countries you intend to visit. The countries you list do not restrict where you can drive — they are informational only.

Once you complete the form, hand it back along with your license, photo, and payment. The staff member will verify that your license is valid, check that your photo is acceptable, and process the payment. The entire transaction takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You will receive your IDP when ready, printed on the spot. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Write down the issue date so you know when it expires. You do not need to renew it before you travel — if it is still within the one-year window, it is valid.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Expired

You cannot obtain an IDP if your California driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired. The IDP is a translation of your current license, so if your license is not valid, neither is the IDP. If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated before you can explore for an IDP.

If your license is expired but you are still within the grace period to renew it, contact the DMV to confirm your status before going to AAA or AATA. Some offices will accept a license that is expired by a few days if you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process to the DMV, but this varies by location.

If you need to renew your California license before traveling, visit a DMV office or renew online through the DMV website if you are may be able to access. Standard renewals take about two weeks by mail, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.

Using Your International Driving Permit Abroad

Carry your IDP and your California driver's license together at all times when driving in another country. Police or rental car companies may ask to see both documents. The IDP alone is not sufficient — you must have the original California license with you.

The IDP is valid only while your California license is valid. If your California license expires while you are traveling, your IDP is no longer valid, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date. Renew your California license before it expires if you plan to drive abroad.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond the IDP. A few nations require an International Certificate of Competency or a certified translation of your license in the local language. Before you travel, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm what documents they require.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot obtain a replacement abroad. Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate for guidance. When you return to California, you can obtain a new IDP by returning to AAA or AATA with your California license and a new photo.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize your California driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may request an IDP anyway, so check with your rental agency before you book. If you are driving your own vehicle, your California license is sufficient.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew automatically. If you plan to travel again after one year, you must obtain a new IDP. Your IDP becomes invalid if your California driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its one-year expiration date.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail or online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office in California. There is no mail-in or online option. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you receive the permit when ready after you explore.

What if I have a learner's permit or provisional license instead of a regular driver's license?

You cannot obtain an IDP with a learner's permit or provisional license. You must have a valid, unrestricted California driver's license. If you hold a provisional license, you will need to complete the probationary period and receive a standard license before you can explore for an IDP.

Do I need to be an AAA member to get an International Driving Permit?

No. AAA membership is not required. Both AAA and AATA issue IDPs to anyone with a valid California driver's license. AAA members may receive a small discount on the fee, but non-members can obtain an IDP at the standard rate.