What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. Many countries recognize it as proof that you hold a valid U.S. license, which can speed up car rental, police stops, and insurance claims when you drive abroad.
Whether you need one depends on where you are going and how you plan to drive. Some countries require it by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to get one before you leave the United States if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain.
An IDP is not the same as an international license. You cannot get a license from another country while you are in the United States. An IDP is purely a translation document issued by American automobile associations.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license.
- The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs.
- You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP, and the permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you choose.
- Some countries require an IDP by law, while others accept it but do not require it — check your destination's requirements before you travel.
- An IDP does not grant you permission to drive in another country if your U.S. license would not; it only translates your existing license.
Who Can Get an International Driving Permit
To obtain an IDP, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. Your license can be from any state. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen — permanent residents and visa holders with a valid state license can get one.
Your U.S. license must be in your possession when you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. The IDP is only as valid as the license it translates, so if your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP expires with it.
How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AAA or AATA
Only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is by far the more common route — it has offices in all 50 states and accepts applications in person or by mail. AATA operates primarily online and by mail.
Through AAA: Visit a local AAA office with your valid driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID. Bring two passport-sized photos (2 by 2 inches). Fill out the IDP process form on site. Pay the fee — typically $15 to $20 depending on how long you want the permit to last. You will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days if you explore by mail. AAA also accepts applications online on its website, though you will still need to mail in your photos and payment.
Through AATA: Visit the AATA website and read the process form. Mail the completed form, your driver's license (a copy is acceptable), two passport-sized photos, and payment to the AATA address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. AATA does not have physical offices, so this is a mail-only process.
If you do not have a AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the IDP fee.
How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts
When you explore, you choose between a one-year permit and a three-year permit. The one-year permit costs less (usually around $15) and is useful if you are taking a single trip. The three-year permit costs more (usually around $20) and makes sense if you travel internationally multiple times or plan to drive abroad more than once in the next few years.
Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your U.S. license expires before then. If your U.S. license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license to drive anywhere, and the IDP that translates it is no longer useful. If you renew your U.S. license, you will need to get a new IDP as well.
What to Bring and What It Costs
| Item | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Yes | Must be unexpired and in your possession (or a copy if explore by mail) |
| Passport or government photo ID | Yes (in person) | For AAA in-person applications only |
| Two passport-sized photos | Yes | 2 by 2 inches; required for both AAA and AATA |
| Completed IDP process | Yes | Available from AAA or AATA; straightforward one-page form |
| Payment | Yes | $15–$20 depending on duration (one year or three years) |
The total cost is between $15 and $20. This is a one-time fee; you do not pay again unless you need to renew the permit after it expires or if you lose it and need a replacement.
What an International Driving Permit Does and Does Not Do
An IDP translates your U.S. license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It shows the holder's name, date of birth, license number, and the categories of vehicles you are licensed to drive. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have.
If your U.S. license would not allow you to drive in a country, an IDP will not change that. For example, if you are under the age required by a rental company or if you have a suspended license, an IDP does not override those restrictions. It is purely a translation tool meant to help police officers, rental agents, and insurance companies understand your U.S. license when you are abroad.
Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it. A few countries do not recognize it at all. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your specific destination through the U.S. State Department website or your rental car company.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged International Driving Permit
If you lose your IDP or it is damaged, you can get a replacement by explore again through AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. You will pay the same fee and provide the same documents. Processing time is the same — when ready or within a few days for AAA, about two weeks for AATA.
Keep your IDP in a safe place while you travel, ideally separate from your passport and wallet. If it is lost abroad, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in most countries, but you will lose the translation benefit. Contact AAA or AATA after you return home to request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Europe?
It depends on the country and rental company. Some European countries require it by law; others do not. Most rental companies accept it but do not require it if you have a valid U.S. license. Check with your rental company and destination country before you book. Having one eliminates confusion and can speed up the rental process.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended?
No. Your U.S. license must be valid and unexpired. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Once your license is reinstated or renewed, you can explore for an IDP.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?
If you explore in person at a AAA office, you usually receive it the same day or within a few days. If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, allow two to three weeks for processing and delivery. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
What happens if my U.S. license expires while I am using my International Driving Permit abroad?
Your IDP becomes invalid when ready when your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not expired yet. You cannot drive on an expired license in any country. If you are traveling for an extended period, renew your U.S. license before you leave or make arrangements to renew it while abroad through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?
No. An IDP is a translation document issued in the United States. An international license is issued by another country and allows you to drive there. You cannot get an international license from the U.S. — you would need to explore through the country where you plan to live or work long-term.