What an International Driving Permit Does in Portugal

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. Portugal accepts it as a secondary form of identification alongside your original license — you must carry both together. The IDP itself does not grant you driving rights; it only makes your existing license readable to Portuguese police, rental companies, and insurance providers who may not recognize a U.S. license at first glance.

Portugal is part of the European Union and recognizes U.S. driver's licenses directly. You are legally permitted to drive there on your U.S. license alone for tourism or short stays. However, rental car companies often require an IDP as a condition of the rental agreement, even though it is not legally mandatory. If you plan to rent a vehicle, check with your rental company before you travel — some will refuse to rent without one, while others will not.

The IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires regardless of whether your U.S. license expires first. If your U.S. license expires before the IDP does, you must renew your license; the IDP becomes invalid once your license is no longer current.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain your IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) before you travel — neither organization issues them in Portugal.
  • Your original U.S. driver's license must be valid and in your possession; the IDP is only a translation document and does not replace it.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, plus a small fee for passport photos if you do not have them.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or can be completed the same day in person at an AAA office if one is near you.
  • Rental car companies are the main reason most travelers obtain an IDP for Portugal, though it is not legally required for driving.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the primary issuer of IDPs in the United States. You do not need to be an AAA member to obtain one, though members sometimes receive a small discount. AAA has local offices in most states; you can find the nearest one on their website and call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock.

If AAA is not accessible to you, the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the secondary issuer. AATA operates by mail only and does not have physical offices. You can order an IDP process from their website, complete it, and mail it back with the required documents and payment. AATA processing typically takes one to two weeks.

Do not attempt to obtain an IDP in Portugal or after you arrive. Neither AAA nor AATA operates in Portugal, and no Portuguese government office issues IDPs to foreign visitors. You must have the document before you leave the United States.

Documents and Fees Required

To obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you will need the following:

  • Your valid U.S. driver's license (original, not a copy).
  • Two passport-sized photographs (2 by 2 inches), taken within the last six months. Both AAA offices and many pharmacies can take these on the spot if you do not have them.
  • A completed IDP process form (provided by AAA or AATA).
  • Payment: AAA charges $15 to $20 depending on the office; AATA charges $20 plus shipping.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, bring all documents and payment together. The office will verify your license, attach your photographs, and issue the IDP on the same day in most cases. If you explore by mail through AATA, include copies of your license (front and back), both photographs, the signed process, and a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

The IDP process does not require notarization, a medical examination, or any proof of Portuguese travel plans. You do not need to show a plane ticket or hotel reservation.

Processing Time and When to explore

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day or within a few business days. Call your local AAA office first to confirm they have applications available and to ask about their current processing time, which can vary by location and season.

If you explore by mail through AATA, allow two to three weeks for processing and return shipping. AATA recommends explore at least four weeks before your travel date to account for mail delays. If your travel date is sooner, call AATA to ask whether expedited processing is available; some requests can be prioritized for an additional fee.

explore for your IDP at least two weeks before your departure, even if you plan to visit an AAA office in person. This gives you time to resolve any problems with your process — for example, if your photograph does not meet the size requirement or if your license is damaged and cannot be verified.

What to Do With Your IDP in Portugal

Carry your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license together at all times when you are driving in Portugal. Police may stop you for a traffic check, and you must be able to produce both documents. The IDP alone is not sufficient; you must have your U.S. license as well.

When you rent a car, present both your U.S. license and your IDP to the rental company. The company will make a copy of both for their records. Some rental companies will ask for your IDP specifically; others will accept your U.S. license alone. This varies by company and by location within Portugal, so confirm the requirement when you make your reservation.

If you are stopped by police and do not have your IDP, you are not breaking the law — your U.S. license is valid on its own. However, the police officer may have difficulty reading it, which could delay the interaction. Having the IDP prevents this confusion.

Renewing Your IDP Before a Second Trip

An IDP is valid for three years. If you travel to Portugal again within that window, you do not need a new one — your existing IDP is still current. However, if your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid and you must renew your license before you travel.

If your IDP expires before your next trip, or if you lose it, you must obtain a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process described above. There is no way to extend an expired IDP; you must explore for a replacement.

Keep your IDP in a safe place while you travel — for example, in your hotel safe or with your passport. If it is lost or stolen, contact your rental company when ready and ask whether they will accept your U.S. license alone for the remainder of your rental. Most will, though some may charge a fee or require you to sign an additional waiver.

Alternatives if You Cannot Obtain an IDP

If you are unable to obtain an IDP before your trip — for example, because your travel date is very soon or because you do not have access to an AAA office — you can still drive in Portugal on your U.S. license alone. The IDP is not legally required; it is a convenience for you and the rental company.

If you plan to rent a car and do not have an IDP, contact the rental company in advance and explain your situation. Ask whether they will rent to you with your U.S. license only. Some companies will; others will refuse. Getting this answer before you arrive in Portugal is far better than discovering it at the rental counter.

If a rental company refuses to rent without an IDP and you cannot obtain one before you travel, you have two options: use a taxi or ride-sharing service instead, or rent a car with a driver (a chauffeur service). Both are available in Portugal, though they are more expensive than a standard car rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Portugal, or only to rent a car?

You do not need an IDP to drive in Portugal legally. Your U.S. license is valid on its own. However, most car rental companies require an IDP as a condition of the rental agreement. If you are not renting a car, you do not need one.

Can I get an IDP in Portugal if I forgot to get one before I left?

No. Neither AAA nor AATA operates in Portugal. You cannot obtain an IDP once you arrive. If you forgot to get one and need to rent a car, contact the rental company and ask whether they will accept your U.S. license alone. Some will.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires before my IDP does?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires. You must renew your license before you travel to Portugal. Once your license is renewed, your existing IDP is still valid and you do not need a new one.

Is an IDP the same as an International Driver's License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An "International Driver's License" is not a real document — it is a scam sold online by fraudulent websites. Do not purchase one. Obtain your IDP only from AAA or AATA.

How much does an IDP cost, and is there a cheaper option?

An IDP costs $15 to $20 from AAA or $20 from AATA, plus the cost of passport photos if you need them. There is no cheaper option. Do not purchase an IDP from any other source — only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them.