What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Issues It

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it is a companion document that sits alongside your valid US license. When you drive abroad, you carry both documents together. Many countries recognize the IDP as proof that your home country has already verified your identity and driving record.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the US State Department to issue IDPs. You cannot get one from your state's DMV, the federal government, or any other source. Both AAA and AATA issue the same document — the choice between them depends only on which is more convenient to visit.

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years, depending on which you choose. The one-year version is cheaper and sufficient if you are taking a single trip. The three-year version makes sense if you travel internationally more than once in that window.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid US driver's license when driving abroad.
  • You need a current, valid US driver's license to get an IDP — the permit cannot replace a suspended, expired, or revoked license.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP at all, so check your destination's specific rules before paying for one.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail if you are not near a location, though mail processing takes longer.
  • An IDP does not change your insurance coverage or legal status abroad — your US auto insurance may not cover you internationally, so contact your insurer before you travel.

When You Actually Need an International Driving Permit

Whether you need an IDP depends entirely on which country you are visiting and that country's specific rules. Some countries require it by law. Others accept it but do not require it. Still others do not recognize it at all. The safest approach is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit and ask directly whether an IDP is required for US citizens.

Countries that commonly require or strongly recommend an IDP include Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, and Japan. If you are renting a car, the rental company may also require an IDP even if the country does not — check your rental agreement before you book. Some rental companies will not rent to you without one, while others will accept your US license alone.

If you are only visiting a country for a few days and not driving, you do not need an IDP. If you are driving in Canada or the Caribbean, many destinations accept a US license without an IDP, though it is worth confirming with your rental company. The IDP is most useful when you are crossing multiple borders or staying in a country for an extended period.

What You Need to Bring to Get an IDP

To obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, bring your valid US driver's license, a completed process form (which the office will provide), and payment. You will also need to bring a passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches — though some offices can take the photo on site for an additional fee. Bring your original license; a photocopy is not sufficient.

If you explore by mail, the process is similar but slower. You will mail your completed process, a photocopy of your driver's license (not the original), a passport-style photograph, and payment to the AAA or AATA address. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon. You can check AAA's or AATA's website for the current mailing address and process form.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privileges are restored. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's DMV before explore for the IDP.

How Long an IDP Takes and How Long It Lasts

If you explore in person at an AAA or AATA office, you can walk out with your IDP the same day in most cases. Processing is when ready or takes only a few minutes. This is the fastest route if you have an office near you and can visit during business hours.

If you explore by mail, expect two to three weeks for processing and return mail. Add a few more days if you are mailing from a remote area or if mail is slow in your region. If you are leaving for your trip soon, in-person process is much safer.

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which you purchase. The expiration date is printed on the document. An expired IDP is not recognized abroad, so check the date before you travel. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it cannot be renewed overseas — you would need to return to the US or contact an embassy for guidance.

Cost and Payment Methods

AAA charges $15 for a one-year IDP and $20 for a three-year IDP. AATA charges the same. Both organizations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards at in-person locations. If you explore by mail, you can pay by check or money order — include payment with your process.

Some AAA offices may charge a small additional fee if you request a passport-style photograph to be taken on site, typically $5 to $10. This is optional — you can bring your own photograph instead.

The IDP itself is inexpensive, but remember that it does not cover any other costs of international travel, such as car rental, fuel, or tolls. It also does not change your auto insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company before you travel to confirm whether your US auto insurance covers you in the country you are visiting, and whether you need to purchase additional coverage abroad.

How an IDP Differs From a License and What It Does Not Do

An IDP is not a driver's license. It is a translation document. It does not give you the right to drive in another country if you are not legally allowed to drive in the US. It does not restore driving privileges if your US license is suspended or revoked. It does not change your age or legal status. It straightforward translates your existing US license into multiple languages so that police officers and rental companies in other countries can understand that you are a licensed driver in the United States.

An IDP does not affect your auto insurance. Your US auto insurance policy may or may not cover you when you drive abroad — this depends entirely on your policy and your insurer. Some policies cover you in Canada and Mexico but not in Europe. Some policies do not cover you internationally at all. You must contact your insurance company directly and ask whether you are covered in the specific country you plan to visit. If you are not covered, you will need to purchase temporary coverage from a local insurer or through an international travel insurance provider.

An IDP does not replace your US driver's license. You must carry both documents together when driving abroad. If you lose your IDP, you can still drive on your US license alone in most countries, though you may have a harder time renting a car. If you lose your US license, the IDP is useless — you have no legal right to drive.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit

Visit the AAA website or call your local AAA office to find the nearest location and confirm their hours. AAA has offices in most US cities and many smaller towns. If you are not an AAA member, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required.

If there is no AAA office near you, visit the AATA website to find an authorized AATA location. AATA has fewer offices than AAA, but covers most states. Both organizations also accept mail applications if you cannot visit in person.

Do not attempt to get an IDP from your state's DMV, a travel agency, or an online service. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue them. Some websites claim to sell IDPs online, but these are either scams or they are straightforward taking your money and mailing your process to AAA or AATA on your behalf — you can do that yourself for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP — your US driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but many car rental companies in Mexico require one, and having one can make interactions with police easier. Check your rental agreement before you book. If you are driving your own car to Mexico, an IDP is recommended but not required by Mexican law.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my US license is suspended?

No. Your US license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until your driving privileges are restored by your state's DMV. An IDP cannot be used to drive if your underlying US license is not valid.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is not recognized by law enforcement or car rental companies. You cannot renew it while you are abroad. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can only drive on your US license alone, and many rental companies will not accept it. Check your IDP's expiration date before you leave and purchase a three-year permit if you plan to travel multiple times.

Does an International Driving Permit cover me if I get in an accident abroad?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your license. It does not provide insurance or legal protection. Your US auto insurance may or may not cover accidents abroad — you must contact your insurer before you travel. If you are not covered, you need to purchase temporary coverage from a local insurer or an international travel insurance provider.

Can I get an International Driving Permit by mail if I am traveling soon?

Mail processing takes two to three weeks, so if you are leaving within a week or two, visit an AAA or AATA office in person instead. In-person applications are processed the same day. If no office is nearby and you have time, mail is your only option — plan ahead and send your process as soon as you know you are traveling.