What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs 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. Most countries do not require it, but some do, and many rental car companies will not rent to you without one. If you plan to drive outside the United States, an IDP removes the risk of being turned away at a border or a rental counter.

The United States issues IDPs through two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department. You cannot get an IDP from a DMV or a government office — you must go through one of these two private organizations, and the process takes less than an hour.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It is not tied to your state license renewal, so you may need to renew it separately if you plan to drive internationally again after it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state DMV, and you must carry it with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times when driving abroad.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license in your possession to get an IDP — a learner's permit or an expired license will not work.
  • AAA charges around $20 for an IDP and can issue one the same day you explore in person at a local branch; AATA charges a similar fee and processes applications by mail.
  • An IDP is valid for one year only and is separate from your driver's license renewal, so you will need to renew it if you plan to drive internationally again.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so you should check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.

How to Get an IDP Through AAA

If you are a AAA member, the fastest route is to visit a local AAA office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form. AAA can issue your IDP on the spot, usually within minutes. You will need to bring a passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches) and pay the fee, which is typically around $20. If you are not a AAA member, you can still get an IDP through AAA, but the fee may be higher.

You can also explore by mail if you prefer not to visit an office. read the process from the AAA website, include a copy of your driver's license, a passport photo, and a check or money order for the fee, then mail everything to your nearest AAA office. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person service — usually one to two weeks — so plan ahead if you have a travel date in mind.

AAA offices are located in most U.S. states. You can find the nearest one on the AAA website by entering your zip code.

How to Get an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance processes applications by mail only — there is no in-person option. You will need to complete an process form, include a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, provide a passport-sized photo, and mail everything along with a check or money order to the AATA address listed on the form.

AATA typically processes applications within two to three weeks of receipt. The fee is similar to AAA's, around $20. Because AATA does not have physical offices, this route takes longer than visiting an AAA branch in person, but it is the only option if you do not have a AAA office nearby or prefer to handle everything by mail.

You can request the AATA process form from their website or by phone. They will mail you the form, or you can print it directly if it is available online.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather the following:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (not a learner's permit, not an expired license).
  • A passport-sized photograph, 2 by 2 inches, in color or black and white.
  • The completed IDP process form (provided by AAA or AATA).
  • Payment for the fee — typically $15 to $25, depending on the organization and whether you are a AAA member.

Some organizations may ask for additional information, such as your date of birth or license number, but this is standard and will be on the process form. You do not need a passport to get an IDP, only a valid driver's license.

What Countries Require or Recognize an IDP

Most countries do not legally require an IDP, but many will not rent a car to you without one. The rules vary widely by country and sometimes by rental company, so you should check the specific requirements for each place you plan to visit before you travel.

Some countries that commonly require or strongly prefer an IDP include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and several others. However, this list changes, and local rules can differ from national rules. Your rental car company will tell you whether they require an IDP when you book, but it is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent a car.

A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require an official translation of your U.S. license instead. Check with your destination country's embassy or consulate, or ask your rental company, before you travel.

How Long an IDP Lasts and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not expire when your U.S. driver's license expires — the two are separate documents with separate expiration dates. If you plan to drive internationally again after your IDP expires, you will need to get a new one.

You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one. The process is the same as getting your first IDP: contact AAA or AATA, provide your current valid driver's license, a new photo, and the fee. Plan ahead if you know you will need one, because processing times vary.

If your U.S. driver's license expires while your IDP is still valid, your IDP becomes invalid as well. You must have a valid license to use an IDP, so renew your state license before it expires if you plan to drive internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit with a learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid, full U.S. driver's license to get an IDP. A learner's permit is not sufficient. If you have only a learner's permit, you will need to pass your state's road test and receive your full license first.

Do I need a passport to get an International Driving Permit?

No. You need a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and the process fee. A passport is not required to get an IDP, though you will need one to travel internationally in most cases.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. If you are still abroad when it expires, you should not drive. Plan your renewal before you travel, or carry a new IDP with you if your trip will extend past the expiration date.

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, but they can direct you to the nearest AAA office or provide you with AATA contact information.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works alongside your U.S. license. It is not a separate license and does not give you any driving rights you do not already have. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP when driving abroad.