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, including Spanish. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license. Mexico does not legally require an IDP, but Mexican police and rental car companies often ask for one, and having it can prevent confusion at checkpoints or when you rent a vehicle.
If you plan to drive in Mexico, an IDP removes a common friction point. Mexican authorities recognize it as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate. Without one, you may face delays, be asked to pay a fine, or have trouble renting a car, even though your U.S. license is technically valid on its own.
The IDP is issued in the United States before you travel — you cannot get one in Mexico or at the border. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, and a passport-sized photo.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) and costs between $15 and $20.
- You must have a valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or passport card to obtain an IDP; a state ID alone is not sufficient.
- You can explore in person at an AAA office, by mail through AATA, or online through AAA, and the process takes a few days to two weeks depending on the method.
- An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried with your U.S. license at all times while driving in Mexico.
- Mexican rental car companies often require an IDP, so obtaining one before your trip can prevent delays when you pick up a vehicle.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the fastest way to get an IDP if you are a member. You can visit any AAA office in person with your valid driver's license, passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The staff will complete the process on the spot, and you will receive your IDP when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's processing speed.
If you are not an AAA member, you can still explore at an AAA office, but you may pay a slightly higher fee. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP through them. The cost is typically $15 to $20, though prices vary by location. Call your local AAA office ahead of time to confirm the current fee and whether they have passport photos available on-site, which can save you a trip.
AAA also offers online ordering through their website. You upload a digital photo, provide your license and passport information, and pay the fee. Processing takes five to ten business days, and they mail the IDP to your address. This option works well if no AAA office is near you or if you prefer to avoid an in-person visit.
Getting an IDP Through AATA by Mail
The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a non-profit organization that issues IDPs by mail. This route is useful if you do not have an AAA membership or office nearby. You complete a paper process, include a passport-sized photo, a photocopy of your driver's license, and a photocopy of your passport or passport card, then mail everything to the AATA address along with a check or money order.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process. You will not know exactly when it arrives unless you use certified mail, so plan ahead if your trip is coming up soon. The fee is similar to AAA — usually $15 to $20 — and AATA accepts payment by check, money order, or credit card if you call them directly to place an order.
AATA also accepts applications online through their website, where you can upload your photo and documents and pay by credit card. Online applications are processed in the same timeframe as mail applications, so this option is mainly useful if you prefer not to print and mail physical documents.
What Documents You Need
Before you explore, gather these items: a valid U.S. driver's license, a U.S. passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos if you explore online; others require a printed photo if you explore in person. A state ID card is not sufficient — you must have a passport or passport card to prove your citizenship.
If you are explore by mail through AATA, you will also need to photocopy your driver's license and passport or passport card and include those copies with your process. Keep the originals — you do not mail them in. For the photo, a standard passport photo from any drugstore photo counter works fine and usually costs $10 to $15 for a set of four.
If you have a passport card instead of a full passport, that is acceptable. The IDP does not require a full passport book — the card is sufficient proof of citizenship and identity.
How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew
An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your IDP expires while you are in Mexico, it is no longer recognized by authorities or rental companies, so you should plan to renew it before your next trip if more than a year has passed since you obtained it.
Renewal is the same process as obtaining a new one — you explore through AAA or AATA with an updated photo and your current driver's license and passport. You do not need to return the old IDP; straightforward explore for a new one when the first expires. If you travel to Mexico frequently, you may want to renew your IDP a few months before it expires so you do not have to rush.
Your U.S. driver's license does not need to be renewed for the IDP to remain valid — the IDP's expiration date is independent. However, if your driver's license expires, you will need to renew that as well, since you must carry both documents together while driving in Mexico.
What to Do at the Border and While Driving
When you cross into Mexico, carry your U.S. driver's license and IDP together at all times. Mexican police and border officials expect to see both documents if they stop you. The IDP is not a replacement for your license — it is a companion document that explains your license to Spanish-speaking authorities.
If you are renting a car in Mexico, present both documents to the rental company. Many rental agencies will not complete the transaction without an IDP, even though it is not legally required. Having it on hand prevents delays and avoids arguments about whether your U.S. license is valid. Some rental companies may charge a higher deposit or refuse to rent to you without an IDP, so obtaining one before you travel is practical.
If you are stopped by police, remain calm and present both your license and IDP. The IDP shows that your U.S. license is legitimate and current. Mexican authorities are familiar with IDPs and will recognize it as an official translation document issued by a U.S. organization.
Cost and Timeline Comparison
| Method | Cost | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA in person | $15–$20 | Same day to 3 days | when ready need; AAA members |
| AAA online | $15–$20 | 5–10 business days | No nearby AAA office |
| AATA by mail | $15–$20 | 2–3 weeks | No AAA access; flexible timeline |
| AATA online | $15–$20 | 2–3 weeks | Prefer digital submission |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an IDP to drive in Mexico?
Legally, no — your U.S. driver's license is valid in Mexico. However, Mexican police and rental car companies often request an IDP, and having one prevents confusion and delays. Many rental agencies will not complete a reservation without one, so it is practical to obtain one before you travel.
Can I get an IDP at the border or in Mexico?
No. IDPs are issued only in the United States through AAA or AATA. You must obtain one before you cross the border. If you arrive in Mexico without an IDP, you cannot get one there.
What if my IDP expires while I am in Mexico?
An expired IDP is no longer recognized by authorities or rental companies. If you are already in Mexico when it expires, your U.S. driver's license is still valid, but you may face questions from police. Plan to renew your IDP before your next trip if more than a year has passed since you obtained it.
Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?
Yes — "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is issued by AAA or AATA and is valid in Mexico and many other countries. It is not a separate license; it is a translation of your U.S. license.
Can I use my IDP to drive in countries other than Mexico?
Yes. An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries, not just Mexico. If you travel internationally by car, a single IDP covers multiple countries, as long as it is valid and you carry it with your U.S. driver's license.