What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license—it works only alongside your actual license from your state or country. You carry both documents together when you drive abroad.
You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Some rental companies require it; others accept it but do not require it. A few countries—including the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe—do not require an IDP if your license is in English and current. However, many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America either require one or strongly recommend it. The safest approach is to check the specific country's rules before you travel.
The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) in the United States. No other organization is authorized to issue it. You cannot obtain one online in the sense of receiving it digitally—you must order it by mail or in person, and it arrives as a physical booklet.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and is issued only by AAA or AATA, not online.
- You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can order an IDP.
- You can order an IDP by mail through AAA's website or explore in person at an AAA office, and it typically arrives within one to two weeks.
- An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you choose.
- Some countries require an IDP to rent a car or drive legally; others do not, so check your destination's rules before you travel.
How to Order an IDP by Mail Through AAA
The most common way to get an IDP is to order it by mail through the AAA website. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members may receive a small discount. Start by visiting AAA.com and searching for "International Driving Permit." You will find the order form and instructions there.
To complete the mail order, you will need to provide your current U.S. driver's license number, your full name as it appears on the license, your date of birth, and your mailing address. You will also need to include a recent passport-style photograph—typically 2 by 2 inches—with the process. Mail the completed form, your photo, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), and payment to the AAA address listed on the form.
Processing time is usually one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your process. If you are traveling soon, order early. AAA also offers expedited processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to three to five business days, though this varies by location.
explore for an IDP in Person at an AAA Office
If you prefer to avoid mail delays, you can walk into any AAA office and explore for an IDP on the spot. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches), and payment. The staff will complete the process with you and take your photo if you do not have one.
In-person applications are processed the same way as mail applications—they are sent to AAA's processing center and take one to two weeks to arrive at your home address. You cannot walk out with the IDP the same day. However, explore in person eliminates the risk of your mail process getting lost or delayed in transit.
To find an AAA office near you, use the office locator on AAA.com. Not all locations offer IDP services, so call ahead to confirm before you visit.
What Documents and Information You Need
Before you start an IDP process, gather these items: a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license; a recent passport-style photograph (2 by 2 inches, color or black and white); and payment. The photograph must show your face clearly, taken within the last six months, and cannot be a digital printout from a photo booth or smartphone.
Your driver's license must be current and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired or will expire before your trip, renew it through your state's DMV first. The IDP is valid only as long as your underlying license is valid, so an expired license makes the IDP useless.
You do not need a passport to get an IDP, only a valid driver's license. However, you will need your passport when you actually travel and drive in another country.
Cost and Validity Period
An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version. AAA members may receive a discount of $2 to $5. Payment is typically made by check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you explore by mail or in person.
The one-year IDP is valid from the date of issue for exactly one year. The three-year IDP is valid for three years. Choose based on how often you travel internationally. If you travel once every few years, the three-year permit is better value. If you travel frequently or are unsure about future trips, the one-year version is cheaper upfront.
The IDP expires on the date printed on the booklet, regardless of whether your driver's license expires before that. If your driver's license expires while your IDP is still valid, the IDP becomes invalid and you cannot use it. You must renew your license first, then order a new IDP.
Why You Cannot Get an IDP Fully Online
Many people search for "International Driving Permit online" hoping to read or print one when ready. This is not possible because the IDP is a physical booklet with security features designed to prevent fraud. It must be printed on official paper, signed by an authorized AAA representative, and mailed to you.
Some websites claim to offer digital or when ready IDPs, but these are not legitimate. The only authorized IDPs in the United States come from AAA or AATA. If a website offers to email you an IDP or issue one when ready, it is a scam and will not be recognized by rental companies or authorities abroad.
The mail-order process exists for a reason: it verifies your identity, confirms your license is valid, and ensures the document is authentic. This takes time, but it is the only way to get a real IDP that will work when you travel.
What to Do If You Are Traveling Soon
If your trip is within one to two weeks and you have not ordered an IDP yet, you have two options. First, contact AAA directly by phone to ask about expedited processing. Some offices can process applications in three to five business days for an additional fee. Call the AAA number in your state or visit an AAA office in person to ask about rush options.
Second, check whether you actually need an IDP for your destination. Many English-speaking countries and most of Western Europe do not require one. Contact your rental car company directly and ask whether they require an IDP or will accept your U.S. license alone. If they do not require it, you can travel without one.
If your destination does require an IDP and you cannot get one in time, you may not be able to rent a car legally. In that case, consider using a taxi service, ride-sharing app, or public transportation instead of driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an IDP if I already have a valid U.S. driver's license?
An IDP is not required by U.S. law, but it may be required by the country you are visiting or by your rental car company. Check your destination's driving rules and contact your rental company before you travel. Many countries accept a U.S. license alone if it is in English and current, but others require an IDP.
Can I use an IDP without my actual driver's license?
No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your actual U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked by a rental company, you must show both documents. The IDP alone is not a license and has no legal standing without the license it translates.
How long does it take to receive an IDP after I order it?
Standard processing takes one to two weeks from the date AAA receives your process. Expedited processing, available for an additional fee at some locations, can reduce this to three to five business days. If you explore in person at an AAA office, the processing time is the same—the office sends your process to AAA's processing center and it is mailed to your home address.
What if my driver's license expires while I am traveling?
Your IDP becomes invalid the moment your driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself is still valid. Before you travel, make sure your license will not expire during your trip. If it will expire soon, renew it before you leave the United States.
Is there a digital or printable version of an IDP?
No. The IDP is a physical booklet only. Websites offering digital or when ready IDPs are not legitimate. The only authorized IDP in the United States comes from AAA or AATA as a mailed physical document. Rental companies and authorities abroad will not accept anything else.