What an International Driving Permit Does in Spain

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages, including Spanish. It does not replace your U.S. license — you must carry both together. Spanish police and car rental companies recognize it as proof that your U.S. license is legitimate and current.

Spain accepts U.S. driver's licenses directly for stays up to six months, so an IDP is optional, not required. However, rental car companies often ask for one, and it removes any ambiguity if a police officer questions whether your license is valid. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted, an IDP will not override those conditions — it only translates what your license already says.

You cannot get an IDP in Spain. You must obtain it in the United States before you travel, through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be obtained in the United States before travel, not in Spain.
  • You need a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; if your license is suspended or restricted, the IDP will reflect those same restrictions.
  • The AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both charge a small fee and require an in-person process.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and you must carry it alongside your U.S. license at all times while driving in Spain.
  • Most car rental companies in Spain prefer an IDP but do not always require it; check with your rental company before booking to confirm their policy.

Where to Get an International Driving Permit in the U.S.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue International Driving Permits. Both charge a fee — typically between $15 and $20 — and both require you to explore in person at a local office.

AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website and visit during business hours with your documents. AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities; their website lists participating offices by state.

You cannot order an IDP by mail, phone, or online from either organization. The in-person requirement exists because the issuing agent must verify your identity and your current driver's license before printing the permit.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring the following items to your AAA or AATA office:

  • A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license (your state-issued license, not a learner's permit or temporary license).
  • A completed process form — AAA and AATA both provide these at their offices or on their websites; you can fill it out before you arrive.
  • One passport-sized photograph, typically 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some offices accept digital photos printed on the spot.
  • Payment in cash or card — the fee varies slightly by location but is usually $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit.

Bring your original driver's license, not a photocopy. The agent will examine it to confirm it is valid and matches your process.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts

You can purchase an IDP valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less but must be renewed sooner if you plan multiple trips to Spain or other countries. The three-year permit costs roughly double but covers longer travel plans.

An IDP expires on a fixed date printed on the front, regardless of when you use it. If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license to drive, and the IDP only translates your current license.

You receive the permit when ready after your process is processed at the AAA or AATA office. There is no waiting period.

What Happens If Your U.S. License Is Suspended or Restricted

If your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or carries restrictions — such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses or a restriction on driving at night — an IDP will show those same conditions in the translated version. An IDP does not override or hide suspension or restriction status.

If your license is currently suspended in your home state, you cannot legally drive in Spain, and an IDP will not change that. Spain recognizes U.S. license suspensions. If your license is restricted (for example, valid only with glasses), you must follow that restriction in Spain as well.

Before explore for an IDP, confirm that your U.S. license is valid and unrestricted. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if you are unsure of your license status.

Using Your IDP at Spanish Car Rental Companies

Most major car rental companies in Spain — including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar — prefer to see an IDP alongside your U.S. license, though policies vary by company and location. Some rental offices will rent to you with only your U.S. license if it is valid and you have a credit card and passport. Others make an IDP a condition of rental.

Contact your rental company before you book to ask whether they require an IDP. If they do, obtain one before you travel; you cannot get one in Spain. If they do not require one but recommend it, an IDP eliminates any negotiation at the rental counter.

Carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together in your vehicle at all times while driving in Spain. Police may ask to see both documents. Driving with only the IDP and no U.S. license is not sufficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit in Spain?

No. IDPs are issued only in the United States, through AAA or AATA. You must obtain one before you travel. If you arrive in Spain without an IDP and your rental company requires one, you will not be able to rent a car.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Spain if I have a valid U.S. license?

Spain law does not require an IDP for U.S. citizens with valid licenses staying up to six months. However, car rental companies often require or strongly prefer one. Check with your rental company before booking.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I'm in Spain?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. You cannot drive legally with an expired U.S. license, regardless of whether you have an IDP. Renew your U.S. license before traveling if it will expire during your trip.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International Driving License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit, but you may see it called an International Driving License or IDL. It is the same document issued by AAA and AATA.

Can I use my IDP to drive in countries other than Spain?

Yes. An IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and territories worldwide. One IDP covers all countries that recognize it, so you do not need separate permits for each country you visit.