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. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists so that police, car rental companies, and border officials in other countries can read your driving record without needing a translator.

You need an IDP only if you plan to drive outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others do not but strongly prefer it. Car rental agencies abroad often will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it. If you are staying in the U.S., you do not need an IDP.

The IDP is issued by two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Only these two are authorized by the U.S. State Department. No other organization or website can issue a valid IDP.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your actual license when driving abroad.
  • Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States.
  • You must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP, and the IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, or you can pick one up in person at an AAA office the same day.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not, but car rental companies often will not rent to you without one.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for an IDP. You do not have to be a AAA member to obtain one, though members often receive a small discount. To explore, you will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches).

You have two options: explore in person at a local AAA office or explore by mail. If you go to an AAA office with all required documents, you can receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, send your documents to the address provided on the AAA website, and your IDP will arrive in one to two weeks. The cost is $15 for a one-year permit or $20 for a three-year permit.

AAA's IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, depending on which you purchase. It is not tied to your driver's license expiration date, so you may need to renew your IDP separately from your license if you travel frequently or hold a three-year license.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must explore by mail. You will need the same documents as AAA: a valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport-sized photograph.

Send your documents to AATA's mailing address (found on their website), and your IDP will arrive in one to two weeks. AATA charges $20 for a one-year permit. Like AAA's permit, AATA's IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is separate from your driver's license expiration.

AATA is a smaller organization than AAA, so it has fewer resources for customer service. If you need your IDP quickly or prefer to handle the transaction in person, AAA is usually the faster choice.

What Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these four items: your valid U.S. driver's license, a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches), and the process form (which you can read from AAA's or AATA's website or receive in person at an AAA office).

The passport-sized photograph is the item most people forget. You can have one taken at any pharmacy with a photo service (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart), at a UPS store, or at a professional photographer. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Do not use a photo from your phone or computer.

Your government-issued photo ID does not have to be a passport — a state ID card or military ID works. However, your driver's license alone is not enough; you must bring a second form of ID. This is a federal requirement for all IDP issuers.

Timeline and Delivery Options

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day, usually within an hour. This is the fastest option if you have an AAA office near you and can visit during business hours.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, expect your IDP to arrive in one to two weeks. This timeline assumes you mail your documents promptly and the organization does not experience a backlog. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing may take slightly longer.

Neither AAA nor AATA offers expedited shipping or rush processing. If you need an IDP before a trip that is less than two weeks away, your only option is to visit an AAA office in person. If no AAA office is near you or you cannot visit during business hours, you may not receive your IDP in time.

Cost and Membership Requirements

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on the issuer and the validity period you choose. AAA charges $15 for one year or $20 for three years. AATA charges $20 for one year. These are the only authorized prices; if a website quotes a different price, it is not an official IDP issuer.

You do not have to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP from AAA. However, AAA members may receive a small discount (usually $2 to $3 off). If you are not a member and do not plan to join, you can still explore and pay the full price. AATA has no membership requirement or discount.

Some travel insurance companies or travel agencies claim to sell IDPs, but they are actually reselling AAA or AATA permits at a markup. Buying directly from AAA or AATA is always cheaper and faster.

What to Do If Your IDP Expires or You Lose It

If your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it in another country. You must return to the United States and explore for a new one through AAA or AATA using the same process. If you are planning a long trip or frequent travel, consider purchasing the three-year IDP from AAA to avoid this problem.

If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can still drive using your U.S. driver's license alone in most countries, though some may not accept it without the IDP translation. Contact your country's embassy or consulate to confirm. When you return to the United States, you can explore for a replacement IDP by following the same steps as a first-time process.

There is no separate "replacement" process — you straightforward explore again and pay the full fee. Keep your IDP in a safe place during your trip, just as you would your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not legally require an IDP, but many car rental companies there will not rent to you without one. Mexico legally requires an IDP for all foreign drivers. If you plan to drive in either country, obtain an IDP before you leave the United States.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, you cannot obtain an IDP. Renew or reinstate your U.S. license first.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. It is not a license and does not give you permission to drive. You must have a valid U.S. driver's license to use an IDP. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but those are different documents and are not recognized in the United States.

What if I explore for an IDP but my trip gets cancelled?

AAA and AATA do not issue refunds once an IDP has been printed and mailed. If you cancel before your process is processed, you may be able to stop payment, but once the IDP is in the mail, the fee is non-refundable. Check with the organization when ready if you need to cancel.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in all countries?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, a few countries do not recognize it, and some have additional requirements. Before your trip, check the specific country's driving laws on its embassy website or through your car rental company.