What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving outside the United States. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your US license is valid.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive a rental car, your own vehicle, or a borrowed car in most countries outside the US. Some countries require it; others do not but strongly recommend it because local police may not read English. A few countries — including Canada, Mexico, and most of Western Europe — will accept your US license alone, but an IDP removes the risk of a fine or confiscation if an officer questions whether your license is genuine.

The IDP is issued in the United States by only two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No state DMV issues an IDP. You cannot get one from a government office.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by any DMV or government agency.
  • You must have a valid US driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit is an add-on document, not a replacement.
  • AAA charges $20 and issues the permit in person the same day; AATA charges $15 to $20 and mails it, taking one to two weeks.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and expires even if your US license does not.
  • You will need your passport, a passport-sized photo, and your valid driver's license to obtain an IDP from either organization.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the faster route if you are a member or willing to join. AAA issues the IDP in person at any of its local offices across the country. You walk in, provide your documents, pay the fee, and leave with the permit the same day — no waiting.

To get an IDP from AAA, you need: a valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of AAA membership. If you are not a member, you can join at the same visit; AAA membership costs vary by region but typically starts around $50 to $70 per year. The IDP itself costs $20.

Find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website and call ahead to confirm hours and whether they have IDP applications in stock. Some smaller offices may not issue them regularly, so a quick call saves a wasted trip. Bring the original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the option if you are not an AAA member or prefer not to join. AATA processes IDP requests by mail and does not require membership. The cost is $15 to $20 depending on processing speed.

To request an IDP from AATA, you mail in a completed process form, a copy of your valid driver's license, a copy of your passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo. You can read the process from the AATA website or request one by phone. Standard processing takes one to two weeks; expedited processing (if available) may cost more.

Send your materials to the address listed on the AATA process. Keep a copy of everything you mail. AATA will mail the IDP to your address once it is processed. This route is slower than AAA but costs less and requires no membership.

Documents You Need and How to Prepare Them

Both AAA and AATA require the same core documents. You must have a valid, unexpired US driver's license — an expired license will not work. You also need a valid passport or passport card. A state ID card is not sufficient; it must be a passport document.

You will need one passport-sized photograph, which is 2 inches by 2 inches. This is the same size as a passport photo. You can get one taken at any pharmacy with a photo service (CVS, Walgreens), a post office, or a professional photographer. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Bring the original photo to AAA or mail a copy to AATA.

For AAA, bring originals of all documents. For AATA, send photocopies of your license and passport, plus the original photo. Do not send your original passport or license to AATA — only copies. Write your name and date of birth on the back of the photo so it cannot be mixed up with another applicant's.

Validity, Renewal, and Expiration

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, regardless of when your US driver's license expires. If your US license is valid for ten years but your IDP is one year old, the IDP has expired and you cannot use it, even though your US license is still good.

You cannot renew an IDP — you must request a new one. If your IDP is about to expire and you are still driving internationally, contact AAA or AATA at least two weeks before the expiration date to request a replacement. The process is the same as the first time: new documents, new photo, new fee.

If your US driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has not reached its one-year mark. The IDP is only valid when paired with a current, valid US license.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is assuming your state DMV can issue an IDP. It cannot. Only AAA and AATA issue them in the United States. If a DMV employee tells you otherwise, they are mistaken — go directly to AAA or AATA instead.

A second mistake is submitting an expired passport or driver's license. Both documents must be valid on the day you request the IDP. If your license or passport is expiring soon, renew it first, then request the IDP.

A third mistake is not bringing a passport-sized photo or bringing one that is the wrong size. The photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches and taken recently. A photo from your phone or a standard 4-by-6 print will not work. Get the photo taken at a pharmacy or post office before you visit AAA or mail your AATA process.

Finally, do not assume an IDP is valid for the same length of time as your driver's license. It expires after one year, period. Mark the expiration date on your calendar and request a new one before you travel if it is close to expiring.

What to Do If You Are Traveling Soon

If you are leaving the country within the next week, AAA is your only option because AATA takes one to two weeks by mail. Find an AAA office near you, call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications available, and visit in person with your documents and photo. You will have the permit the same day.

If you are not an AAA member, you can join at the same visit. Bring a valid credit card and proof of address (a utility bill or lease) along with your driver's license and passport. The membership process takes about ten minutes, and then you can when ready request the IDP.

If you are traveling within two to three weeks, AATA is a viable option. Mail your process and documents when ready — do not wait. Use the AATA website to confirm their mailing address and processing time before you send anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico accept a valid US driver's license without an IDP. However, an IDP does not hurt and can be useful if a local police officer questions the validity of your US license. It is optional for these countries but recommended if you want extra protection.

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

No. Only the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) issue IDPs in the United States. No state DMV, no federal agency, and no private company other than these two can issue one.

What happens if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready on the expiration date. If you are still abroad, you can only drive using your US license alone. Some countries may not accept it without the IDP. Plan ahead and request a new IDP before you travel if yours is expiring soon.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my US driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original US driver's license. You must have both documents with you at all times when driving outside the United States. The IDP alone is not a license.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $20 for an IDP and issues it the same day in person. AATA charges $15 to $20 depending on processing speed and mails it to you, taking one to two weeks. AAA membership (if you are not already a member) costs extra, typically $50 to $70 per year.