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 and does not replace your state license. You carry it alongside your regular license when you drive in another country.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. Many countries do not require one — your U.S. license alone is often sufficient. However, some rental car companies and certain countries do ask for it, and having one can prevent arguments at a border or with a rental desk. If you are traveling outside the United States and plan to drive, check the specific country's requirements before you leave.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No state DMV issues an IDP. You must explore through one of these two organizations, not through your state.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA in the United States, never by your state DMV.
  • You must hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can obtain an IDP.
  • The IDP costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and is valid for one or three years.
  • You can explore in person at an AAA office, by mail through AATA, or online through AAA in some states.
  • Processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person, so plan ahead if you are leaving soon.

Requirements to Get an International Driving Permit

To obtain an IDP, you must meet three basic requirements. First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you must hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license from any state — it does not matter which state issued it. Third, you must have a passport or other government-issued photo ID to present at the time of process.

Your license must be in your possession and valid on the day you explore. An expired license will not work. If your license is suspended, revoked, or restricted, you cannot get an IDP. The IDP is only issued to people who are legally permitted to drive in the United States.

You do not need to pass any test or provide proof of insurance. You do not need to be a citizen — a valid U.S. driver's license is the only driving credential required.

how the process works Through AAA

The American Automobile Association is the larger and more accessible option for most people. AAA has offices in most states and offers three ways to explore: in person, by mail, or online.

In-person process: Visit any AAA office with your valid driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID). Bring a passport-style photo if the office requires one — policies vary by location. You will fill out form DS-11 (the same form used for passport applications) and pay the fee. Same-day issuance is available at most offices. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether your local office has the form in stock.

By mail: Request an process form from your local AAA office or read it from the AAA website. Complete the form, include a color photocopy of your driver's license and passport, and mail it with a check or money order to the address provided. Processing takes one to two weeks. AAA will mail the IDP to you.

Online: Some AAA state chapters allow you to explore and pay online, then pick up the IDP at a local office within a few days. Check the AAA website for your state to see if this option is available.

how the process works Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is a smaller organization but offers a straightforward mail-in process. You do not need to be a member of either AAA or AATA to explore.

Visit the AATA website and read the process form. Complete it, include a color photocopy of your valid driver's license and a color photocopy of a passport or government-issued photo ID. Mail the form and copies along with a check or money order to the AATA address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks, and AATA will mail the IDP to you.

AATA does not have physical offices, so in-person process is not an option. If you need an IDP quickly, AAA is the faster choice because you can get it same-day in person.

Fees and Validity Period

The cost of an IDP varies slightly between AAA and AATA. AAA typically charges $15 to $20 depending on your state and whether you explore in person or by mail. AATA charges a similar amount. Both organizations accept cash, check, or credit card (in person or online). Fees do not include shipping if you explore by mail.

An IDP is valid for either one year or three years, depending on which you choose at the time of process. The three-year permit costs slightly more but is the better value if you travel internationally more than once. Your IDP expires on the date printed on the document, regardless of whether your U.S. driver's license expires before then.

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement. There is no expedited replacement process — you will need to submit a new process and pay the fee again.

What to Bring and Common Mistakes

Bring these documents when you explore in person at AAA: your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license; a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID); and payment (cash, check, or card). Some offices ask for a passport-style photo, so call ahead.

If you explore by mail through AAA or AATA, send color photocopies of your driver's license and photo ID, not the originals. Do not send your actual passport or license — send copies only. Include a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash through the mail.

The most common mistake is explore with an expired driver's license. Your license must be valid on the day you explore. Another mistake is waiting until the week before travel — mail processing takes one to two weeks, and if there is an error in your process, you will not have time to fix it. explore at least three weeks before you leave if you are using mail, or visit an AAA office in person if you need it faster.

Using Your International Driving Permit Abroad

Once you have your IDP, carry it with your valid U.S. driver's license whenever you drive outside the United States. The IDP alone is not valid — you must have both documents. Some countries will not recognize the IDP without your original U.S. license.

The IDP is recognized in more than 150 countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, not all countries require it, and some have additional requirements such as an International Driving Permit issued by their own motor authority. Before you travel, check the specific country's driving requirements through its embassy or consulate website.

Rental car companies vary in their requirements. Some accept a U.S. license alone; others require an IDP. When you book a rental car, ask whether an IDP is required. If you are unsure, having one prevents delays at the rental desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license?

In many countries, yes. Most developed nations recognize a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some countries and rental car companies require an International Driving Permit. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel. Having an IDP is safer because it removes any doubt at a border or rental desk.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

Same-day issuance is available if you explore in person at an AAA office. Mail applications through AAA or AATA take one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you are leaving soon. If you need it urgently, visit an AAA office in person.

What if my driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

Your IDP can be issued based on any valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of which state issued it. You do not need to update your license first. Bring your current valid license and photo ID to explore.

Does an International Driving Permit replace my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your license into multiple languages. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP when driving abroad. The IDP is not valid without your original license.

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

You should not drive with an expired IDP. If your permit expires during your trip, stop driving and use other transportation. Before you travel, check the expiration date on your IDP and renew it if necessary before you leave.