What an International Driving Permit Is and Why 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. Many countries recognize it as proof you are a licensed driver, which matters because not all nations accept a U.S. license alone, even if it is valid.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some nations will let you drive on your U.S. license for a short visit, but rental companies almost always require an IDP, and police in some countries will not recognize your U.S. license without one. The permit costs little and takes minutes to obtain, so it is worth getting before you leave.

The IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles — only these two organizations are authorized to issue them.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA, not by your state's DMV, and you must have a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get one.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office, by mail through either AAA or AATA, or online through AATA if you meet their requirements.
  • The permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use and how you explore, and it is valid for one or three years.
  • You will need your valid driver's license, a passport-style photo, and proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to complete the process.
  • An IDP does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when you drive internationally.

Getting an IDP Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, the easiest route is to visit a local AAA office in person. Bring your valid driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers all work. The staff will fill out the process on the spot, take your photo if you do not have one, and issue the permit when ready. The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on how long you want the permit to last (one or three years).

If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your process to AAA. Request an process form from your local AAA office or read it from the AAA website. Include your driver's license, a passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, and a check or money order. Mail everything to the address on the form. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks.

AAA also offers online ordering through some state chapters, though availability varies. Check your state's AAA website to see if this option is available where you live.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues IDPs by mail and online. To explore by mail, read the process from the AATA website, print it, and mail it with your driver's license, a passport-style photo, proof of citizenship, and payment. AATA accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders. Processing takes one to two weeks.

AATA also offers online ordering. You upload a digital photo of yourself, a scan of your driver's license, and a scan of your citizenship document. You pay by credit card. This route is faster — AATA typically processes online orders within three to five business days and can ship the permit to you quickly.

The cost through AATA is similar to AAA: around $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, depending on processing speed.

What Documents You Need to Bring or Send

Before you contact AAA or AATA, gather these items:

  • A valid U.S. driver's license (from any state)
  • One passport-style photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card
  • Payment (cash for in-person, check or money order for mail, credit card for online)

If you do not have a passport-style photo, AAA offices can take one for you on the spot, usually for a small fee. For online AATA orders, you will need a digital photo file — a smartphone photo works if it meets their size and quality requirements, which they list on their website.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which option you choose when you explore. The one-year permit costs less but requires renewal sooner if you travel frequently. The three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if it has time remaining. When you renew your state license, you will need to get a new IDP as well.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. Some countries or rental companies may refuse an IDP that expires within a certain number of months of your trip, so renew early if your permit is close to expiring.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP While Traveling

If your IDP is lost or stolen abroad, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming you hold a valid U.S. driver's license. This letter may be enough to satisfy a rental company or police officer in the short term.

When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. Bring your valid driver's license, a new photo, and proof of citizenship. Tell them you are replacing a lost permit — processing may be slightly faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting for a few days?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. Some nations allow U.S. drivers to drive on a state license alone for short visits, but rental companies almost always require an IDP. Since the permit is inexpensive and takes minutes to obtain, it is safer to get one before you leave.

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

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, even if your license is valid there.

What if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

You cannot get an IDP if your driver's license is not valid. Your license must be current and in good standing. If your license is suspended, you must have it reinstated first. If it is expired, you must renew it at your state's DMV before explore for an IDP.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only with your U.S. driver's license. An international license is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot get an international license from the United States — only an IDP.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

The cost is typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $25 to $30 for a three-year permit, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and whether you explore in person, by mail, or online. Prices may vary slightly by location and processing method.