What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a translation document that shows your valid U.S. driver's license information in ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It works only when you carry it alongside your actual U.S. license — neither document is valid on its own.

The IDP does not replace your state license and does not give you permission to drive that your license does not already grant. If your U.S. license is suspended, expired, or restricted, an IDP cannot override those restrictions. It exists solely to help foreign police officers and rental car companies understand your U.S. license when you travel abroad.

Many countries do not require an IDP at all. Some require one only if your U.S. license is not in English, or only for stays longer than a certain period. Before you obtain one, check the specific rules for the country or countries where you plan to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. license, not a separate license, and must be carried with your actual license at all times.
  • You can obtain an IDP only through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — no other organization is authorized to issue them in the United States.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP; the permit cannot be issued to anyone whose license is suspended, revoked, or expired.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20, depending on which organization issues it.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, and some rental car companies will not accept one; research your destination's rules before you travel.

Who Can Get an International Driving Permit

You must hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license issued by any state. The license must not be suspended, revoked, cancelled, or restricted in a way that prevents you from driving. If your license is expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until you renew it with your state DMV.

You must be at least 18 years old. Some countries have higher age requirements for renting vehicles, but the IDP itself has no age floor beyond what your state license requires.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Holders of valid U.S. driver's licenses issued to non-citizens, including those with work visas or temporary residency status, can obtain an IDP.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AAA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the most common source for IDPs in the United States. You do not have to be a AAA member to obtain one, though members may receive a small discount.

In person: Visit any AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license and a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on your state). Bring one passport-style photo (2x2 inches). Payment is typically $15 to $20 in cash or card. The IDP is issued on the spot and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

By mail: Some AAA offices accept mail applications. Contact your local AAA branch for their mailing address and current procedures. Mail processing typically takes one to two weeks.

AAA locations vary by state and region. Use the AAA website locator to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours and whether they issue IDPs.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of IDPs in the United States. AATA operates primarily by mail and online, making it useful if no AAA office is nearby.

Visit the AATA website, complete their process form, and submit it by mail with your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment (typically $20). Processing time is usually five to ten business days. AATA will mail the IDP to your address.

AATA also offers expedited processing for an additional fee, typically $10 to $15, which reduces processing time to two to three business days.

What Documents and Photos You Need

You will need your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. Bring the physical card itself; a copy or photo of the license is not sufficient.

You will need one passport-style photograph, 2x2 inches. The photo must show your face clearly, taken against a plain background, and must be recent (typically within six months). You can obtain passport photos at most pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios for $5 to $15.

You will need to complete an process form. AAA and AATA each have their own form. Both are available on their websites and at their offices. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature.

Bring payment in the form accepted by the issuer. AAA typically accepts cash and card at in-person locations. AATA accepts check, money order, or card by mail.

How Long an International Driving Permit Lasts and What It Costs

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not renew; you must obtain a new one each year if you travel internationally again.

The cost is typically $15 to $20 through AAA and $20 through AATA, depending on the issuer and your location. AAA members may receive a discount of $2 to $5. Expedited processing through AATA adds $10 to $15.

The IDP expires on a fixed date one year after issue, regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid because it is no longer backed by a valid license.

What to Do If You Lose Your International Driving Permit While Traveling

If you lose your IDP abroad, you still have your U.S. driver's license. In most countries, your U.S. license alone is sufficient to rent a car or drive, though some rental companies prefer the IDP. Contact your rental company or local police to report the loss if required.

You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while outside the United States. You will need to wait until you return home and then contact AAA or AATA to request a new one. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location while traveling as a backup.

If you are stranded without either document, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They can provide guidance on driving legally in that country and may be able to issue a temporary travel document, though this is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Canada does not require an IDP; your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP either, but some rental car companies in Mexico prefer one. Check with your rental company before you travel. Your U.S. license must be valid and not suspended.

Can I drive in Europe with just my U.S. license, or do I need an IDP?

Most European countries do not legally require an IDP, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Some countries, including France and Germany, recommend carrying an IDP even if not required. Check both the country's rules and your rental company's policy before you book.

What happens if my U.S. driver's license expires while I'm traveling with my IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid when ready because it is only a translation of your current license. You cannot drive legally. Renew your U.S. license before you travel, or plan your trip to end before your license expires.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must have a valid, unsuspended license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive anywhere, including abroad. Restore your license with your state DMV first.

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

No. An IDP is a translation document only. An international license does not exist in the United States. Some countries issue their own driving licenses that are recognized abroad, but the U.S. does not. Your U.S. state license is your only license.