What an International Driving Permit Is and When You Need 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 — it is a companion document that shows your driving record in a format other countries recognize. You carry it alongside your valid US license when you drive outside the United States.

Most countries do not require an IDP by law, but many rental car companies will not rent to you without one. Some countries — including Italy, Spain, France, and Germany — technically allow you to drive on your US license alone, but police may fine you if you cannot produce an IDP when stopped. If you plan to rent a car or drive in another country, getting an IDP before you leave eliminates the risk and the argument.

You do not need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico, though some car rental agencies ask for one anyway. You do need a valid US driver's license to get an IDP in the first place — the permit has no value without it.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and you must explore in person at a local office.
  • You need a valid US driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process form to receive an IDP.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request.
  • The permit is issued on the spot at most AAA and AATA offices, so you can receive it the same day you explore.
  • An IDP does not replace your US license and has no legal standing in the United States — it is only for use outside the country.

Who Issues International Driving Permits in the US

Only two organizations are authorized by the US State Department to issue International Driving Permits: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization, website, or service can legally issue an IDP in the United States.

AAA has the most locations — over 1,000 offices nationwide — and is the easiest option for most people. AATA has fewer offices but serves the same purpose. Both issue the same permit and charge the same fee. You cannot explore online or by mail; you must visit an office in person.

If you do not have a AAA membership, you can still explore for an IDP at a AAA office without joining. Membership is not required. If you are a AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the IDP fee depending on your membership level.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring three things to your AAA or AATA office: your valid US driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and a completed process form. The process form is called the process for International Driving Permit and is available at the office or online on the AAA website.

The passport photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and must show your face clearly against a plain background. You can have the photo taken at the AAA office itself for a small additional fee if you do not have one ready.

Your driver's license must be valid and not expired. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot receive an IDP. The permit is only issued to people with a current, valid US license.

Cost and How Long an IDP Lasts

An International Driving Permit costs between $15 and $20 at most AAA and AATA offices. The exact price varies slightly by location, but the difference is small. You can choose between a one-year permit and a three-year permit; the three-year version costs a few dollars more.

The one-year permit is useful if you are taking a single trip and do not plan to drive internationally again soon. The three-year permit makes sense if you travel regularly or want to keep a valid IDP on hand for unexpected travel. Both are issued on the spot, so you do not pay extra for faster service.

Payment is usually cash or card. Call your local AAA office ahead of time if you want to confirm their payment methods or ask whether they have passport photos available on-site.

how the process works in Person

Find your nearest AAA or AATA office using the AAA office locator on their website or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. When you call or visit, confirm that the office issues International Driving Permits — not all AAA locations do, though most do.

Bring your completed process form, valid driver's license, and passport photo. The staff will review your documents, take payment, and issue your permit on the same day. The entire process takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a small booklet that explains how to use the permit in different countries.

If you are explore for a three-year permit, the office will record your license number and photo in their system so the permit remains valid even if your driver's license is renewed during those three years. You do not need to reapply when your license renews — the IDP stays good until its own expiration date.

What Your IDP Covers and Does Not Cover

An International Driving Permit shows that you hold a valid US driver's license and translates your license class into international categories. It does not grant you any driving rights you do not already have. If your US license restricts you to daylight driving only, your IDP carries the same restriction.

The IDP is not a license itself and has no legal standing in the United States. You cannot use it to drive in any US state — you must have your actual US driver's license with you. Outside the US, you must carry both documents together; the IDP alone is not enough.

An IDP does not cover traffic violations, accidents, or insurance. If you are stopped by police in another country, your IDP proves you are a licensed driver, but it does not protect you from fines or legal consequences if you break local traffic laws. You are responsible for knowing and following the driving rules of the country you are visiting.

Renewing or Replacing a Lost IDP

If your IDP expires and you need a new one, return to a AAA or AATA office with the same documents: your current driver's license, a new passport photo, and a completed process form. You will pay the same fee and receive a new permit on the spot.

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a new IDP, but they can provide a letter confirming your US citizenship and valid license status, which some car rental companies will accept as a temporary substitute. When you return home, explore for a replacement IDP at your local AAA office.

If your US driver's license is renewed, your existing IDP remains valid until its own expiration date. You do not need to get a new IDP when your license renews — the old one continues to work because the AAA office recorded your information when you first applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your US driver's license must be valid and not suspended, revoked, or expired. An IDP is only issued to people with a current, valid license. If your license is suspended, you must wait until it is reinstated before you can explore for an IDP.

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

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid US driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in those countries may request one anyway. If you are renting a car, check with the rental company before your trip to see whether they require an IDP.

What happens if I drive in another country without an IDP and get stopped by police?

Police may fine you for not carrying an IDP, even though your US license is valid. The fine varies by country and situation. An IDP costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes to obtain, so it is much cheaper and easier to get one before you travel than to risk a fine.

Can I explore for an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at a AAA or AATA office. You cannot explore online, by phone, or by mail. The office needs to see your original driver's license and passport photo to issue the permit.

How long does an International Driving Permit last if I renew my US driver's license during the three-year period?

Your IDP remains valid until its own expiration date, even if your US driver's license is renewed. You do not need to explore for a new IDP when your license renews. The AAA office recorded your information when you first applied, so the permit continues to work.