Where an International Driving Permit is actually required
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required by law in roughly 150 countries, but the rule varies by how long you stay and whether you're renting a car or driving your own. Most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and much of South America require one. Some countries—including the United Kingdom, Canada, and several others—do not legally require an IDP if you hold a valid US driver's license, though car rental companies often demand one anyway.
The practical rule: if you're driving outside the US for more than a few days, getting an IDP costs $20 and takes an hour at your local AAA office. It's a translation of your US license into ten languages, valid for three years, and solves the problem in almost every country that might ask. Even where it's not legally required, police and rental agencies recognize it as proof you're a licensed driver.
The countries that do require it by law include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. If you're driving in any of these, you need an IDP or you risk a fine, car impound, or both.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is required by law in about 150 countries, including most of Europe, Australia, Japan, and South America.
- You can get an IDP from AAA for $20 and it takes about an hour; it's valid for three years and translates your US license into ten languages.
- Some countries like the UK and Canada do not legally require an IDP if you have a valid US license, but car rental companies often demand one anyway.
- Driving without an IDP in a country that requires one can result in fines, vehicle impound, or both.
- An IDP is not a separate license—it's a translation document that works alongside your US driver's license.
How to get an International Driving Permit in the US
You must explore in person at an AAA office. You'll need your valid US driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches), and the process form (AAA Form 44). The fee is $20 and the permit is issued on the spot, valid for three years from the date of issue.
If you don't have an AAA membership, you don't need one to get an IDP—any AAA office will issue one to anyone with a valid US license. The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Some AAA offices allow you to submit the process online and pick it up in person, but you still have to appear in person with your photo and documents.
You cannot get an IDP by mail or online. You must go to an AAA office in person. If you don't have an AAA office near you, the American Automobile Association has a locator on their website where you can find the nearest one.
Countries where an IDP is legally required
The following countries require an International Driving Permit by law if you are driving a vehicle:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Europe | France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, China |
| Americas | Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
| Africa | South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania |
This list is not exhaustive. Before traveling, check the specific country's government website or contact the embassy to confirm current requirements, as rules can change.
Countries where an IDP is not legally required but rental companies demand it
The United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand do not legally require an International Driving Permit if you hold a valid US driver's license. However, most car rental companies in these countries will not rent to you without one. They treat it as proof of driving history and a translation of your license, even though your US license is technically valid on its own.
If you plan to rent a car in any of these countries, bring an IDP anyway. It costs $20 and eliminates the risk of being turned away at the rental counter or having your reservation cancelled. Some rental companies will rent without an IDP if you show a credit card and proof of insurance, but this varies by company and location.
If you are driving your own vehicle that you've shipped or are borrowing from a friend, you may not need an IDP in these countries, but police can still ask for one. Having it avoids any confusion or delay.
What an International Driving Permit actually is
An IDP is not a separate license. It is a translation booklet that restates the information on your US driver's license in ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It includes your photo, signature, license number, and driving restrictions.
The IDP is valid only when you carry it together with your original US driver's license. If you're stopped by police or asked by a rental company, you must show both documents. The IDP alone is not proof of your right to drive.
An IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association under the authority of the US State Department. It is recognized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which is why it works in so many countries. It does not replace your US license and does not give you any driving rights you don't already have.
How long an International Driving Permit is valid
An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. If your US driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid—you must renew your US license first, then get a new IDP.
If you are traveling and your IDP expires while you are abroad, you cannot renew it outside the US. You must return to the US and visit an AAA office in person. Plan ahead if your trip is longer than three years or if your IDP is close to expiration.
An IDP does not extend your US driving privileges. It is only a translation document for use outside the United States.
What to do if a country's IDP requirement changes
Some countries update their driving permit requirements without much notice. Before you travel, check the US State Department's travel advisory for that country or contact the country's embassy or consulate in the US. They can tell you the current rules for driving and what documents you need.
If you arrive in a country and are told an IDP is required but you don't have one, you cannot get one while you're abroad. You will need to stop driving, use public transportation, or hire a driver. This is why getting an IDP before you leave the US is the safest choice, even if you're not certain it will be required.
Some countries also require an International Driving Permit to be accompanied by a certified translation of your US license or a notarized copy. Check with the specific country's driving authority or embassy before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I'm only visiting for a few days?
It depends on the country. If you're driving in a country that requires an IDP by law, you need one even for a one-day trip. If you're renting a car, the rental company will ask for one regardless of how long you're staying. Getting an IDP before you leave the US is the safest approach.
Can I drive in Europe with just my US license?
No. Most European countries require an International Driving Permit by law. Your US license alone is not valid. You must carry both your US license and your IDP together when driving in Europe.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
You cannot get a replacement while you're abroad. You will need to stop driving or hire a driver until you return to the US. This is why some travelers get two IDPs before leaving—one to carry and one as a backup. You can get multiple IDPs at the same time from AAA.
Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?
No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document only. An International License does not exist as a legal document. Some countries issue their own driving permits, but the US does not. The IDP is the only document the US provides for driving abroad.
Do I need an IDP if I'm driving in Canada or the UK?
Not by law, but car rental companies almost always require one. If you're renting a car, bring an IDP. If you're driving your own vehicle or borrowing one, you technically don't need an IDP, but having one avoids any issues with police.