An International Driving Permit is a separate document, not a replacement for your state license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — you must carry both your state license and the IDP together when driving abroad. Most countries that recognize IDPs require you to have your original license in your possession at the same time.

You can only get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No state DMV issues them. The permit is valid for one or three years depending on which you request, and it costs between $15 and $20. You do not need to renew your state license to get an IDP — your current, valid license is the only credential you need.

Not every country recognizes or requires an IDP. Some nations accept only your U.S. license with an official translation, others require an IDP, and some require both. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary with that country's embassy or consulate website, because the rules vary widely and change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to get an IDP — it is the only document you need to bring.
  • Only AAA and AATA issue IDPs in the United States; no state DMV can issue one.
  • An IDP is valid for either one or three years and costs $15 to $20, depending on the organization and duration you choose.
  • You must carry your state license and IDP together when driving abroad — the IDP alone is not a valid driving document.
  • Check your destination country's requirements before you travel, because some countries do not recognize IDPs or have different rules.

What documents to bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. That is the only document required. You do not need your passport, proof of address, or any other paperwork. If your license has expired or will expire before your trip, renew it through your state DMV first — you cannot get an IDP with an expired license.

You must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location. You cannot order an IDP by mail or online. Bring the original license (not a copy) and be prepared to sign the process. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign as well.

AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide; AATA has fewer locations and is primarily in the Northeast. Check the AAA or AATA website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go, because not all offices issue IDPs on every day.

How long the process takes and when you get the permit

The IDP is issued on the same day you explore, in person, at the AAA or AATA office. You walk in, present your license, complete the process, pay the fee, and receive the booklet before you leave. There is no waiting period, no mail delivery, and no separate approval step.

Because the permit is issued when ready, you can get an IDP the same week you decide to travel, as long as an office is open near you. However, if you are traveling within a few days, call ahead to confirm the office is open and has stock of the permit booklets — in rare cases, an office may be temporarily out of stock.

Cost and validity period options

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you choose a one-year or three-year permit. AAA and AATA set their own prices, so call or visit the office to confirm the exact fee before you go. Most offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

A one-year permit is valid from the date of issue for exactly one year. A three-year permit is valid for three years. Choose based on how often you plan to drive internationally. If you travel abroad once every few years, the three-year permit is more economical. If you travel once and do not plan to return, the one-year permit is cheaper upfront.

The IDP expires on the date printed in the booklet. You cannot renew it — you must explore for a new one. If your IDP expires while you are abroad, it is no longer valid for driving, so plan ahead if your trip extends beyond the permit's expiration date.

State license requirements before you explore

Your state driver's license must be valid and unexpired on the day you explore for the IDP. If your license expires in the next month, renew it first through your state DMV, then get the IDP. An IDP cannot extend the life of an expired or soon-to-expire license.

Your license must be a standard driver's license, not a learner's permit, commercial license, or ID card. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) and want to drive a non-commercial vehicle abroad, you can use your CDL to get an IDP — the permit will cover non-commercial driving. However, if you only have a learner's permit, you cannot get an IDP.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. The IDP is only issued to people with valid, active driving privileges in their home state.

What to do if you cannot visit an AAA or AATA office

If no AAA or AATA office is within reasonable distance, or if you cannot visit in person before your trip, you have limited options. Some AAA offices offer mail-in service, but this is not standard and varies by location — call your nearest office to ask. Mail-in processing typically takes one to two weeks.

If neither mail-in nor in-person is possible, check whether your destination country accepts an official translation of your U.S. license instead of an IDP. Many countries do. You can obtain a certified translation through a professional translator, though this is not issued by AAA or AATA and costs more than an IDP.

Another option is to contact your destination country's consulate or embassy to ask whether they issue IDPs or accept alternative documents. Some countries have their own permit systems that may be available to U.S. citizens before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is from a different state than where I live now?

Yes. You can get an IDP with any valid U.S. driver's license, regardless of which state issued it or where you currently live. Bring the license you have, and AAA or AATA will issue the permit based on that license.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not require an IDP — they accept a valid U.S. driver's license alone. However, some car rental companies may ask for one, so check with your rental company before you book. If you are traveling beyond Canada or Mexico to other countries, you may need an IDP for those destinations.

What happens if my IDP is lost or stolen while I am traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP while abroad. If it is lost, you can still drive with your original U.S. license in most countries, though some may not recognize it without the IDP translation. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance specific to the country you are in. When you return home, you can get a new IDP from AAA or AATA.

Can I get an IDP if I have a suspended license in another state?

No. An IDP is based on your current, valid driver's license. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

Yes, they are the same thing. "International Driving Permit" and "international driver's license" refer to the same document. It is officially called an International Driving Permit, but both terms are used interchangeably.