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

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — you must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and the IDP together when you drive abroad. The IDP tells police and rental companies in other countries that your U.S. license is real and current.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not from your state's DMV. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, and the permit costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization you use.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date you receive it. Some countries require it; others do not. Before you travel, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because requirements vary widely.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP — the permit cannot stand alone.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs; your state DMV cannot, even though you get your license there.
  • You need your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, and one passport-style photo to explore in person.
  • An IDP costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one year, so you may need a new one if you travel more than a year apart.
  • Not all countries require an IDP, so research your destination before you pay for one.

Documents you must bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license — expired licenses do not work. The IDP is only useful if your license is current, because the permit references your license number and expiration date.

Bring a passport or passport card as proof of citizenship. A state ID card is not enough. If you do not have a passport yet, you will need to get one before you explore for the IDP.

Bring one passport-style photograph — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. You can get these taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, or at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. If you have a recent passport photo already, bring that.

Bring cash or a card to pay the fee. AAA and AATA both accept credit cards and cash, though some local offices may have different payment options.

Where to get an IDP in person

AAA has over 1,000 local offices across the United States. You can find the nearest one by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator. Walk-ins are usually welcome, but calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea, especially if you are traveling soon.

AATA has fewer locations than AAA, but you can find them through their website at aataidp.com. AATA offices are often in travel agencies or at specific travel-related businesses, so locations vary more by region.

Both organizations issue the same IDP — the only difference is where you go and which organization's name appears on the cover. Either one is recognized worldwide.

Getting an IDP by mail if you cannot visit in person

AAA offers mail-in service for members who cannot reach an office. You send your driver's license, passport or passport card, passport photo, and a completed process form to your local AAA office. Processing takes about two weeks, and they return your license and the IDP together.

AATA also accepts mail-in requests. You fill out their process, include the same documents, and mail everything to their processing center. Turnaround is typically 10 to 15 business days.

Mail-in service costs the same as in-person service — $15 to $20. The risk is that your original documents are in transit, so if you need your license urgently, in-person is safer. If you have time before your trip, mail-in works well.

How long an IDP lasts and when you need a new one

An IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date you receive it. After that year, it expires and is no longer recognized by foreign authorities. If you travel internationally more than once a year, you may need to get a new IDP before your second trip.

Your IDP does not renew — you must get a new one each time. The process is the same: bring your current license, passport, and photo to AAA or AATA, pay the fee, and walk out with a new permit.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes useless because it references your license number. You will need a new IDP when you renew your license, even if the old IDP has not reached its one-year expiration.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Some countries legally require an IDP. These include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Thailand. If you plan to rent a car or drive in any of these places, bring an IDP.

Many other countries do not require an IDP but recommend it because it helps police and rental companies understand your license quickly. Even if a country does not require one, having it can prevent confusion at a rental counter or during a traffic stop.

A few countries — Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand — recognize U.S. licenses without an IDP, though an IDP still does not hurt. Always check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you leave, because requirements change and vary by region within some countries.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP translates your license information into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It does not change your driving privileges or allow you to drive in countries where you would not be allowed with just your U.S. license.

An IDP does not replace your license — you must carry both documents. If you lose your IDP abroad, you can still drive with your U.S. license in most places, though you may have trouble renting a car. If you lose your U.S. license, the IDP alone is useless.

An IDP does not cover traffic violations or accidents. If you get a ticket or cause damage while driving abroad, your IDP does not protect you. You are still subject to the laws of the country where you are driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental agencies in countries that require an IDP will refuse to rent to you without one, even for a single day. Check with your rental company before you book, and if they say you need one, get it before you travel — you cannot get one at the airport.

Can I get an IDP from my state DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state DMV cannot issue one, even though that is where you get your driver's license. You must go to an AAA or AATA office.

What happens if I drive without an IDP in a country that requires one?

You may face a fine, be unable to rent a car, or have trouble with police if you are stopped. The consequences vary by country. It is not worth the risk — if a country requires an IDP, get one before you go.

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or expired?

No. Your license must be valid and current. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP. If your license is expired, renew it first, then get the IDP.

How much does an IDP cost, and is there a cheaper option?

An IDP costs $15 to $20 depending on whether you use AAA or AATA. There is no cheaper official option. Some websites claim to offer cheaper IDPs, but they are not legitimate — only AAA and AATA issue real IDPs recognized by foreign governments.