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 does not replace your state license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in most countries outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others make it optional but strongly recommended because police may not accept an English-language license as proof of your driving status. The IDP itself does not give you permission to drive — your underlying state license must be valid and in your name.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your state driver's license expires, whichever comes first. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one each time you travel internationally or when your current one expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid, unexpired state driver's license in your name before you can get an IDP.
  • Only AAA and AATA can issue IDPs in the United States; no other organization or online service is authorized to do so.
  • You need two passport-sized photos (2x2 inches), your valid license, and a completed process form to obtain an IDP in person.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes effect when ready when issued, with no waiting period or mail processing.
  • You must carry your state license and IDP together; the IDP alone is not proof of your right to drive.

Documents and information you must bring to AAA or AATA

Bring your current, valid state driver's license in your own name. The license must not be expired and must be the original document, not a copy. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP.

Bring two passport-sized photographs, each 2 inches by 2 inches. These are the same size used for passport applications. You can have photos taken at AAA offices, drugstore photo centers, or passport photo studios; the cost is usually $5 to $15 per pair. The photos must show your face clearly, taken against a plain background, and must be recent (taken within the last six months).

Bring a completed process for an International Driving Permit (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent, depending on which organization you visit). You can read and fill out the form before you arrive, or you can complete it at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the country or countries you plan to visit.

Bring a valid form of payment. AAA and AATA accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The fee is typically $15 to $20, though prices may vary slightly by location.

Where to get an IDP and what to expect in person

Visit a local AAA office if you are a member, or find the nearest AATA office through the State Department's website. AAA has over 1,000 offices nationwide; AATA has fewer locations but covers all states. You do not need to be a AAA member to obtain an IDP from AAA — membership is not required, though members may receive a small discount.

Walk in during business hours with your documents. There is no appointment system; you are served on a first-come, first-served basis. Processing takes 10 to 15 minutes. The IDP is issued when ready and is valid as soon as you receive it — there is no waiting period or mail processing.

If you cannot visit an office in person, AAA offers mail-in service in some states. You mail your completed process, photos, license copy, and payment to the address provided on the AAA website. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. Not all states offer this option, so check your state's AAA website first.

State-by-state differences in availability and fees

AAA and AATA are present in all 50 states, but the number of offices and hours of operation vary widely. Urban areas typically have multiple offices open six or seven days a week; rural areas may have one office with limited hours. Check the AAA or AATA website for your state to find the nearest location and confirm current hours before you travel.

Fees are set by each organization and may differ slightly between AAA and AATA. As of 2024, the standard fee is $15 to $20 for a single IDP. Some AAA clubs charge a small additional fee if you are not a member. Mail-in processing, where available, may cost slightly more. Call ahead to confirm the exact fee at your local office.

A few states have additional requirements. For example, some states require you to show proof of residency (a utility bill or lease) in addition to your license. This is rare, but it is worth confirming with your local office when you call to find hours and location.

What happens if your license is suspended, expired, or not in your name

You cannot obtain an IDP if your state driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked. The IDP is only issued to people who hold a valid, current license. If your license is expired, you must renew it through your state DMV before you can get an IDP.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the suspension or revocation with your state DMV first. This may require paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your license is restored to valid status, you can then obtain an IDP.

The IDP must be issued in the name on your state license. If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, legal name change, or other means), update your state license first. Bring your updated license to AAA or AATA.

Using your IDP abroad and what it does and does not cover

Carry your state license and IDP together at all times when driving outside the United States. Police in foreign countries recognize the IDP as a translation of your license and proof that you are a licensed driver. Some countries require the IDP by law; others accept it as optional but helpful.

The IDP does not give you permission to drive in any country. It only translates your license. You must still obey the traffic laws of the country you are visiting, carry proof of insurance (which you must obtain separately), and follow any local rules about age, vehicle type, or road conditions. Some countries have additional requirements, such as an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance or a road tax sticker, which are separate from the IDP.

The IDP is not valid for driving in the United States. It is only for use outside the U.S. If you are stopped by police in the U.S., your state license is the only document that matters.

How to replace a lost or damaged IDP before your trip

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit an AAA or AATA office with your state license, two new passport photos, and payment. You will be issued a replacement IDP on the spot. There is no separate "replacement" fee — you pay the standard IDP fee again.

If you are traveling soon and cannot reach an office in time, call the AAA or AATA office in your area to ask whether they can issue a replacement the same day or within 24 hours. Some offices can accommodate rush requests, but this is not may provide.

If you lose your IDP while traveling abroad, you cannot obtain a replacement outside the United States. You can continue to drive using your state license alone, though this is not ideal. When you return to the U.S., obtain a new IDP before your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico do not legally require an IDP, but both countries accept it as proof of your driving status. Your valid U.S. state license is sufficient in both countries. However, an IDP can be helpful if a police officer questions whether your English-language license is authentic. Most travelers to Canada and Mexico do not obtain an IDP, but it is inexpensive and takes only 15 minutes to get.

Can I get an IDP online or by mail without visiting an office?

AAA and AATA do not issue IDPs through third-party websites or online services. You must visit an office in person or use mail-in service where available. Websites claiming to issue IDPs online are not authorized by the U.S. State Department and will not provide a valid document. Check your state's AAA website to see if mail-in service is available in your area.

What if my state license expires while I am traveling?

Your IDP is only valid as long as your state license is valid. If your license expires while you are abroad, your IDP also becomes invalid. You cannot drive legally in that country after your license expires. Renew your state license before you travel if it will expire during your trip.

Is an IDP the same as an International License?

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. The official name is International Driving Permit, but it is sometimes called an International License or International Driver's License. It is always a booklet issued by AAA or AATA, not a card or digital document.

Can I get an IDP if I have a learner's permit or provisional license?

No. You must have a full, unrestricted driver's license to obtain an IDP. Learner's permits and provisional licenses do not may have access to. If you hold a provisional license, you must upgrade to a full license through your state DMV before you can get an IDP.