The physical appearance of an International Driving Permit

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a small booklet, roughly the size of a passport, with a light blue or gray cover. The front displays "International Driving Permit" in multiple languages, the issuing country's name and seal, and your photograph in the upper left corner. The booklet is typically 5 to 6 inches tall and 3 to 4 inches wide — small enough to fit in a wallet or jacket pocket alongside your regular driver's license.

Inside, the first page contains your personal information printed in English and French: your full name, date of birth, signature, and the date the permit was issued and expires. Your photograph appears again on this page. The remaining pages list the vehicle categories you are authorized to drive (such as cars, motorcycles, or trucks) and any restrictions that explore to you — for example, corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only.

The permit is printed on security paper with watermarks and holograms to prevent counterfeiting. Different countries issue IDPs with slightly different designs, but all valid permits follow the same basic layout and include the same core information. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the two organizations authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and both produce booklets that meet the international standard.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a small blue or gray booklet about the size of a passport, not a card or laminated document.
  • Your photograph, name, date of birth, and signature appear on the inside front page, along with the issue and expiration dates.
  • The permit lists which vehicle categories you can drive and any restrictions such as vision correction or transmission type.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States; the permit is valid for one or three years depending on your choice at issuance.
  • You must carry your U.S. driver's license along with the IDP when driving abroad — the permit is not valid on its own.

How the IDP differs from your regular driver's license

Your U.S. driver's license is a plastic card issued by your state. An IDP is a paper booklet issued by a private organization (AAA or AATA) on behalf of the United States. The IDP does not replace your license; it translates your driving privileges into a format that foreign police and rental car companies recognize. Many countries do not accept a U.S. driver's license alone because they cannot read English or verify the license's authenticity without specialized equipment.

The IDP contains the same driving categories and restrictions as your license, but it presents them using an international numbering system that police in other countries understand. For example, category B on an IDP means you can drive cars up to 3,500 kilograms, which corresponds to the standard passenger vehicle category worldwide. Your U.S. license does not use this system, so a foreign officer cannot quickly determine what you are authorized to drive.

What information is printed inside the booklet

The first page inside the front cover holds your personal data in both English and French. This includes your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, your date of birth, your signature, and the date the permit was issued and the date it expires. Your photograph occupies a space roughly 1.5 by 2 inches and must be a recent color photo that matches the one on your passport or driver's license.

The remaining pages list the vehicle categories you are authorized to drive, using the international classification system. Category A covers motorcycles; Category B covers standard cars; Category C covers trucks; Category D covers buses. Each category shows the date restrictions begin and end — for example, you might be authorized to drive Category B vehicles from the issue date until the expiration date, but Category D only until a specific earlier date if your medical certification expires sooner.

At the bottom of each category line, there is space for restrictions or conditions. These might read "Corrective lenses must be worn" or "Automatic transmission only" or "Not valid for towing." These restrictions are copied directly from your U.S. driver's license, so if your license says you must wear glasses, the IDP will say the same thing.

Security features that prevent forgery

The IDP booklet includes several security features to prevent counterfeiting. The cover and inside pages are printed on specialized security paper with embedded watermarks visible when you hold the booklet up to light. The paper also contains microprinting — tiny text that is difficult to reproduce without professional equipment — and color-shifting ink that changes appearance when tilted.

The back cover includes a hologram or security stripe specific to the issuing organization (AAA or AATA). The booklet is bound with a security thread, and the pages are numbered sequentially. These features make it difficult for someone to forge an IDP or alter an existing one, which is why foreign authorities generally accept them as proof of driving status.

How long the IDP remains valid

When you obtain an IDP from AAA or AATA, you choose whether you want a one-year or three-year permit. The expiration date is printed on the first inside page. A one-year IDP expires one year from the date of issue; a three-year IDP expires three years from the date of issue. You cannot renew an IDP — once it expires, you must obtain a new one if you plan to drive abroad again.

Your IDP is valid only while your U.S. driver's license is also valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your IDP becomes invalid even if the booklet itself has not reached its expiration date. When you renew your U.S. driver's license, you must also obtain a new IDP if you want to continue driving internationally.

Why the booklet format matters when traveling

The booklet format is intentional. It is small enough to carry easily but large enough to display your photograph and information clearly. When a foreign police officer stops you, you present both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. The officer can see your photograph on the IDP, verify your identity, and understand your driving categories using the international system printed in the booklet.

Rental car companies also use the IDP to verify your driving status. Many companies outside the United States will not rent to you without an IDP, even if you have a valid U.S. license, because they cannot verify the license's authenticity or understand the restrictions printed on it. The booklet format makes it straightforward for rental staff to check your photograph, confirm the categories you are authorized to drive, and note any restrictions like "automatic transmission only."

Where to get an IDP and what to bring

You obtain an IDP in person from an AAA office or an AATA office. You cannot order one online or by mail. You must bring your valid U.S. driver's license, your passport, and a completed process form (which the office provides). You also need one passport-sized photograph — the same size used for a passport, roughly 2 by 2 inches. Some offices can take the photograph on-site for an additional fee; others require you to bring one.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You pay a fee (typically $15 to $20 for a one-year permit or $30 to $35 for a three-year permit, though prices vary by location) and receive the booklet when ready. The IDP is valid starting the day you receive it, so you can use it for travel right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my IDP without my U.S. driver's license?

No. The IDP is a companion document, not a replacement. You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP when driving abroad. If you are stopped by police or need to rent a car, you present both documents together.

What if my IDP gets lost or damaged while I am traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue a replacement IDP or provide a letter confirming your driving status while you arrange a replacement. Keep a photocopy of your IDP separate from the original in case this happens.

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

An IDP is not required in Canada or Mexico — your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, some car rental companies in Mexico prefer an IDP, and having one does not hurt. Check with your rental company before you travel.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

A one-year IDP typically costs $15 to $20, and a three-year IDP costs $30 to $35. Prices vary slightly by AAA or AATA location. Some offices charge an additional fee if you need a photograph taken on-site.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and in good standing to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP until your license is restored or renewed.