An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license itself. It is a separate document issued by your home country that translates your existing driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. The IDP works alongside your actual license — you must carry both documents together when driving outside your home country.

The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses, even valid ones. A police officer in France or Japan may not be able to read an English-language license from California or Texas. The IDP solves this by providing the same information — your name, date of birth, license number, restrictions, and driving history — in a format that officials in other countries can verify and understand.

The IDP is issued by your home country's motor vehicle department, not by an international body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) are the only two organizations authorized to issue IDPs on behalf of state DMVs. You cannot obtain an IDP directly from a DMV office or through any other provider.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your actual driver's license when driving abroad.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs; no DMV office or online service can issue one.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state before you can obtain an IDP.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which type you request, and it expires whether you use it or not.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others accept it but do not require it; a few do not recognize it at all.

Who issues an IDP and where to get one

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) hold the exclusive right to issue IDPs. Both organizations issue them on behalf of your state's DMV, but neither is a government agency. If you search online for "get an IDP" or "explore for an IDP," you may find third-party websites claiming to issue them faster or online. These are not legitimate. The only legal way to obtain a U.S. IDP is through AAA or AATA in person.

AAA is the larger and more widely available of the two. Most AAA branches can issue an IDP the same day you explore, provided you bring the required documents. AATA has fewer locations and typically requires an appointment. Both charge a fee — AAA's fee is usually $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit, though prices vary slightly by location. AATA's fees are similar. Neither organization can issue an IDP by mail or online.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their branch locator. To find an AATA location, contact AATA directly by phone or through their website. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has the documents you need in stock, because some smaller branches may not issue IDPs regularly.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring your valid, unexpired driver's license from your home state. The license must be in your name and must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state DMV before you can obtain an IDP.

You will also need a form of identification that shows your photograph. A passport is the strongest option. If you do not have a passport, a state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID will work. The ID must be current and must match the name on your driver's license.

Bring one passport-sized photograph (2 by 2 inches) if the AAA or AATA office requires it. Some locations take a digital photo on-site; others ask you to provide one. Call ahead to confirm what the specific office needs.

You will also need to complete an process form. AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices or online. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. Bring a pen to fill it out, or fill it out before you arrive.

How long an IDP is valid and when it expires

An IDP is issued for either one year or three years, depending on which type you request. The one-year IDP costs less but expires after twelve months from the date of issue, whether you use it or not. The three-year IDP costs more but remains valid for three years. Most travelers choose the three-year permit because it covers multiple trips and does not expire between visits.

The expiration date is printed on the front of the permit. An expired IDP is not valid for driving abroad, even if your driver's license is still current. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, you cannot renew it overseas — you must return home and obtain a new one from AAA or AATA.

The IDP does not extend the validity of your driver's license. If your driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes useless because you no longer have a valid license to accompany it. Always check both expiration dates before traveling.

Countries that require or recognize an IDP

Some countries require an IDP by law. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, and many others in Europe and Asia. If you plan to rent a car or drive in any of these countries, you must have an IDP or you will not be permitted to drive, even if you have a valid U.S. license.

Other countries accept an IDP but do not require it. Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand fall into this category. You can drive with just your U.S. license, but carrying an IDP reduces the chance of confusion if you are stopped by police.

A small number of countries do not recognize an IDP at all. Before you travel, check the driving requirements for your specific destination through the U.S. State Department's travel advisory website or by contacting the embassy of the country you plan to visit. Do not assume an IDP will work everywhere.

The difference between an IDP and an international license

An IDP is sometimes confused with an "international license" or "international driver's license." These terms are not official and do not refer to a real document. There is no such thing as a universal international license issued by the United Nations or any global body. If a website offers to issue you an "international license" for a fee, it is either selling you an IDP (which you should get from AAA or AATA instead) or it is a scam.

Some countries issue their own domestic licenses that are recognized in other countries through bilateral agreements. These are not IDPs and are not available to U.S. citizens. An IDP is the only document that translates a U.S. driver's license for use abroad.

Common mistakes when obtaining an IDP

The most common mistake is waiting until the day before your trip to obtain an IDP. Although AAA can issue one the same day, not all locations have stock, and some may be busy. Plan to visit an AAA or AATA office at least one week before you travel.

Another mistake is obtaining an IDP but forgetting to bring your actual driver's license when you travel. The IDP is worthless without the license it translates. Pack both documents in your carry-on bag if you are flying, and keep them together at all times.

A third mistake is obtaining a one-year IDP for a trip that spans the expiration date. If you obtain an IDP in December and plan to drive in January of the following year, the permit may expire mid-trip. Choose the three-year option if you travel frequently or if your trip spans a calendar year.

Finally, do not assume an IDP works in every country. Check your destination's specific requirements before you travel. Some countries require additional documents, such as a carnet de passage (a customs document for vehicles) or an International Certificate of Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance. An IDP alone is not enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your driver's license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve the suspension or renew the license at your state DMV before you can obtain an IDP. AAA and AATA will not issue an IDP for an invalid license.

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

No, but it is recommended. Canada and Mexico accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, carrying an IDP reduces confusion if you are stopped by police and makes it easier to rent a car. Many car rental companies in Mexico require an IDP, so check with your rental company before you travel.

What happens if my IDP expires while I am traveling?

An expired IDP is no longer valid for driving. You cannot renew it overseas. If your IDP expires during your trip, you must stop driving and arrange to return home or find alternative transportation. Always check the expiration date before you leave and choose the three-year option if you travel frequently.

Can I get an IDP online or by mail?

No. AAA and AATA issue IDPs only in person at their offices. No online service or third-party website can legally issue a U.S. IDP. If a website claims to issue an IDP online, it is not legitimate. Visit an AAA or AATA office in your state.

Is an IDP the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country. An "international license" is not an official document and does not exist. If someone offers to sell you an international license, they are either misrepresenting an IDP or running a scam. Obtain your IDP only from AAA or AATA.