An International Driver's Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages
An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a separate document issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) that translates your existing U.S. driver's license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It is not a license itself — it does not replace your state license and does not grant you driving rights you do not already have. It is a translation document that some countries require or strongly prefer when you rent a vehicle or are stopped by police.
The IDP is issued in the United States only by AAA and AATA, the two organizations authorized by the United Nations Convention on Road Signs and Signals. You cannot obtain one from your state DMV, and no other organization can issue a valid IDP. The document is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be carried together with your valid U.S. driver's license — presenting one without the other defeats its purpose.
Whether you need an IDP depends on the country you are visiting and the rental car company's policy. Some countries legally require it; others do not require it but rental agencies will not rent to you without one. A few countries accept only your U.S. license. Before you travel, contact your destination country's embassy or consulate and your rental car company to confirm what they will accept.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driver's Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages, issued only by AAA or AATA.
- You must carry your valid U.S. driver's license together with the IDP — neither document is valid alone.
- Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not require it but rental car companies will refuse to rent without one.
- The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it.
- You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP.
Who Issues an International Driver's Permit and Where to Get One
Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). AAA is the larger and more widely available option — it has over 1,000 local clubs across the country. AATA is smaller but serves the same function and issues the same document.
To obtain an IDP from AAA, you must visit a local AAA office in person. You cannot order one by mail or online. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, proof of citizenship or permanent residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and a completed process form, which AAA will provide. The process takes about 15 minutes. AAA charges a fee, which varies slightly by location but is typically $15 to $20. If you are not an AAA member, you can still obtain an IDP, though some locations may charge a small additional fee.
AATA operates similarly but has fewer physical locations. You can find AATA offices through their website or by phone. The requirements and fees are the same as AAA. Both organizations issue the IDP on the spot if you bring all required documents.
What Documents You Need to Bring
To obtain an International Driver's Permit, you must bring three things to the AAA or AATA office:
- A valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license from any state.
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card (green card).
- A completed process form, which the office will provide or which you can read from the AAA or AATA website before you go.
You do not need a new photo or medical examination. The IDP uses the photo and information from your existing driver's license. If your license is expired or will expire before you travel, renew it with your state DMV first — the IDP cannot be issued on an expired license.
Bring the original documents, not copies. Some offices will accept a photocopy of your proof of citizenship, but call ahead to confirm. You must explore in person; no one else can explore on your behalf.
How Long an International Driver's Permit Lasts and When to Renew
An International Driver's Permit is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued. It does not renew automatically. If you need an IDP for a trip that occurs after the one-year expiration date, you must obtain a new one by visiting an AAA or AATA office again.
The one-year validity period is set by international agreement and cannot be extended. Some people obtain a second IDP before the first one expires if they plan multiple international trips within a short time, though this is not necessary if your trips are more than a year apart.
Your U.S. driver's license does not expire when your IDP expires. The two documents are separate. If your U.S. license expires, you must renew it with your state DMV, but you do not need to renew your IDP unless you plan to travel internationally again.
Countries That Require or Recommend an International Driver's Permit
More than 150 countries recognize the International Driver's Permit. However, recognition does not always mean requirement. Some countries legally require it; others accept it but do not require it; and a few do not recognize it at all.
Countries that legally require an IDP include many in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand), and Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina). In these places, driving without an IDP when one is required can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, or both, even if you have a valid U.S. license.
Rental car companies in countries that do not legally require an IDP often will not rent to you without one. This is a company policy, not a law. Major rental agencies in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand frequently demand an IDP even though their governments do not require it. Before you book a rental car, confirm the company's policy in writing.
A small number of countries — including Canada and some Caribbean nations — accept only a valid U.S. driver's license and do not recognize the IDP. Check with your destination country's embassy or consulate before you travel.
The Difference Between an International Driver's Permit and an International Driving License
The terms "International Driver's Permit" and "international driving license" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. An International Driver's Permit is a translation document issued in the United States by AAA or AATA. It is not a license and does not grant driving rights.
An international driving license is a separate credential issued by some countries to their own citizens. For example, some countries issue their own version of an international license to residents who hold a domestic license. These are not recognized in the United States and are not what you need to drive in other countries as a U.S. citizen.
If you are a U.S. citizen, you need only the International Driver's Permit issued by AAA or AATA. Do not confuse it with any other document.
What Happens If You Drive Without an International Driver's Permit When One Is Required
If you drive in a country that requires an International Driver's Permit and you do not have one, you are breaking that country's law. The consequences vary by country but typically include fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, vehicle impoundment, or both. In some countries, police can refuse to let you continue driving and may require you to hire a local driver or return the rental vehicle when ready.
Your U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient in countries that legally require an IDP, even if the license is valid and you are a safe driver. The requirement exists in law, not as a suggestion. Rental car companies in these countries will not rent to you without proof that you have an IDP, so you will not be able to rent a vehicle at all if you do not have one.
If you are unsure whether your destination requires an IDP, contact the country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They can tell you definitively what documents you need. It is much easier to obtain an IDP before you travel than to deal with fines or legal trouble once you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an International Driver's Permit if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must hold a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Reinstate your license with your state DMV first.
Do I need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?
Canada does not require or recognize an IDP — your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. Mexico does not legally require an IDP, but many rental car companies in Mexico will not rent to you without one. Check with your rental company before you book.
What if I lose my International Driver's Permit while traveling?
Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can advise you on local driving laws and your options. You may be able to rent a vehicle with only your U.S. license, depending on the country and rental company policy. Some travelers obtain two IDPs before traveling for this reason.
Can I renew my International Driver's Permit by mail?
No. You must visit an AAA or AATA office in person to obtain a new IDP. There is no mail-in or online renewal process.
Is an International Driver's Permit the same as an International Driving Permit?
The terms are used interchangeably in the United States. Both refer to the same document issued by AAA or AATA — a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. Do not confuse it with an international driving license, which is a different credential issued by some countries to their own residents.