An International Driver's Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages so you can rent a car or prove your identity in other countries

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is not a license — it is a translation booklet. It contains your name, photo, driving record information, and license number printed in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Norwegian. When you travel outside the United States, some car rental companies, police officers, or border officials may ask to see it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) under an international treaty called the 1926 Convention on Motor Traffic. It costs $20 and is valid for three years. You cannot drive legally with only an IDP — you must carry your actual U.S. driver's license at all times.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license into ten languages, not a separate license or permit.
  • You get an IDP from AAA or AATA in person, bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-style photo, and pay $20 for three years of validity.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP, but some car rental companies will not rent to you without one, even if the country does not legally require it.
  • An IDP does not replace your U.S. driver's license and must be carried together with it at all times when driving abroad.
  • If your U.S. driver's license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, your IDP becomes invalid even if the three-year period has not ended.

Who Issues an International Driver's Permit and How to Get One

Only two organizations in the United States are authorized to issue an IDP: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). You cannot order one online or by mail — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office in your state.

To get an IDP, bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and $20 cash or a card. Some AAA offices accept checks. The staff member will verify your license is current and not suspended, take your photo information, and issue the booklet on the spot. The entire process takes about ten minutes.

If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required. However, if you are already a member, the $20 fee is the same. Some AAA offices are located inside gas stations, grocery stores, or shopping centers, so you may not need to visit a dedicated AAA building.

Which Countries Legally Require an International Driver's Permit

No country legally requires you to carry an IDP if you have a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some countries recognize and prefer the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate and that you are authorized to drive. The countries most likely to ask for one are in Europe, South America, and parts of Asia.

The U.S. State Department recommends carrying an IDP if you plan to drive in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, or Turkey. In practice, whether you are asked to show one depends on whether a police officer stops you, whether a car rental company has a policy requiring one, and whether you cross into a country with stricter enforcement.

If you are stopped by police in a country that recognizes the IDP and you do not have one, you may face a fine or be asked to produce your license at a police station later. Having an IDP does not may provide you will avoid a fine — it straightforward makes it easier for an officer to verify that your U.S. license is real and that you are legally allowed to drive.

Car Rental Companies and International Driver's Permit Requirements

Many international car rental companies require an IDP even in countries where it is not legally required. Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Europcar often list an IDP as a requirement for U.S. drivers in their rental terms. Some companies will refuse to rent to you without one, while others will rent but charge an extra fee or require you to sign a waiver.

The requirement varies by location and by company. A Hertz location in France may require an IDP, while a Hertz location in Canada may not. Before you book a rental car, call the specific rental location or check the rental agreement to see whether an IDP is required. If you arrive without one and the company refuses to rent to you, you will not be able to get a refund on your reservation.

Some smaller local rental companies do not require an IDP at all. If a major company's requirement is a problem, you may be able to rent from a local operator instead, though prices and vehicle quality may differ. Always confirm the requirement before you travel.

How Long an International Driver's Permit Stays Valid

An IDP is valid for three years from the date of issue. However, it becomes invalid when ready if your U.S. driver's license expires, is suspended, or is revoked — even if the three-year period has not ended. If you renew your U.S. driver's license, you must get a new IDP; the old one cannot be transferred or updated.

If your license is suspended for a traffic violation, unpaid fines, or failure to pay child support, your IDP is no longer valid. If you are caught driving in another country with an invalid IDP, you may face fines or legal trouble in that country.

Keep track of your IDP's expiration date and your U.S. driver's license expiration date. If either one is about to expire and you plan to travel, renew your license first, then get a new IDP. Some people get a new IDP every time they renew their license to avoid confusion.

International Driver's Permit vs. Real ID and Other Travel Documents

An IDP is different from a Real ID. Real ID is a security standard for U.S. driver's licenses and state ID cards that allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. An IDP has nothing to do with domestic travel or federal buildings — it is only for driving in other countries.

If you are flying internationally, you will need a passport, not an IDP. An IDP does not replace a passport and will not get you through airport security in another country. Some countries also require a visa in addition to a passport. Check the entry requirements for your destination country before you travel.

If you are driving to Canada or Mexico from the United States, you do not legally need an IDP, but it may still be useful if you are stopped by police. Mexico does not require an IDP, but having one can speed up a traffic stop. Canada does not require an IDP either, and most Canadian police officers are familiar with U.S. driver's licenses.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked While You Have an IDP

If your U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked, your IDP becomes invalid when ready, even if you have not been notified yet. If you are driving in another country and are stopped by police, showing an invalid IDP will not help you — in fact, it may make the situation worse because you will be driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Suspension can happen for many reasons: unpaid traffic fines, accumulating too many points, driving under the influence, failure to pay child support, or failure to maintain car insurance. If you know your license is at risk of suspension, do not travel internationally until the suspension is resolved and your license is reinstated.

If you are already abroad when your license is suspended, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country for guidance. Driving with a suspended license in a foreign country can result in arrest, fines, and legal consequences that follow you back to the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just an International Driver's Permit and no U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only a translation of your U.S. driver's license. You must carry your actual U.S. driver's license at all times. If you are stopped by police and have only an IDP, you will be considered to be driving without a license.

Do I need an International Driver's Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No, neither country legally requires an IDP. Your U.S. driver's license is sufficient. However, having an IDP may speed up a traffic stop because it provides a translation of your information. Many people choose to get one anyway for convenience.

What if I lose my International Driver's Permit while traveling?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and explain the situation. They may be able to issue a replacement or provide a letter confirming your license status. You can also continue to drive with your U.S. driver's license alone, though you may have trouble renting a car if the company requires an IDP.

How much does an International Driver's Permit cost and how long does it take to get one?

An IDP costs $20 and is valid for three years. You get it in person at an AAA or AATA office, and the process takes about ten minutes. There is no online or mail option, and there are no expedited services.

What if my U.S. driver's license is about to expire and I am planning to travel?

Renew your U.S. driver's license before you travel. Once your new license arrives, go to AAA or AATA and get a new IDP. Your old IDP will no longer be valid once your license is renewed, so do not rely on the old one.