An International Driving Permit translates your US license into a document other countries recognize

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your US driver's license into multiple languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license and does not replace your US license — you must carry both together. The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the US 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 will accept your US license alone; others require the IDP as proof that your license is legitimate. A few countries will not recognize either document without an IDP. The rules vary by country and change, so checking with your destination's embassy or your rental car company before you travel is the safest step.

The IDP is valid for one or three years, depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $20 and takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or you can order one by mail if you are not near a location.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid US driver's license.
  • Most countries that require an IDP will accept either the one-year or three-year version, though some have specific requirements you should verify before traveling.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA office in about 15 minutes, or by mail if you submit your process and documents by post.
  • The IDP costs $15 to $20 and is not a replacement for your US license — it is a translation document that works only when paired with your actual license.

Who can get an International Driving Permit

You must hold a valid, unexpired US driver's license to obtain an IDP. The license can be from any state. You do not need a special class of license — a standard passenger vehicle license qualifies.

You must be at least 18 years old. If you hold a learner's permit or a provisional license, you cannot get an IDP. Some states issue licenses to people under 18; those licenses do not may have access to either.

You do not need to be a US citizen. If you hold a valid US driver's license issued by any state, you can get an IDP regardless of your citizenship or immigration status.

How to get an IDP in person at AAA

Visit an AAA office near you with your valid driver's license, a passport or other government-issued photo ID, and a completed process form. AAA provides the form at the office, or you can read it from the AAA website before you go. Bring a pen to fill it out on site if you have not completed it at home.

You will need one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Many AAA offices have photo services on site, but not all — call ahead to confirm. If your office does not offer photos, you can bring one from a pharmacy or passport photo service.

Pay the fee in cash or card. The IDP is issued on the spot. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You will receive either a one-year or three-year permit depending on which you request and pay for.

How to get an IDP by mail

read the IDP process from the AAA website or AATA website. Complete it by hand in black or blue ink — do not use pencil or type it. Sign and date the form.

Gather your documents: a copy of your valid driver's license (front and back), a copy of your passport or government-issued photo ID, and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Tape or glue the photo to the process where indicated. Do not use a staple or paperclip.

Mail your completed process, documents, and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment is by check or money order — most mail applications do not accept card payments. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the IDP returned by regular mail, or pay extra for expedited return.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date AAA or AATA receives your process. Check the website for current processing times before you mail your process, especially if you are traveling soon.

One-year versus three-year permits

The one-year IDP costs less and is sufficient if you travel internationally once or twice. The three-year IDP costs more but covers multiple trips over a longer period. Both versions are equally valid in foreign countries — the difference is only how long you can use it.

Choose based on your travel plans. If you are unsure whether you will travel again within three years, the one-year permit is the safer choice. If you travel regularly or know you will be driving abroad more than once in the next few years, the three-year permit saves you money and the hassle of obtaining a new one.

The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. You can renew it before it expires by submitting a new process and fee to AAA or AATA, following the same process as a first-time process.

What to do if you lose your IDP while traveling

Contact AAA or AATA when ready. They can issue a replacement, but the process takes time and may not be possible while you are abroad. Some countries have US embassies or consulates that can help, but they cannot issue a replacement IDP — only AAA and AATA can do that.

If you lose your IDP during your trip, your US driver's license alone may not be sufficient to rent a car or drive legally, depending on the country. The best protection is to make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original, or take a photo of it on your phone. If you lose the original, you have proof of what it said.

Before you travel, write down the AAA or AATA customer service number and keep it in your phone or wallet. If your IDP is lost or stolen, you can call them when ready to report it and ask about emergency options.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others accept or require an IDP. Some countries will let you drive on your US license alone for a short visit, but will not rent you a car without an IDP. A few countries require an IDP by law.

The rules change and vary widely. Before you book a rental car or plan to drive, contact the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP for your destination. You can also check the US State Department website or contact the embassy of the country you are visiting.

If you are renting a car, the rental company's requirements matter more than the country's law. Even if the country does not legally require an IDP, the rental company may refuse to rent to you without one. Confirming this before you travel prevents problems at the rental counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my US license and no IDP?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries accept a US license alone for short visits, while others require an IDP by law. Rental car companies often have stricter rules than the country itself. Always check with your rental company and the country's embassy before you travel.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an international license?

No. An IDP is a translation document that works only alongside your US license. An international license is a separate license issued by another country. You cannot get an international license from the US — only an IDP.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I am leaving soon?

In-person applications at AAA are processed on the spot, so you can get an IDP the same day you explore. Mail applications take two to four weeks. If you are traveling within a few days, visit an AAA office in person.

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting another country and not driving?

No. An IDP is only for people who plan to drive. If you are renting a car, driving a friend's car, or using your own car, you need an IDP in most countries. If you are using public transportation or hiring a driver, you do not need one.

What happens if I drive without an IDP in a country that requires one?

You may be fined, have your car impounded, or face other legal consequences depending on the country. Police in some countries will not recognize your US license without an IDP. It is not worth the risk — get an IDP before you travel if the country or rental company requires one.