What an International Driving Permit Is and Where to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police and rental car companies in other countries that you hold a valid license at home.

You get an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get an IDP from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you cannot order one online or by mail — you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA office.

The process is straightforward: bring your valid driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-sized photo, and a completed process form. AAA and AATA will issue the permit on the spot, usually within minutes. The cost is typically $20 to $30, depending on which organization you use.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when driving outside the country.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office with your license, passport, one passport photo, and a completed process form.
  • The permit is issued when ready and costs between $20 and $30.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which term you choose at the time of process.
  • Some countries recognize only the one-year permit, so check your destination's requirements before deciding which term to purchase.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license — it must not be expired. You also need a valid passport or U.S. passport card. A passport card is acceptable and is smaller and cheaper than a full passport if you do not already have one.

You will need one passport-sized photograph, which is 2 inches by 2 inches. You can have this taken at most AAA offices, at post offices, and at many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. If you bring your own photo, it must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your full face against a plain background.

Finally, you need to complete an process form. AAA and AATA provide these forms at their offices, and you can also read them from their websites before you go. Filling it out takes a few minutes and asks for basic information like your name, address, and license number.

How to Find an AAA or AATA Office Near You

AAA has over 1,000 offices across the United States. To find the one closest to you, visit AAA.com and use their office locator tool, or call 1-800-AAA-HELP. Most AAA offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, and many are open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.

AATA has fewer offices than AAA but covers most major cities. You can find an AATA office through their website at AATA.org, or call 1-800-622-7070. Like AAA, AATA offices operate during business hours and may have limited weekend availability.

If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required. However, AAA members sometimes receive a small discount on the IDP fee. If you are not a member and want to join, you can do so at the same time you explore for your permit.

Choosing Between a One-Year and Three-Year Permit

When you explore, you will choose whether you want your IDP to be valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less, typically around $20. The three-year permit costs more, usually $25 to $30, but covers a longer period if you plan multiple international trips.

Before you decide, check the requirements of the countries you plan to visit. Some countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, recognize only the one-year IDP. If you buy a three-year permit and travel to one of these countries, you may be asked to show a one-year permit instead, which you will not have. Checking your destination's rules takes a few minutes online and can save you from this problem.

The permit is valid from the date it is issued, not from a calendar year. If you get a one-year permit on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the following year.

What Happens When Your Permit Expires

When your IDP expires, you cannot use it to drive abroad, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. You will need to get a new one by returning to an AAA or AATA office with the same documents you brought the first time.

You do not need to wait until your permit expires to renew it. Some travelers renew early if they know they will be taking another international trip soon. There is no penalty for getting a new permit before the old one runs out.

If your U.S. driver's license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the permit itself has not expired yet. The two documents must be used together, so you cannot drive abroad on an expired or suspended license just because your IDP is still good.

Why You Still Need Your U.S. License Too

The IDP is a translation document, not a license itself. It has no legal authority on its own. When you drive in another country, you must carry both your valid U.S. driver's license and your IDP together. Police will ask to see both, and rental car companies will require both before they hand over the keys.

If you lose your U.S. license while traveling, your IDP becomes useless. You cannot drive on the IDP alone. This is why many travelers keep a photocopy of their license in a separate bag as backup, though a photocopy is not a legal substitute for the original.

Some countries also require an International Driving Permit by law before they will rent you a car, even if you have a valid U.S. license. Others do not require it but accept it as proof that your license is legitimate. Checking your destination's rental car requirements before you travel prevents surprises at the rental counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Canada or Mexico?

No. Canada and Mexico recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, some car rental companies in these countries may ask for one anyway, so it does not hurt to have it. If you are driving your own car across the border, you do not need an IDP.

Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. license is suspended or expired?

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and not suspended. If your license is expired, you must renew it at your state's DMV before you can get an IDP. If your license is suspended, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted.

What if I lose my International Driving Permit while I'm traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They can issue you a replacement IDP or a letter confirming that you hold a valid U.S. license. Keep your U.S. license safe — without it, the IDP is worthless and you cannot legally drive.

How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit?

It is issued the same day you explore, usually within minutes. You walk in with your documents, complete the process, pay the fee, and walk out with the permit in hand. No waiting period or mail delivery is involved.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online?

No. You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office. Some websites claim to offer online IDP services, but these are not legitimate. The only valid IDPs come from AAA or AATA, and both require you to appear in person.