What an International Driving Permit Is and Where to Get One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your valid U.S. license, and some countries do not recognize it at all. You obtain one through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit takes about 15 minutes to obtain in person at an AAA office, or you can order one by mail. You do not need to pass a test or prove anything beyond holding a current U.S. driver's license. The cost is typically $20, though prices vary slightly by location and method.

Before you spend the money, check whether the countries you plan to visit actually require or recognize an IDP. Many European nations, Canada, and Australia do not require one if you carry your U.S. license and passport. Some countries require one only if your U.S. license is not in English or if you plan to rent a car. A few countries — including some in the Middle East and parts of Asia — will not accept an IDP at all and may require an official translation of your U.S. license instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States, so do not purchase one from any other source.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP; no written test or road test is required.
  • An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue and is only useful when carried together with your original U.S. license.
  • Many countries do not require an IDP even if you are renting a car, so research your specific destinations before purchasing one.
  • An IDP costs around $20 and can be obtained in person at an AAA office in about 15 minutes, or ordered by mail.

Getting an IDP in Person at an AAA Office

The fastest way to obtain an International Driving Permit is to visit an AAA office in your state. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and one passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). Some AAA offices accept digital photos taken on the spot, so call ahead to confirm what your local office requires.

The process takes roughly 15 minutes. You will fill out a one-page form (Form DS-11 equivalent, though AAA uses its own version) that asks for your name, address, license number, and the countries you plan to visit. You pay the fee — typically $20 for AAA members and $30 for non-members, though this varies by location — and walk out with your permit the same day.

To find an AAA office near you, visit aaa.com and use their office locator. Not every AAA office issues IDPs, so confirm before you drive there. If you are not an AAA member, you can still purchase an IDP, but the fee is higher.

Ordering an IDP by Mail Through AAA

If no AAA office is convenient, you can order an International Driving Permit by mail. Visit aaa.com, navigate to their IDP ordering page, and read the process form. You will need to mail in your completed form, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license (front and back), one passport-sized photo, and a check or money order for the fee.

Mail your packet to the AAA address listed on the form. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date AAA receives your materials. Your IDP will arrive by mail at the address you provide. This method is slower than visiting in person, so order well before your trip — at least a month in advance if possible.

Keep your receipt or confirmation number so you can track your order if needed. AAA does not typically send email confirmations for mail orders, so write down the date you mailed your process.

Getting an IDP Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer of International Driving Permits. AATA does not have physical offices, so you must order by mail or through their website. Visit aata.com to read the process form and review current fees and processing times.

The process is similar to AAA's mail order: send in your completed form, a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-sized photo, and payment. AATA's fees are typically comparable to AAA's, though they may differ slightly. Processing time is usually two to three weeks.

AATA is a good option if you prefer not to visit an AAA office or if you live in an area without nearby AAA locations. The end result — your International Driving Permit — is identical regardless of which organization issues it.

What You Need Before You explore

To obtain an International Driving Permit, you must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. Your license must be current on the date you explore; an expired or suspended license will disqualify you. Your license does not need to be a "real ID" or enhanced license — a standard driver's license is sufficient.

You will also need a passport-sized photo (2x2 inches). If you are explore in person at AAA, some offices will take the photo for you on the spot for a small additional fee. If you are ordering by mail, you must provide your own photo. The photo should be recent (taken within the last six months), show your face clearly, and have a plain background.

Have your current address ready, as it will appear on your IDP. If you have recently moved, update your driver's license first or be prepared to provide both your old and new addresses on the process.

How Long an IDP Is Valid and When to Renew

An International Driving Permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Unlike your U.S. driver's license, an IDP does not renew — you must obtain a new one each time you travel internationally if your previous permit has expired.

If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid. Plan ahead: if you take multiple international trips per year, you may want to obtain a new IDP before each trip rather than risk carrying an expired one. Some countries' rental car companies will refuse to rent to you if your IDP is expired, even if your U.S. license is current.

Check the expiration date on your IDP before you leave for your trip. If it has expired or will expire during your travel dates, obtain a new one before you go.

Countries That Require or Recognize an IDP

Requirements vary widely by country and change periodically. Some countries require an IDP for any driving; others require one only if your U.S. license is not in English; still others do not recognize an IDP at all. Before you purchase one, research the specific countries on your itinerary.

Generally, many European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy) accept a U.S. license alone but may prefer an IDP. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand typically do not require an IDP if you carry your U.S. license and passport. Some countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have stricter requirements — some demand an IDP, others require an official translation of your U.S. license, and a few accept neither.

Your car rental company is often a better source of information than a government website. Contact the rental agency for your destination and ask directly whether they require an IDP. If they do, purchase one. If they do not, you may not need one even if the country technically allows it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an International Driving Permit without my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police or asked to show your license at a rental car counter, you must present both documents. The IDP alone is not a valid license.

What if my U.S. driver's license expires while I have an IDP?

Your IDP becomes invalid if your U.S. license expires, because the IDP is tied to your license number and validity. If you renew your U.S. license before your trip, you will need to obtain a new IDP as well, since the IDP is issued for one year from the date of process and is specific to your license number.

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

Mexico does not require an IDP if you carry a valid U.S. driver's license and proof of insurance. Canada does not require an IDP either. However, some car rental companies in either country may request one, so check with your rental agency before you travel. If they do not require it, you do not need to purchase one.

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

No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot obtain an IDP until your license is reinstated or renewed.

What happens if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA (depending on who issued it) as soon as possible to report the loss. You can continue driving with your U.S. license alone in most countries, though some may require a police report of the loss. Keep your receipt or confirmation number from when you obtained the IDP so you can prove you had one if needed.