What an International Driving Permit Is and Where You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your home country's driver's license into ten languages. It is not a license itself — it does not replace your actual license, and you cannot drive on an IDP alone. Instead, it sits alongside your real license and tells police and rental companies in other countries that your license is valid.

You need an IDP if you plan to drive in most countries outside the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. The requirement depends on where you are going, not where you are from. A U.S. driver's license alone is often accepted in Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands, but most other countries — including much of Asia, Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe — require the IDP as proof that your home license is legitimate.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body. In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. You do not get one from the country you are visiting.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your license into ten languages and is required by most countries outside North America and Western Europe.
  • You must carry both your real driver's license and the IDP together — the IDP alone is not valid for driving.
  • The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association, not by the country you plan to visit.
  • Some countries accept a U.S. license alone (Canada, Mexico, some Caribbean nations), while others require the IDP or will not recognize either document.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 in the United States.

Countries That Require an International Driving Permit

Most countries outside North America and Western Europe require an IDP. This includes nearly all of Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, and Eastern Europe. If you are renting a car or driving in any country where English is not the primary language, assume you need one unless you have checked with the rental company or your destination's tourism board first.

Specific countries that require an IDP include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Egypt, South Africa, Turkey, Russia, and most Middle Eastern nations. The requirement is not always enforced uniformly — a police officer in one region may not ask for it while another does — but carrying one protects you from fines, vehicle impoundment, or being unable to rent a car.

Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the United States and accept a U.S. driver's license without an IDP. These include Canada, Mexico, and several Caribbean islands such as Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, even in these places, an IDP can be useful if your license is damaged, expired, or if you want to avoid any confusion at a rental counter.

Countries That Accept a U.S. License Alone

A handful of countries accept a valid U.S. driver's license without requiring an IDP. Canada and Mexico are the most common destinations where this applies. If you are driving in either country, your U.S. license is sufficient, though you should also carry your passport.

Some Caribbean nations and territories also accept a U.S. license alone, including Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, rental companies in these locations may have their own policies and sometimes request an IDP anyway, so it is worth confirming before you book.

Even when a country accepts a U.S. license, carrying an IDP is never wrong and can prevent delays or confusion. An IDP is inexpensive and valid for a year, so many travelers carry one as insurance regardless of their destination.

Countries That Do Not Recognize Either Document

A small number of countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's license or an International Driving Permit at all. These nations require you to obtain a local driving permit or license before you can legally drive. This is rare but does occur in some countries with strict vehicle regulations or limited tourism infrastructure.

If you are planning to drive in a country you are unfamiliar with, contact the country's embassy or tourism board before your trip. They can tell you whether your U.S. license and IDP will be accepted or whether you need to take additional steps. Rental companies can also provide this information when you make a reservation.

How to Get an International Driving Permit in the United States

In the United States, you can obtain an IDP from two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, and both documents are equally valid internationally.

To get an IDP from AAA, you must be a member. Visit a local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form (Form DS-11 or the AAA equivalent), and a passport-sized photograph. The IDP is issued on the spot and costs around $15 to $20. You do not need to pass a test or provide any additional documentation beyond your license and photo.

AATA issues IDPs without requiring membership. You can explore in person at an AATA office or by mail. The process is similar: submit your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process, and a passport photo. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. The cost is comparable to AAA's fee.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If your trip is more than a year away, you can wait to obtain it closer to your departure date. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you cannot replace it abroad — you would need to return home or contact your country's embassy for information.

What to Bring When You Drive Internationally

When you drive in another country, you must carry both your original U.S. driver's license and your International Driving Permit together. Carrying only the IDP is not sufficient — police and rental companies need to see both documents. You should also carry your passport and, depending on the country, an international vehicle registration document (sometimes called a carnet de passage).

Keep your documents in a safe, accessible place — not locked in the trunk or left in the car. If you are stopped by police, you will need to produce them quickly. Make photocopies of both documents and store them separately from the originals in case of loss or theft.

Some countries also require additional documents such as proof of insurance, vehicle registration, or a visa. Check with your destination's embassy or tourism board at least two weeks before you travel to confirm what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive internationally with just my U.S. license?

In Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands, yes. In most other countries, no — you need an International Driving Permit. Even where a U.S. license is accepted, rental companies may request an IDP, so carrying one is safer.

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

If you explore in person at AAA or AATA, you receive it the same day. If you explore by mail through AATA, it takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if your trip is coming up soon.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in all countries?

No. Most countries accept it, but a few do not recognize either a U.S. license or an IDP. Contact your destination's embassy or tourism board to confirm before you travel.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Many rental companies outside North America and Western Europe require an IDP as a condition of renting. Check with the rental company when you book to be certain.

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

You risk being fined, having your vehicle impounded, or being unable to rent a car. Police may also refuse to accept your U.S. license alone as proof of driving authority. Carrying an IDP is inexpensive insurance against these outcomes.