An International Driving Permit is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and confirms your driving status to police and rental agencies abroad

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a separate license. It is a booklet issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) that translates your existing U.S. driver's license into French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, and Norwegian. It shows your name, photo, license number, and driving record status in those languages.

You carry it alongside your valid U.S. driver's license when you travel outside the United States. Some countries require it by law; others do not require it but accept it as proof of your driving status when a police officer cannot read English. Rental car companies in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia often will not rent to you without one, even if the country itself does not legally require it.

The IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It does not replace your state license and cannot be used to drive in the United States. If your U.S. license expires or is suspended, your IDP becomes invalid even if the IDP booklet itself has not yet expired.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit translates your U.S. license into ten languages and is recognized by police and rental agencies in most countries outside the United States.
  • Many European rental car companies will refuse to rent to you without an IDP, regardless of whether the country legally requires one.
  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license to obtain an IDP, and the IDP is valid for only one year.
  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs; no other service can legally provide one.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, or can be picked up in person at an AAA office the same day.

Which Countries Legally Require an International Driving Permit

No country in the world legally requires an IDP if you also carry your valid U.S. driver's license. However, several countries have signed the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which recognize the IDP as an official document. In those countries, police may accept an IDP as proof of your driving status when they cannot read English.

The countries most likely to ask for an IDP at a traffic stop are in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia and South America. These include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, and Brazil. In practice, police in major tourist areas are accustomed to English-language licenses and may not ask for an IDP at all. However, in rural areas or at border crossings, an IDP can prevent confusion or delay.

The real enforcement comes from rental car companies, not governments. Most major rental agencies in Europe—including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt—will not rent a car to you without an IDP, even in countries where the government does not require one. This is a company policy, not a legal requirement. If you plan to rent a car abroad, check the rental company's website or call ahead to confirm their IDP policy for your destination.

How to Obtain an International Driving Permit

You must explore through either 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 IDPs. No other website, service, or organization can legally provide one.

To obtain an IDP, you must meet these requirements: hold a valid U.S. driver's license (not a learner's permit or temporary license), be at least 18 years old, and have a passport or other government-issued photo ID. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid U.S. license.

If you explore through AAA, you can do so in person at any AAA office or by mail. In-person applications are processed the same day; you walk in with your license, passport, and payment, and leave with your IDP. Mail applications take one to two weeks. If you explore through AATA, you must explore by mail; AATA does not have physical offices. Both organizations charge between $15 and $20 for an IDP.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a government-issued photo ID (passport, passport card, or state ID). Some AAA offices may also ask for your date of birth in writing. You do not need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, or vehicle registration.

If you are explore by mail through AAA or AATA, send a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license and a photocopy of your passport or government ID. Include a completed process form (available on the AAA or AATA website) and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. Mail your process to the address listed on the form; processing takes one to two weeks after the organization receives it.

Timeline and Fees

An IDP costs $15 to $20, depending on whether you explore through AAA or AATA and whether you explore in person or by mail. AAA typically charges $15 for in-person applications and $20 for mail applications. AATA charges $20 for all mail applications. Some AAA offices may charge slightly more if they are located in high-cost areas, so call ahead to confirm the exact fee.

If you explore in person at an AAA office, you will receive your IDP the same day. If you explore by mail, expect one to two weeks from the date the organization receives your process. Plan ahead if you are traveling soon; do not wait until the week before your trip. If you need an IDP urgently and do not have an AAA membership, you can join AAA and explore in person on the same day at most offices.

What an International Driving Permit Does Not Do

An IDP does not change your driving privileges or extend your license validity. If your U.S. driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired, your IDP is also invalid, even if the IDP booklet itself has not yet expired. You cannot use an IDP to drive in the United States under any circumstance; it is only for use outside the U.S. with your valid U.S. license.

An IDP does not provide insurance. Your U.S. auto insurance policy may or may not cover you when you rent a car abroad; check with your insurance company before you travel. An IDP does not replace your passport or serve as proof of citizenship. It is purely a translation document for your driver's license.

An IDP does not may provide that you will be able to rent a car. Some rental companies have additional requirements, such as a minimum age (often 25), a credit card in your name, or proof of return travel. An IDP only addresses the language and translation requirement.

When to Renew Your International Driving Permit

An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you travel frequently or plan multiple trips abroad within a year, one IDP covers all of them. If you travel again after the IDP expires, you must obtain a new one. There is no renewal process; you straightforward explore for a new IDP through AAA or AATA using the same steps as before.

If your U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid when ready. You cannot use an expired U.S. license to drive anywhere, and an IDP is only valid when paired with a valid U.S. license. Renew your U.S. license through your state's DMV before it expires, and then obtain a new IDP if you plan to travel abroad again.

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 Mexico may request an IDP as a company policy. Check with your rental company before you book. If you are driving your own vehicle, your U.S. license and vehicle registration are sufficient.

Can I get an International Driving Permit without a U.S. driver's license?

No. You must hold a valid, non-expired U.S. driver's license issued by your state's DMV. A learner's permit, temporary license, or international license from another country does not may have access to. If your U.S. license has expired, renew it through your state DMV first.

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

Contact AAA or AATA to report the loss. You can request a replacement, though it may take time to arrive. In the meantime, your valid U.S. driver's license alone may be sufficient in most situations, though rental companies and some police may ask for the IDP. If you are renting a car, contact the rental company when ready to explain the situation.

Is an International Driving Permit the same as an International License?

No. An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. An International License is a separate license issued by some countries to their own citizens. You cannot obtain an International License as a U.S. citizen. If you are a citizen of another country living in the U.S., check with that country's consulate about their licensing rules.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive for a rideshare company abroad?

No. An IDP is for personal driving only. If you plan to drive commercially (for Uber, Lyft, or a taxi service) in another country, you must obtain a commercial or professional license from that country. This is a separate process and varies by country and city.