What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver's license into ten languages and confirms to foreign authorities that you hold a valid license at home. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual driver's license, which you must carry with it. Most countries that recognize IDPs do so because they want proof that a driver has already passed a licensing test somewhere, not that they are starting fresh.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car or drive in another country. Some car rental companies abroad will refuse to rent to you without one, even if your U.S. license is valid. A few countries require it by law; many others do not, but rental companies enforce it anyway. If you are traveling and plan to use public transit or hire a driver, you do not need one.

An IDP is issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No government agency issues it. You cannot get one from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, and you do not explore through any government office.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA, not a government agency, and must be carried with your actual driver's license.
  • You must hold a valid U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP, and you must explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.
  • The process takes about 15 minutes and costs between $15 and $20, with no waiting period — you receive the permit the same day.
  • An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and it expires whether you use it or not.
  • Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

What You Need to Bring to Get an IDP

Bring your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport or other government-issued photo ID. The IDP issuer will check that your license is current and matches your identity. You will also need to bring payment — AAA and AATA accept cash and credit cards.

You do not need a medical exam, a written test, or a road test. You do not need to renew your driver's license first. If your license is expired, you cannot get an IDP until you renew it through your state's DMV.

Bring a second form of identification if possible. While a passport is the standard, some offices accept a state ID card or military ID. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

Where to explore and How Long It Takes

Visit an AAA office in person. AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States. You can find the nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. If you do not have an AAA membership, you can still get an IDP — membership is not required.

If there is no AAA office near you, contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) directly. AATA is smaller than AAA and has fewer locations, but it issues the same permit. You can find AATA locations and contact information on its website.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes. You walk in, show your documents, pay the fee, and receive your IDP on the spot. There is no waiting period, no mailing delay, and no approval process. You leave with the permit in hand.

Cost and How Long an IDP Remains Valid

An IDP costs between $15 and $20 at AAA, depending on your location and membership status. AATA charges a similar amount. This is a one-time fee — you do not renew it through a government office or pay annual fees.

You can purchase an IDP valid for one year or three years. The one-year permit costs less but expires faster. The three-year permit costs more upfront but lasts longer and is better if you travel internationally more than once. Both are valid only for the number of years you purchase; an expired IDP cannot be used, even if your driver's license is still valid.

An IDP expires on a fixed date regardless of whether you use it. If you buy a one-year permit on March 15, it expires on March 15 of the following year. If you buy a three-year permit, it expires three years from the date of issue. Plan your purchase around your travel dates so the permit does not expire while you are abroad.

Countries That Recognize and Require an IDP

Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic recognize U.S. IDPs. This includes most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many others. However, recognition varies — some countries accept an IDP as optional backup, while others require it by law.

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. China, India, and Russia are among them. In these places, you may need an International Driving Permit issued by your country's automobile association, or you may need to obtain a local driving permit before you rent a car. A few countries require both your U.S. license and an IDP, plus a certified translation of your license into the local language.

Before you travel, check the specific requirements of your destination country. Contact the country's embassy or consulate, or ask your car rental company what documents they require. Do not assume that because one European country accepts an IDP, all of them do — requirements differ.

What Happens If You Lose Your IDP or It Gets Damaged

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must get a replacement. Return to the same AAA or AATA office where you obtained it, bring your driver's license and ID again, and pay the replacement fee. Replacement costs the same as a new IDP — between $15 and $20. You receive the replacement on the same day.

If you are traveling and your IDP is lost abroad, contact AAA or AATA from where you are. Some offices can issue emergency replacements or provide documentation that you held a valid permit. However, this process is slower and may not be possible in all countries. It is safer to keep your IDP in a separate pocket from your wallet and to photograph it before you leave home.

A damaged IDP — one that is torn, water-damaged, or illegible — should be replaced before you travel. Do not try to use a damaged permit; foreign authorities may not accept it, and a rental company may refuse to honor your reservation.

IDP vs. a Local Driving License in Another Country

An IDP is not the same as a local driving license. It does not give you the right to drive in another country on its own — it only confirms that you hold a valid license at home. To drive legally abroad, you must have both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP.

Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license and IDP for a limited time — often 30 days to one year, depending on the country. After that period, you must obtain a local license if you want to continue driving. A few countries require you to exchange your U.S. license for a local one when ready upon arrival.

If you plan to live abroad or work as a driver in another country, an IDP is not enough. You will need to follow that country's licensing process, which usually involves a written test and a road test in the local language. An IDP does not exempt you from these requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your IDP is valid only if your U.S. driver's license is valid. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP. Once your license is reinstated, you can explore for an IDP at that time.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Canada and Mexico both recognize U.S. driver's licenses, so an IDP is not legally required. However, some car rental companies in these countries may request one anyway. Call your rental company before you travel to confirm their specific requirements.

What if I have a commercial driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement?

An IDP translates your standard driver's license only. It does not cover commercial driving or motorcycle endorsements. If you plan to rent a commercial vehicle or motorcycle abroad, you will need to follow that country's specific requirements for those vehicle types.

Can I use an IDP I got years ago, or do I need a new one?

An IDP is valid only for the number of years you purchased — one year or three years. If your IDP has expired, it cannot be used, even if your U.S. driver's license is still valid. You must purchase a new IDP before you travel.

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

Yes, these terms are used interchangeably. An International Driving Permit and an International License refer to the same document. It is issued by AAA or AATA and is valid in countries that recognize the 1926 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic.