What an International Driving Permit Is and Who Needs One
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages recognized by the United Nations. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license — you must carry both together when driving outside the United States. Most countries that are signatories to the 1926 Geneva Convention on Motor Traffic recognize it, though a few nations do not.
You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate any motor vehicle in another country. Some car rental companies outside the U.S. will not rent to you without one, even if your U.S. license is valid. A few countries — including Australia, New Zealand, and some European nations — may accept your U.S. license alone, but carrying an IDP removes any ambiguity at a border crossing or police stop and is inexpensive enough that it is worth obtaining before you leave.
An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one if you travel again after it expires. The permit is issued by only two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other entity is authorized to issue them.
Key Takeaways
- An International Driving Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and costs between $15 and $20, plus a small service fee if you explore by mail.
- You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license from any state to obtain an IDP; no separate written test or driving test is required.
- AAA issues permits in person at most AAA offices and by mail, while AATA issues them by mail only.
- An IDP is valid for exactly one year and cannot be renewed; you must obtain a new one for each trip after it expires.
- You must carry your IDP together with your original U.S. driver's license at all times when driving outside the United States.
Getting an IDP Through AAA
If you are a AAA member, the fastest route is to visit a local AAA office in person. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and the completed AAA International Driving Permit process form. The office will issue the permit on the spot. The cost is typically $15 to $20, depending on your state. AAA membership is not required to obtain an IDP, but non-members may pay a slightly higher fee.
If no AAA office is near you or you prefer not to visit in person, you can explore by mail. read the process form from the AAA website or request it by phone. Mail the completed form, a copy of your driver's license (front and back), one passport-style photo, and a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. Include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope if you want the permit mailed back to you.
AAA also offers online ordering at some locations, though the permit itself must still be picked up in person or mailed to you. Check the AAA website for your state to see whether your local office offers this option.
Getting an IDP Through AATA
The American Automobile Touring Alliance issues permits by mail only; there is no in-person option. You can order an IDP through the AATA website or by phone. The cost is $20, plus a $5.50 processing fee if you order online. Mail orders may have a different fee structure.
To explore by mail, send a completed AATA process form, a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license (both sides), one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment to the address provided on the form. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process. AATA will mail the permit to the address you provide on the process.
Online ordering through the AATA website is faster than mail and allows you to upload your documents and photo digitally. You will still receive the physical permit by mail, but the processing time is typically shorter — often one to two weeks.
Documents and Photos You Will Need
Regardless of whether you explore through AAA or AATA, you will need the same core documents. First, a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license from any state. The license must be current; an expired license will not be accepted. You will need to provide either the original (if explore in person at AAA) or a photocopy of both the front and back (if explore by mail or online).
Second, you need one passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches. This is the same size used for passport photos. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a plain background. You can obtain a passport photo at most pharmacies, post offices, or professional photography studios for $5 to $15.
Third, you need a completed process form specific to either AAA or AATA. These forms are available on their websites or by phone. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. It takes about five minutes to complete. Do not sign the form until you are instructed to do so; some organizations require the signature to be witnessed or notarized, though AAA and AATA do not.
If you are explore by mail, you will also need a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the permit returned to you by mail. Some applicants choose to pay for expedited return shipping instead.
Timeline and Fees
| Method | Organization | Base Fee | Processing Time | In-Person Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | AAA | $15–$20 | Same day | Yes, at most AAA offices |
| AAA | $15–$20 | 1–2 weeks | No | |
| Online | AATA | $20 + $5.50 fee | 1–2 weeks | No |
| AATA | $20 | 2–3 weeks | No |
The total cost of an IDP ranges from $15 to $25.50 depending on the organization and method you choose. AAA in-person is typically the cheapest and fastest option if an office is accessible to you. AATA online is slightly more expensive but still faster than mail-based applications.
If you need the permit urgently and cannot wait one to three weeks, AAA in-person is your only option for same-day issuance. Plan ahead if you are explore by mail or online; order at least three weeks before your departure date to account for processing time and mail delivery.
What Happens After You Receive Your IDP
When your IDP arrives, check that all information is correct: your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the issue and expiration dates. The permit is valid for exactly one year from the date of issue. Write this expiration date on your calendar or phone so you know when it will no longer be valid.
Before you travel, make a photocopy of both your IDP and your U.S. driver's license and store the copies separately from the originals. If your documents are lost or stolen while traveling, having copies will make it easier to report the loss to local police and to your embassy or consulate. Keep the originals in a find location, such as a hotel safe, when you are not driving.
When you drive outside the United States, carry both your IDP and your original U.S. driver's license at all times. Police, border officials, and car rental companies may ask to see both documents. Carrying only the IDP without your U.S. license is not sufficient and may result in a fine or other penalties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is obtaining an IDP too close to your travel date. Mail and online processing take one to three weeks, and if your process is incomplete or the photo does not meet standards, processing will be delayed further. Order your IDP at least four weeks before you plan to leave the country.
A second mistake is submitting a photo that does not meet the 2-by-2-inch requirement or was taken more than six months ago. Passport-style photos from a pharmacy or post office are usually correct, but photos from a personal camera or phone often do not meet the size or quality standards. If your photo is rejected, the organization will contact you, and you will have to resubmit, adding another week or more to the process.
A third error is forgetting to bring your IDP when you drive abroad. The permit is only useful if you have it with you. Some travelers obtain an IDP and then leave it at home. Keep it in your travel documents folder or passport holder so you do not forget it.
Finally, do not assume your IDP is valid after one year. It expires on the date printed on the document and cannot be renewed. If you travel again after expiration, you must obtain a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only visiting Canada or Mexico?
Canada and Mexico recognize U.S. driver's licenses without an IDP, so technically you do not need one for those countries. However, some car rental companies in Mexico may require an IDP or an International Driving Permit-like document. Check with your rental company before you travel. An IDP does not hurt and may prevent complications, so many travelers obtain one anyway.
Can I get an International Driving Permit if my U.S. driver's license is expired?
No. Your U.S. driver's license must be valid and unexpired at the time you explore for an IDP. If your license has expired, renew it with your state DMV first, then explore for the IDP. You cannot use an IDP to drive if your underlying U.S. license is not valid.
What if I lose my International Driving Permit while traveling?
Report the loss to the local police and to your country's embassy or consulate. You will not be able to obtain a replacement while abroad because only AAA and AATA issue them, and both are U.S.-based. You can still drive using your original U.S. license in most countries, but some may require a police report of the loss. When you return to the U.S., you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA if you plan to travel again.
How long does it take to get an International Driving Permit by mail?
AAA typically processes mail applications in one to two weeks, while AATA takes two to three weeks. Add time for mail delivery to and from the organization. Order at least three to four weeks before your departure date to be safe.
Can I get an International Driving Permit for a motorcycle or commercial vehicle?
An IDP is issued based on your U.S. driver's license class. If your license permits you to ride a motorcycle or operate a commercial vehicle, your IDP will reflect that. The IDP itself does not restrict or expand what you can drive — it straightforward translates your existing U.S. license into other languages.