You get an International Driving Permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — not from your state's DMV

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your state license. You must carry both documents together when you drive outside the United States. The IDP itself is issued only by AAA and AATA, two private organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, and neither can any government office.

The process is straightforward: you visit a local AAA or AATA office in person, bring your valid driver's license and a passport-style photo, pay a fee (usually $20 for AAA), and receive the permit on the spot or within a few days. The entire transaction takes less than an hour. If you do not have a local AAA office nearby, AATA has fewer locations but serves as a backup option.

Key Takeaways

  • AAA and AATA are the only two organizations authorized to issue International Driving Permits in the United States.
  • You must bring a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and payment (usually $20) to get an IDP in person.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which you purchase, and you must carry it alongside your state driver's license when driving abroad.
  • Some AAA offices allow you to order an IDP by mail, though in-person pickup is faster and more reliable.

Finding AAA and AATA locations near you

AAA has the most locations nationwide. You can search for the nearest AAA office by visiting aaa.com and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP. Most AAA offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. If you are a AAA member, you may receive a small discount on the IDP fee.

AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance) has fewer offices than AAA but operates in most states. You can find an AATA location through their website at aata.org or by calling their main office. AATA serves drivers who do not have AAA membership nearby or prefer an alternative provider. Both organizations issue the same IDP document recognized by the U.S. State Department.

What to bring and what it costs

Bring three things: your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and payment. AAA charges $20 for a one-year IDP or $30 for a three-year IDP as of the most recent pricing, though fees vary slightly by location. AATA pricing is similar. Some offices accept cash, credit cards, or both — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

The passport-style photo is the item most people forget. It must be a color or black-and-white photo taken within the last six months, with a plain background, showing your face clearly. Many AAA and AATA offices can take the photo for you on-site for an additional fee (usually $10 to $15) if you do not have one ready. This adds time to your visit but removes the need to go elsewhere first.

How long the permit is valid and when you need it

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The three-year permit costs more but is better value if you plan multiple trips abroad. The permit expires on the date printed on the document, not when your driver's license expires. You do not need to renew it if your license renews — they are separate documents with separate expiration dates.

You need an IDP only if you plan to rent a car or drive in a foreign country. Many rental car companies outside the United States require one, and some countries' traffic police will not accept a U.S. license alone. However, not every country requires it, and some rental agencies will rent to you with just your U.S. license. Check with your rental company and the country's embassy or tourism board before you travel to confirm whether you need one.

Getting an IDP by mail if you cannot visit in person

Some AAA offices allow you to order an IDP by mail, though availability and processing time vary by location. You typically mail in your driver's license, a passport-style photo, a completed process form, and payment. The office then mails the IDP back to you. This process takes two to four weeks depending on the office's workload and mail delivery time.

Mail-in service is slower and riskier than in-person pickup because your original license leaves your hands during processing. If you need the IDP quickly or are uncomfortable mailing your license, visiting an office in person is the better choice. Call your nearest AAA office to ask whether they offer mail-in service and what their current processing time is.

What the IDP does and does not do

The IDP translates your driver's license information — your name, address, license number, and driving restrictions — into ten languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It is a convenience document that helps foreign police officers and rental agents understand your U.S. license. It does not give you any driving privileges you do not already have, and it does not override traffic laws in the country you are visiting.

The IDP is not a separate license. You cannot drive with only the IDP; you must carry both your U.S. driver's license and the IDP together. If you are stopped by police abroad, you will need to show both documents. The IDP has no value in the United States and is not recognized by U.S. law enforcement or DMVs.

Replacing a lost or damaged IDP

If your IDP is lost, stolen, or damaged while you are traveling, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in that country. They can issue you a replacement document that is valid for the remainder of your original IDP's validity period. When you return to the United States, you can obtain a new IDP from AAA or AATA by bringing your driver's license, a new passport-style photo, and payment. There is no penalty for replacement; you straightforward pay the standard fee again.

If you lose your IDP before you travel, visit AAA or AATA again and purchase a replacement. Keep your receipt and the IDP number in a separate location from the physical document, so you have proof of issuance if you need to report it lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit from my state's DMV?

No. Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States. Your state's DMV cannot issue one, even though your driver's license comes from there. You must visit a AAA or AATA office in person or by mail.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am renting a car in Canada or Mexico?

Many rental companies in Canada and Mexico accept a U.S. driver's license alone, but some require an IDP. Contact your rental company before you book to confirm their requirements. It is safer to have one than to arrive and discover you cannot rent the car.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I go in person?

If you bring all required documents and a photo, you can receive your IDP the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Call ahead to confirm current wait times at your nearest location.

What happens if my driver's license expires while my IDP is still valid?

Your IDP becomes invalid when your driver's license expires, even if the IDP itself has not reached its expiration date. You must renew your driver's license and obtain a new IDP before driving abroad again.

Can I order an International Driving Permit online?

You cannot complete the entire transaction online, but some AAA offices allow you to start the process on their website and then pick up or receive your IDP by mail. Visit aaa.com or call your local office to ask whether they offer online ordering in your area.