If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term International Driving Permit (IDP). In the United States, AAA — the American Automobile Association — is one of only two organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American drivers. Understanding what the AAA International Driver Permit actually is, what it does, and what it doesn't do can save you significant confusion before your trip.
An International Driving Permit is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet that renders your existing U.S. driver's license into multiple languages so foreign authorities, rental car companies, and law enforcement can read your credentials. It contains your name, photo, and license information translated into the ten official languages of the United Nations.
An IDP is only valid when paired with your original U.S. driver's license. It does not replace your license, extend your driving privileges, or grant you the right to drive in any country where your U.S. license alone wouldn't be accepted. Think of it as a certified translation that travels with your license.
The U.S. Department of State authorizes exactly two organizations to issue IDPs to American residents:
No other organization is authorized to issue a legitimate U.S. IDP. If you encounter a website selling IDPs outside of these two issuers, it is not a recognized document under the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic — the two international agreements that give IDPs their validity.
The application process through AAA is straightforward and does not require you to be a AAA member. General requirements include:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current and unexpired |
| Passport-style photos | Typically two photos required |
| Completed application form | Available at AAA branches |
| Fee | A flat processing fee (varies slightly by location) |
Applications are typically processed in person at a AAA branch office, which allows same-day issuance in most cases. Some locations may process applications by mail, though that takes longer and may not be practical if your travel is approaching.
The IDP itself is valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — a new application must be submitted for each trip or renewal period.
Acceptance of IDPs varies significantly by country. Most countries that are signatories to either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic recognize the IDP alongside a valid U.S. license. However:
Countries in Europe, parts of Asia, Latin America, and Africa are among those where IDPs are commonly required or strongly recommended. The specific rules depend on your destination country's laws and any bilateral agreements with the U.S.
Rental car companies in many countries also require an IDP regardless of what local law technically mandates — so even where it's not legally required, not having one can result in being turned away at the counter.
A few important clarifications:
Because the IDP is a translation of your current U.S. driver's license, the class and restrictions on your license carry over. If your U.S. license only authorizes you to drive passenger vehicles, your IDP reflects that. If your license carries restrictions — corrective lenses, for example — those apply internationally as well.
Commercial driving abroad is a separate matter. A standard IDP based on a Class C passenger license will not authorize commercial vehicle operation in most countries. Drivers with CDL credentials who intend to drive commercially in another country should verify that country's specific requirements, which can differ substantially from what the IDP covers.
Getting an IDP through AAA is one of the more straightforward steps in preparing to drive internationally. The process is standardized, the cost is modest, and issuance is typically same-day. But whether you actually need one — and whether it's sufficient on its own — depends entirely on where you're going, how long you'll be there, what you plan to drive, and what the rental agreement or local law requires.
Your destination country's entry requirements, your existing license class, and the policies of any rental company you're using are the variables that determine whether the IDP is optional, recommended, or required for your specific trip.