An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license, not a separate license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your current U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a new license, does not replace your state license, and does not give you driving rights you do not already have. You must carry both your U.S. license and your IDP together when driving abroad — neither one works alone.

The IDP exists because many countries require proof that you are a licensed driver in your home country, and they want that proof in a language their police officers can read. A U.S. license alone may not satisfy that requirement, even though you are legally licensed to drive. The IDP solves that problem by providing an official translation.

You get an IDP from one of two organizations in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. Neither is a government agency, but both issue documents that foreign governments recognize.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document that must be carried alongside your U.S. driver's license, not a replacement for it.
  • You can obtain an IDP from AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), and the process takes minutes to hours depending on whether you explore in person or by mail.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one or three years depending on which organization issues it.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP, while others make it mandatory; check the specific country's requirements before you travel.
  • An expired IDP cannot be renewed — you must obtain a new one, and the old one has no value.

Getting an IDP from AAA

AAA is the largest issuer of IDPs in the United States and has physical locations in most states. To get an IDP from AAA, you need your valid U.S. driver's license, one passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and the process fee. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members may receive a small discount.

You can explore in person at any AAA office, and the IDP is usually issued on the spot. The process takes about 15 minutes. If you prefer to explore by mail, you can read the process from AAA's website, mail it with your photo and a copy of your license, and receive your IDP within two weeks. AAA issues IDPs valid for one year or three years; the three-year version costs more but is the better value if you travel internationally more than once.

AAA's fee structure varies slightly by state, but a one-year IDP typically costs around $15 to $20, and a three-year IDP costs around $30 to $40. Check your local AAA office or website for the exact price in your state.

Getting an IDP from the American Automobile Touring Alliance

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the second authorized issuer and operates primarily by mail. You cannot walk into an AATA office — all applications are submitted by post. To explore, you mail the completed process form, a copy of your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and the process fee to AATA's address.

Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process. AATA issues IDPs valid for one year only, not three years. The one-year IDP costs around $15 to $20, similar to AAA's pricing. Because AATA operates by mail only, it is a slower option than AAA if you need the IDP quickly.

AATA's process form and mailing address are available on its website. Some people choose AATA if they live far from an AAA office or prefer the mail-in process, but AAA's in-person option is faster for most people.

What you need before you explore

Before you contact either organization, gather these items: a valid U.S. driver's license (expired licenses do not work), one passport-style photo measuring 2 inches by 2 inches, and payment for the process fee. The photo must be recent and show your face clearly; it follows the same rules as a passport photo.

You do not need your passport to get an IDP, though you will need your passport to actually travel. You do not need proof of travel plans, hotel reservations, or any other documentation showing where you intend to go. The IDP is issued based solely on your valid U.S. license.

If your U.S. license is expired, you must renew it with your state's DMV before you can get an IDP. An IDP cannot be issued on an expired license, even if you are in the middle of renewing it.

How long an IDP lasts and what happens when it expires

An IDP issued by AAA is valid for either one year or three years from the date of issue, depending on which version you purchase. An IDP issued by AATA is valid for one year only. The expiration date is printed on the front of the document.

An expired IDP cannot be renewed. You cannot extend it, update it, or reactivate it. When it expires, it becomes a piece of paper with no legal value. If you need an IDP after yours expires, you must obtain a new one by submitting a new process and paying the fee again.

This is why many travelers choose the three-year IDP from AAA if they plan to travel internationally more than once during that period. The three-year version costs more upfront but saves you the trouble of obtaining a new one if you travel again within three years.

Countries that require or recommend an IDP

Not every country requires an IDP. Some countries accept a U.S. driver's license alone, while others make an IDP mandatory. A few countries fall in between — they do not require it, but police may be more cooperative if you have one.

The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel. Contact the embassy or consulate of that country, or check its official tourism website. Some countries' requirements change, and what was true last year may not be true this year.

Generally, European countries are more likely to accept a U.S. license without an IDP, though having one is still recommended. Many countries in Asia, Africa, and South America either require an IDP or strongly recommend it. If you are renting a car, the rental company's requirements may be stricter than the country's legal requirements — some rental agencies will not rent to you without an IDP, even if the country does not require one.

Carrying your IDP while driving abroad

You must carry both your U.S. driver's license and your IDP together at all times when driving in a foreign country. Carrying only the IDP is not enough. If a police officer stops you, you need to show both documents — the IDP proves that your license is valid, and the license itself proves you are the person named on the IDP.

Keep both documents in a safe place while traveling, such as a travel wallet or hotel safe. Do not leave them in a rental car unattended. If either document is lost or stolen, you cannot drive legally, and you cannot obtain a replacement while abroad. You would need to return to the United States to get a new license or IDP.

Some travelers make a photocopy of both documents and keep the copies separate from the originals. If the originals are lost, the copies can help you prove your identity and licensing status while you arrange replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an IDP if I am only visiting a country for a few days?

It depends on the country. Some countries do not require an IDP for short visits, while others require it regardless of how long you stay. The safest approach is to obtain an IDP before you travel, since it costs only $15 to $20 and takes minutes to hours to get. If you arrive without one and the country requires it, you cannot legally drive.

Can I get an IDP if my U.S. driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. An IDP can only be issued if your U.S. license is currently valid. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you must resolve that with your state's DMV before you can get an IDP. An IDP is a translation of your license, not a separate document that bypasses your license status.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling abroad?

You cannot drive legally without it. You cannot obtain a replacement IDP while abroad — both AAA and AATA operate only in the United States. You would need to return to the U.S., obtain a new IDP, and then return to the country where you were traveling. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for guidance on your specific situation.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An international driver's license is a term sometimes used loosely to describe an IDP, but they are not the same thing. An IDP is a translation document issued by AAA or AATA. Some countries issue their own "international licenses," but those are not recognized in the United States and are not what you need to drive in foreign countries as a U.S. citizen.

Can I drive in Canada or Mexico with just my U.S. driver's license?

Canada and Mexico both accept a valid U.S. driver's license without an IDP. However, an IDP does not hurt and may be useful if you are stopped by police. Check with your car rental company, as some require an IDP even if the country does not legally require one.