An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a second license

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a booklet that translates your US driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license, does not replace your state license, and has no legal value on its own. You must carry both your valid US license and the IDP together when driving abroad. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries as proof that your US license is legitimate and current.

The US issues IDPs through two organizations: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both are authorized by the State Department to issue them. They produce identical documents that meet the same international standards. The choice between them depends on which one is closer to you or which you prefer to work with.

An IDP lasts for one year from the date of issue or until your US driver's license expires, whichever comes first. If your license expires before the year is up, the IDP becomes invalid on that same date. You cannot renew an IDP; you must obtain a new one each time you need one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must carry your valid US driver's license and your IDP together; the IDP alone is not a legal driving document.
  • The IDP is valid for one year or until your US license expires, whichever happens first, and cannot be renewed.
  • You can obtain an IDP through AAA or AATA, both authorized by the State Department, and the process takes one to two weeks by mail.
  • The cost is typically $20 for the IDP itself, plus any fees charged by AAA or AATA for processing and shipping.
  • You need your valid US driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo to obtain an IDP.

How to obtain an IDP through AAA

If you are a AAA member, you can request an IDP in person at any AAA office, by mail, or online through the AAA website. Non-members can also obtain an IDP through AAA, though some offices may charge a small additional fee. Visit the AAA website or call your local branch to confirm whether they issue IDPs and what their current fees are.

To request an IDP by mail through AAA, complete the process form (available on the AAA website or at any office), include a passport-style photo, a photocopy of the front and back of your valid US driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to your local AAA office. Processing typically takes one to two weeks, plus mail time. If you need the IDP faster, visit an AAA office in person with the same documents and photo; many offices can issue it the same day.

AAA also offers online ordering through their website for members in some states. You upload a photo, provide your license information, and pay by credit card. The IDP is then mailed to you, usually within five to seven business days.

How to obtain an IDP through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is the other authorized issuer. AATA does not have physical offices; you must request an IDP by mail or through their website. Visit the AATA website to read the process form or request one by mail.

To request an IDP by mail, complete the AATA process form, include a passport-style photo, a photocopy of the front and back of your valid US driver's license, and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to the AATA address listed on their website. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the date AATA receives your process, plus mail time in both directions.

AATA also accepts online orders through their website. You upload your photo, provide your license details, and pay by credit card. The IDP is mailed to you within the same timeframe as mail-in requests.

Documents and photos you need

You must provide a valid, unexpired US driver's license. A learner's permit or temporary license does not may have access to. The license must be current on the date you submit your process.

You need one passport-style photo, typically 2 inches by 2 inches. The photo must be recent (taken within the last six months), in color or black and white, and show your face clearly against a plain background. Glasses are allowed if you normally wear them while driving. The photo requirements are the same as those for a US passport.

You must also complete the official process form for either AAA or AATA. Both forms ask for your name, address, date of birth, license number, and signature. The form is straightforward and takes a few minutes to complete. read it from the organization's website or request one by mail.

Cost and processing time

The IDP itself costs $20 through both AAA and AATA. AAA members may pay the same fee; non-members at some AAA offices may pay a small additional service charge, typically $5 to $10. AATA charges $20 regardless of membership status.

Processing time depends on your method. In-person requests at AAA offices can be completed the same day. Mail-in requests through either organization take one to three weeks for processing, plus mail time. Online requests through AAA or AATA typically take five to seven business days for processing, plus mail time.

If you need the IDP quickly, visiting an AAA office in person is the fastest option. If you are not near an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person, online ordering through either organization is faster than mailing a paper process.

What to do before you travel

Order your IDP at least four weeks before your trip if you are mailing your process. This gives you time for processing and mail delivery in both directions, and a buffer if something goes wrong. If you are ordering online, two weeks is usually sufficient.

Check the expiration date on your US driver's license before you order. If your license expires within one year, your IDP will expire on the same date as your license, not one year from the date of issue. If your license expires soon, you may want to renew it before ordering the IDP so that your IDP remains valid for the full year.

Confirm that the country you are visiting recognizes the IDP. Most countries do, but a few do not. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to confirm. Some countries also require an International Driving Permit issued under a different convention; ask the embassy which type is needed.

Common mistakes and what to avoid

Do not assume the IDP is a license. Some travelers believe they can drive on an IDP alone if they lose their US license. This is not true. The IDP is only valid when carried with a current US driver's license. If you lose your license abroad, the IDP becomes useless.

Do not order an IDP if your US license is expired or about to expire. The IDP is only valid as long as your US license is valid. If your license expires before your trip, renew it first, then order the IDP.

Do not submit a photo that does not meet the requirements. Photos that are too old, taken indoors with poor lighting, or show you in sunglasses or a hat will be rejected, and your process will be delayed. Use a recent passport-style photo from a professional photo service or a quality photo booth.

Do not forget to carry both documents. Many travelers order an IDP and then leave it at home. The IDP is only useful if you have it with you when you drive. Keep it in the same place as your passport so you do not forget it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my US license and no IDP?

It depends on the country. Some countries accept a US license alone; others require an IDP. Many countries accept either one. Contact the embassy of the country you plan to visit to confirm what documents you need. Even if an IDP is not required, carrying one can make it easier for police to verify that your license is valid, especially if you do not speak the local language.

What if my IDP expires while I am still traveling?

You cannot renew an IDP while abroad. If your IDP expires during your trip, you can still drive using your US license alone, but you lose the translation benefit. To avoid this, check your IDP expiration date before you travel and order a new one if needed. If you are traveling for longer than a year, plan to order a new IDP before your current one expires.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?

Most car rental companies require an IDP or an International Driving Permit issued under a different convention. Check with the rental company before you book. Some companies accept a US license alone, but this is rare. Having an IDP eliminates any question and is worth the small cost.

Can someone else pick up my IDP for me?

If you ordered through AAA and are picking it up in person, check with your local AAA office about their policy on third-party pickup. Some offices allow it with a signed authorization letter; others do not. If you ordered by mail or online, the IDP will be mailed to the address you provided, so you do not need to pick it up in person.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

You cannot replace an IDP while abroad. If you lose it, you can still drive using your US license alone, but you lose the translation. When you return to the US, you can order a new IDP if you need one for another trip. Keep your IDP in a safe place, separate from your passport if possible, so you do not lose both at once.