If you're planning to drive abroad, you've probably come across the term International Driving Permit — sometimes called an international driver's license. These two phrases are often used interchangeably, but understanding exactly what an IDP is, who issues it, and how the application process works will save you confusion before you travel.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet, printed in multiple languages, that allows foreign officials to read and verify the information on your existing domestic driver's license. You must hold a valid driver's license from your home country to obtain one.
The IDP is governed by the 1949 and 1968 United Nations Road Traffic Conventions, and recognition varies by country. Most nations that allow tourists to drive will accept an IDP paired with your domestic license. Some countries require it; others treat it as optional but useful. A handful of countries have their own bilateral agreements that supersede IDP conventions entirely.
🌍 The IDP does not replace your home country's license — it supplements it. If your domestic license expires or is suspended, the IDP becomes invalid.
In the United States, only two organizations are federally authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American drivers:
No other organization, website, or service is legally authorized to issue a U.S. IDP. The State Department has warned travelers about fraudulent "international driver's license" services that charge fees for documents with no legal standing. If you're applying as a U.S.-licensed driver, the application goes through one of these two organizations — not through a DMV.
The IDP application process is relatively straightforward, but the exact requirements can vary slightly depending on which authorized organization you use. Generally, applicants need:
| Requirement | Typical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Required — must be current and unexpired |
| Passport-style photos | Usually two photos meeting specific size standards |
| Completed application form | Provided by AAA or AATA |
| Application fee | Fees vary; check directly with the issuing organization |
| Minimum age | Typically 18 years old |
Some locations allow walk-in applications; others require mail-in submission. Processing times differ depending on the method you choose and how far in advance of your travel you apply.
A standard U.S. IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when the previous one expires. If your underlying driver's license expires before the IDP does, the IDP is no longer valid for use.
Even though the IDP application is federally standardized for U.S. drivers, several factors affect how and whether it works for your trip:
Your destination country matters most. Not every country recognizes the IDP, and some recognize only the version issued under one convention (1949 vs. 1968) and not the other. Requirements differ significantly across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Checking the entry and driving requirements for your specific destination — through that country's embassy or a reliable government travel resource — is the only way to know what's required.
Your license class affects what you can drive abroad. An IDP reflects the class and restrictions on your underlying domestic license. If your U.S. license restricts you to non-commercial vehicles, that restriction travels with you. Driving a vehicle type not covered by your license class — even abroad — can create legal exposure.
Your license status at home carries forward. A suspended or restricted license in your home state doesn't become valid internationally just because you hold an IDP. The permit is only as valid as the license behind it.
Non-U.S. drivers have a different path. If you hold a foreign license and want to drive in the United States, the IDP you obtained in your home country may allow you to drive in certain U.S. states. But state-by-state recognition varies. Some states will accept a foreign license plus IDP for a limited time; others require you to obtain a state-issued license after establishing residency. There is no single federal rule governing how U.S. states treat foreign-licensed drivers.
The IDP is designed for temporary international travel, not long-term relocation. If you move to another country, that nation's rules about converting or exchanging your license apply — and those rules vary widely. Similarly, if you relocate to the U.S. with a foreign license, individual state DMV policies — not the IDP framework — govern how long you can drive on that foreign license and what steps you'll need to take to get a state-issued credential.
The process of obtaining an IDP as a U.S. driver is among the more straightforward international driving steps — but whether you need one, whether your destination recognizes it, what class of vehicle you're permitted to operate, and how long you can legally drive abroad on your existing credentials all depend on factors specific to your situation: where you're going, how long you'll be there, what you're driving, and what's on your domestic license.