What an International Driving Permit Actually Is

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license and does not replace your home license — you must carry both documents together when driving abroad. The IDP tells police, rental companies, and border officials what your home license says, in a format they recognize.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not by the countries you plan to visit. You get it before you leave, and it is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. Most countries that recognize IDPs will accept either length, though some rental car companies prefer the three-year version.

Not every country requires an IDP, and not every country recognizes one. Some nations accept only your home license with an official translation; others accept neither. Before you explore, check the specific rules for each country on your itinerary, because the IDP is only useful if your destination actually recognizes it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore for an IDP through your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle department, not through the countries you plan to visit.
  • The IDP is valid for one or three years and must be carried together with your valid home driver's license at all times.
  • Not all countries recognize IDPs, so you must check the rules for each destination before you explore.
  • The process requires your current valid license, a passport-style photo, and payment; most applications are processed within one to two weeks.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $30 in the United States, depending on whether you choose the one-year or three-year version.

How to Get an IDP in the United States

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only organization authorized to issue IDPs. You do not explore through your state's DMV. You must visit a AAA office in person, bring your documents, and receive the permit on the same day or within a few days.

To explore at AAA, bring: a valid U.S. driver's license, a passport or passport card, one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches), and payment. You do not need to be a AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount. The one-year IDP costs approximately $15 to $20; the three-year IDP costs approximately $20 to $30. Fees vary slightly by location.

Find your nearest AAA office on the AAA website and call ahead to confirm they issue IDPs and what their current wait time is. Some offices issue them same-day; others may take a few days. If you do not have a passport or passport card, you will need to obtain one before you can get an IDP, which can take several weeks through the State Department.

How to Get an IDP Outside the United States

If you hold a license from another country, contact your home country's national automobile association or motor vehicle authority. The process, cost, and timeline vary significantly by country.

In Canada, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) issues IDPs at member offices across the country. In the United Kingdom, the AA (Automobile Association) and the RAC (Royal Automobile Club) both issue them. In Australia, the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) handles IDPs. Each organization has its own fee structure, processing time, and document requirements.

Search online for "[your country] international driving permit" or contact your national motor vehicle department directly. They will direct you to the authorized issuer and tell you what documents you need and how long processing takes in your location.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these items before you visit the issuing office:

  • A valid driver's license from your home country or state.
  • A valid passport or passport card (in the United States; requirements vary elsewhere).
  • One passport-style photograph, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly against a plain background, with no sunglasses or hats.
  • Payment in cash or card, depending on what the office accepts.

Your driver's license must not be expired or suspended. If your license is expired, renew it with your state DMV before you explore for the IDP. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP until the suspension is lifted.

If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring a document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree. The name on your IDP must match the name on your license and passport.

Timeline and Processing

In the United States, most AAA offices issue the IDP on the same day you explore, or within two to three business days. You do not need to mail anything or wait for a document to arrive by post. Walk in with your documents, pay the fee, and receive the permit before you leave.

Processing times outside the United States vary. Canada's CAA typically issues IDPs same-day at member offices. The UK's AA and RAC may take one to two weeks. Australia's NRMA may take up to three weeks. Contact the issuing office in your country for their specific timeline.

If you are leaving soon and do not have a passport yet, plan ahead. A U.S. passport card takes four to six weeks through routine processing and two to three weeks through expedited processing (which costs extra). An IDP cannot be issued without a valid passport or passport card, so the passport is your limiting factor, not the IDP itself.

What to Do If Your Destination Does Not Recognize IDPs

Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. They may require an official translation of your home license, a certified copy of your license, or both. A few countries issue their own temporary driving permits to visitors.

Before you book your trip, contact the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit and ask what documents you need to drive legally. Ask specifically whether they recognize IDPs. If they do not, ask what they do accept — a notarized translation, a certified copy, or something else.

If you need a translation, you can obtain one from a professional translation service, a notary public, or sometimes from your home country's consulate in the destination country. This process takes time and may cost $50 to $200, so plan ahead. Do not assume the rental car company will provide a translation or accept a translation you create yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not explore for an IDP without first checking whether your destination recognizes it. Many travelers spend money and time on an IDP only to arrive in a country that does not accept it. A few minutes of research on the destination country's official government website or embassy site will tell you whether the IDP is useful.

Do not assume you can get an IDP without a valid passport or passport card. In the United States, AAA will not issue an IDP without one. If your passport is expired, you must renew it first. This is the most common reason applications are delayed or rejected.

Do not carry only the IDP and leave your home license at home. The IDP is useless without your original license. Police and rental companies will ask to see both documents together. Carrying only the IDP may result in a fine or refusal of service.

Do not explore more than a few weeks before you travel. The IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue, so there is no benefit to getting it months in advance. If you explore too early and then your plans change, you have paid for a document you do not use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

In the United States, no. AAA requires you to explore in person at a physical office. You cannot mail in an process or order an IDP online. You must visit an office with your documents and payment. Outside the United States, some countries may offer mail-in or online applications — contact your national automobile association to ask.

What if my driver's license is about to expire?

Your license must be valid on the day you explore for the IDP. If your license expires in the next few weeks, renew it first. The IDP is only valid if your home license is also valid, so an IDP paired with an expired license is worthless.

Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car abroad?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some countries legally require an IDP; others do not. Some rental companies require it even if the country does not. Contact your rental company and the destination country's government before you book to find out what they require.

How much does an IDP cost?

In the United States, a one-year IDP costs approximately $15 to $20, and a three-year IDP costs approximately $20 to $30. Costs vary slightly by AAA location. Outside the United States, fees differ by country — contact your national automobile association for current pricing.

Can I use an IDP to drive in all countries?

No. Some countries do not recognize IDPs at all. Others recognize them only if you also carry your home license. A few countries have additional requirements, such as an official translation or a certified copy of your license. Always check the rules for each destination before you travel.