If you're planning to drive abroad, you've probably come across the term International Driving Permit — often called an IDP or, less accurately, an "international driver's license." Understanding what this document actually is, who issues it, and how to get one can save you real trouble before you leave the country.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a standalone license. It's a translation document — a standardized booklet, printed in multiple languages, that accompanies your valid domestic driver's license. Foreign authorities use it to verify your credentials without needing to read English.
The IDP is recognized under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention, which most participating countries have adopted. That recognition is what gives the IDP its legitimacy abroad — not any single government issuing it unilaterally.
An IDP does not replace your regular driver's license. You carry both together. If you show an IDP without your domestic license, it's generally considered invalid.
In the U.S., only two organizations are authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to American license holders:
No government agency — including the DMV — issues IDPs to U.S. residents driving abroad. Any third-party website or service claiming to issue a legitimate "international driver's license" outside of these two organizations is not producing a document recognized under the Geneva Convention.
To apply for an IDP through an authorized U.S. issuer, you generally need to meet these conditions:
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| Valid U.S. driver's license | Must be current (not expired, suspended, or revoked) |
| Residency | Must be a U.S. resident |
| License class | Standard passenger vehicle license is sufficient for most countries |
Your driving history, license class, and state of issue don't change whether you can obtain an IDP — but they may affect what driving privileges are recognized abroad. An IDP reflects whatever class of license you currently hold domestically.
The process is straightforward compared to most DMV procedures:
1. Gather your materials. You'll typically need your valid U.S. driver's license, two passport-style photos, a completed application form, and payment of the applicable fee. Fees vary by issuing organization but have historically been in the range of $20–$25, though you should verify current amounts directly with AAA or AATA.
2. Submit your application. Depending on the organization, you may be able to apply in person at a local AAA branch or by mail. Some locations process IDPs the same day; mail applications take longer.
3. Receive your permit. IDPs are typically valid for one year from the date of issue. They cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one when it expires.
4. Carry both documents when driving abroad. Your IDP is valid only when paired with your domestic license.
Not every country recognizes the IDP, and recognition doesn't always mean it's required. How each country treats foreign drivers varies:
Before traveling, checking the entry and driving requirements for your specific destination country is essential. The U.S. State Department and embassy websites for destination countries are the appropriate sources for current rules.
The IDP process works in reverse as well. Foreign visitors driving in the United States may use a valid IDP issued in their home country alongside their domestic foreign license. Most U.S. states recognize IDPs for a limited period — often 30 days to one year — though this varies by state. 🚗
Foreign nationals who become U.S. residents are generally expected to obtain a valid U.S. driver's license within a state-specific timeframe. An IDP issued abroad does not substitute for a domestic license once residency is established, and state DMVs have their own rules about how foreign licenses are treated during the transfer process.
Even though the IDP application process is relatively uniform, several factors determine what it means for your actual driving privileges:
The IDP is one piece of the picture. Whether it's sufficient — and what it authorizes you to do — depends on where you're going, how long you'll stay, and what your underlying domestic license actually covers.