What an International Driving Permit Is and Whether You Need One

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it does not replace your home license, and you cannot drive on an IDP alone. You must carry both your IDP and your original license together, and the original license is what actually authorizes you to drive.

Whether you need one depends on where you are going. Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not. Car rental companies in certain regions also require one, even if the country itself does not. Before you travel, check the specific rules for your destination country — not just the region. A country in Europe may require an IDP while a neighboring country does not.

The United States issues IDPs through the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other organization in the U.S. is authorized to issue them. If you see an IDP offered online from any other source, it is not valid.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your license into ten languages and must be carried alongside your original license at all times.
  • You can only get a valid U.S. IDP through AAA or AATA; no other organization is authorized to issue them.
  • Whether you need an IDP depends on your destination country, not your home country, so you must check the rules for each place you plan to drive.
  • An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue and costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA.

How to Get an International Driving Permit Through AAA

AAA is the most common source for U.S. IDPs. To get one, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid U.S. driver's license. You do not need to be an AAA member, though members sometimes receive a small discount.

You can explore in person at any AAA office. Bring your valid driver's license, one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches), and the process fee, which is typically $15 to $20. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you walk out with your IDP the same day. AAA also offers mail-in applications if you do not have an office nearby — you mail in your license, photo, and fee, and they return your IDP by mail within one to two weeks.

To find an AAA office near you, visit the AAA website and use their office locator. Call ahead to confirm they have IDP applications in stock, since some smaller offices may not.

Getting an International Driving Permit Through AATA

The American Automobile Touring Alliance is the second authorized issuer. AATA primarily serves people who do not have access to AAA or prefer to explore by mail. The requirements are the same: you must be 18 or older with a valid U.S. driver's license.

AATA applications are handled entirely by mail. You send your completed process form, a copy of your driver's license, one passport-sized photo, and the fee (typically $15 to $20) to their address. Processing takes two to three weeks. You can read the process form from the AATA website or request one by mail.

AATA is useful if you live far from any AAA office or prefer not to visit in person. The trade-off is that mail processing takes longer than walking into an AAA office.

What Information Your IDP Contains and How Long It Lasts

Your International Driving Permit contains your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date of issue and expiration. It includes a photo and lists the vehicle categories you are authorized to drive — the same categories as your U.S. license. The permit is printed in English and nine other languages: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Finnish.

An IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, your IDP becomes invalid — you cannot use an expired license to support an IDP. If you plan to travel for longer than one year, you will need to renew your IDP before it expires.

When You Do Not Need an International Driving Permit

Many countries do not require an IDP. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, for example, recognize a valid U.S. driver's license without one. Several European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, also do not legally require an IDP, though some car rental companies in those countries may ask for one anyway.

Before you assume you do not need an IDP, check both the country's official government website and your car rental company's requirements. A rental company may have stricter rules than the country itself. If you are unsure, getting an IDP is inexpensive insurance — it costs $15 to $20 and takes 15 minutes at an AAA office.

What Happens If You Drive Without an IDP When One Is Required

If a country requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be stopped by police and fined. The fine amount varies by country — some charge $50 to $100, others significantly more. In some cases, you may be asked to stop driving until you obtain one. You will not lose your U.S. license, but you could face legal trouble in that country and complications with your rental car company.

If you realize after arriving that you need an IDP, you generally cannot get one while abroad. Some countries have reciprocal agreements that allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone, but this is not may provide. The safest approach is to get your IDP before you leave the United States if there is any chance you will need it.

International Driving Permits vs. Foreign Licenses

An IDP is different from a foreign driver's license. An IDP is temporary, valid for one year, and issued by your home country. A foreign license is a permanent license issued by another country and requires you to pass that country's driving test and meet their residency requirements.

If you are moving to another country permanently or staying for an extended period, you will eventually need to get a license from that country. An IDP is for visitors and short-term travelers. If you are relocating, research that country's licensing process — some allow you to convert your U.S. license, while others require you to take their written and road tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with just an International Driving Permit and no U.S. license?

No. An IDP is only valid when carried together with your original U.S. driver's license. If you are stopped by police, you must show both documents. Driving with only an IDP is the same as driving without a license.

What if my passport-sized photo is old or I look different now?

AAA and AATA accept photos that are reasonably current. If your photo is more than a few years old or you look significantly different, they may ask for a new one. When in doubt, bring a recent photo — it costs nothing and avoids delays.

Can I renew my International Driving Permit by mail if I got it in person?

Yes. You can renew through either AAA or AATA regardless of where you originally got it. You do not have to use the same issuer. Bring or mail the same documents — your license, a new photo, and the fee — and request a renewal.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the country and the rental company. Some rental companies require an IDP regardless of how long you are renting. Check your rental agreement and the country's rules before you travel. If the rental company requires one, you will not be able to pick up the car without it.

What if my International Driving Permit gets lost or stolen while I am traveling?

Contact AAA or AATA when ready and explain the situation. They can issue a replacement, though it may take time to reach you abroad. In the meantime, you can still drive on your U.S. license alone in countries that do not require an IDP. If you are in a country that requires one, you may need to stop driving or contact the local police for guidance.