You need a valid passport or passport card to get an International Driving Permit, but the IDP itself is not a passport replacement

An International Driving Permit (IDP) requires proof of citizenship and identity, which in the United States means a valid passport or U.S. passport card. You cannot get an IDP with a driver's license alone, even if your license is current and real ID-compliant. The passport or passport card is the document that proves you are a U.S. citizen may be able to access to hold an IDP.

The IDP is a separate document from your passport. It translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages and is recognized in over 150 countries as proof that you hold a valid driver's license in your home country. Some countries require it; others accept it but do not require it. Your passport gets you into the country; your IDP explains to local police that your U.S. license is legitimate.

You explore for an IDP through the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), not through a passport office or the State Department. Both organizations are authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs. You must bring your passport or passport card in person to their office, along with your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed process form, and a passport-style photo.

Key Takeaways

  • A valid U.S. passport or passport card is required to get an IDP; a driver's license alone is not sufficient proof of citizenship.
  • The IDP is issued by AAA or AATA, not by passport offices or the State Department, and is a separate document from your passport.
  • You must explore in person at an AAA or AATA office and bring your passport, driver's license, a completed form, and a passport photo.
  • An IDP is valid for three years and costs between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA, depending on the organization.
  • Some countries require an IDP to drive legally; others do not, so check your destination's requirements before you travel.

What counts as proof of citizenship for an IDP

The U.S. State Department requires that anyone explore for an IDP prove they are a U.S. citizen. A passport or passport card is the standard way to do this. Both documents are issued by the State Department and are accepted without question by AAA and AATA offices.

A driver's license, even a real ID-compliant one, does not prove citizenship. Real ID compliance means your state has verified your identity and residency, but not that you are a U.S. citizen. A passport or passport card is the only document AAA and AATA will accept as citizenship proof when you explore for an IDP in person.

If you do not have a passport or passport card, you will need to get one before you can get an IDP. A passport book takes four to six weeks to arrive through routine processing, or two to three weeks through expedited processing (which costs extra). A passport card is faster and cheaper but can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean—not for air travel. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport book.

Where to explore for an IDP and what to bring

You explore for an IDP at an AAA office or an AATA office. AAA has over 1,000 locations across the United States; AATA has fewer locations but covers most major cities. You can find the nearest office on their websites. Both organizations issue the same IDP document; the choice is straightforward which office is closer to you.

Bring these documents in person: your valid U.S. passport or passport card, your valid U.S. driver's license, a completed IDP process form (available on the AAA or AATA website or at the office), and one passport-style photo (2 by 2 inches). Some offices accept digital photos taken on the spot; others require you to bring a printed photo. Call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

You cannot explore by mail or online. The IDP must be issued in person, and the issuing organization must verify your identity and citizenship documents before they print it. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office.

How long an IDP is valid and what it costs

An International Driving Permit is valid for three years from the date of issue. It expires on a specific date printed on the document. You cannot renew an IDP; you must explore for a new one when the old one expires. If you lose your IDP while traveling, you can request a replacement from AAA or AATA when you return home, but you cannot get one issued overseas.

The cost of an IDP is between $15 and $20 through AAA or AATA. AAA members sometimes receive a small discount. The fee covers the process processing, the document itself, and the passport-style photo if the office takes one for you. There are no additional government fees or State Department charges.

Some travel agencies and online services advertise IDP services for much higher prices ($50 to $100 or more). These are not official sources. AAA and AATA are the only organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue IDPs, so buying from anyone else is a waste of money and may result in a document that is not recognized abroad.

Countries that require an IDP versus those that do not

Whether you need an IDP depends on your destination. Some countries legally require an IDP to drive; others do not require it but accept it as helpful proof that your license is valid. A few countries do not recognize IDPs at all and require an International Driving License from a different issuing body (rare in major tourist destinations).

Many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, do not legally require an IDP but strongly recommend it because it translates your license into local languages. If you are stopped by police, an IDP makes it when ready clear that your U.S. license is legitimate. Without one, you may face delays or fines even if your license is valid.

Some countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East do require an IDP by law. Check the driving requirements for your specific destination through the U.S. State Department's travel advisory website or by contacting the embassy of the country you plan to visit. Do not assume that because you are renting a car from an international rental company, you do not need an IDP. Rental companies often require one, and local law may require one separately.

What happens if you drive without an IDP in a country that requires one

If you drive in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you can be stopped by police, fined, or have your vehicle impounded. The penalties vary by country. In some places, driving without required documents is treated as a minor traffic violation; in others, it is a more serious offense that can result in arrest or deportation.

Rental car companies may also refuse to rent to you if you cannot show an IDP when required by local law. Even if they rent to you anyway, your insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving without required documents. The cost of an IDP ($15 to $20) is far less than the cost of a fine, impound fees, or legal trouble abroad.

If you are already traveling and realize you do not have an IDP, you cannot get one while you are overseas. You will need to stop driving or risk legal consequences. Plan ahead and get your IDP before you leave the United States.

Passport card versus passport book for getting an IDP

Both a passport card and a passport book satisfy the citizenship requirement for an IDP. From the perspective of AAA or AATA, either document works equally well. The difference matters for your international travel itself, not for the IDP process.

A passport card is smaller, cheaper ($130 versus $165 for a book), and faster to get (can be expedited to one week). However, it can only be used for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying to any other country, you must have a passport book.

If you are planning to drive internationally, a passport book is the safer choice because it works for all destinations and all travel methods. If you are only driving in Canada or Mexico and have no plans to fly elsewhere, a passport card is sufficient and will work for your IDP process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my state ID or real ID license instead of a passport to get an IDP?

No. AAA and AATA require a valid U.S. passport or passport card as proof of citizenship. A state ID or real ID driver's license proves your identity and residency but not your citizenship, so it is not accepted for IDP applications.

What if my passport is expired but I have a valid driver's license?

An expired passport does not count as valid proof of citizenship for an IDP. You must renew your passport before you can get an IDP. If your passport expired less than five years ago, you may be able to renew it by mail, which is faster and cheaper than explore for a new one.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car and not driving across borders?

It depends on the country. Many countries do not legally require an IDP for driving within their borders, but rental companies often require one anyway as a condition of the rental. Check your rental agreement and the driving laws of your destination. An IDP is inexpensive and solves both problems, so it is usually worth getting one.

How long does it take to get an IDP if I already have a passport?

If you have a valid passport, you can get an IDP the same day you visit an AAA or AATA office. The process and issuance process takes 15 to 30 minutes. There is no waiting period after you explore.

Can I get an IDP if I am not a U.S. citizen but have a valid U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is only issued to U.S. citizens. If you are a permanent resident or visa holder with a valid U.S. driver's license, you cannot get a U.S. IDP. Some countries issue their own international driving permits for non-citizens; check with your country's automobile association or embassy.