You need an International Driving Permit only if you are renting a car or driving in certain countries outside the United States

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a license. It is a translation document that shows your valid U.S. driver's license information in ten languages. You do not need one to drive in most places, and many countries do not require one at all. Whether you need one depends on three things: where you are going, whether you are renting a car, and what the rental company demands.

If you are visiting another country and plan to drive a rental car, check with the rental company first — that is the fastest way to know. If you are driving your own vehicle across a border (like into Canada or Mexico), you almost certainly do not need an IDP. If you are traveling to a country where you might drive but have not booked a rental yet, getting an IDP before you leave the United States costs about $20 and takes one visit to your local AAA office or passport acceptance facility. It is cheap insurance against arriving in a country and finding out you cannot rent a car.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation of your U.S. driver's license and is required by some rental car companies, not by most countries.
  • You need a valid U.S. driver's license to get an IDP — the permit is not a standalone license and cannot be used without your actual license.
  • Rental car companies set their own rules; some require an IDP, some do not, and some require one only in certain countries.
  • You can obtain an IDP from AAA or from a passport acceptance facility in your state, and it is valid for one or three years depending on which version you choose.
  • If you are driving your own vehicle across a U.S. border or traveling without a rental car, you do not need an IDP.

When rental car companies require an IDP

Most major rental companies — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar — have different policies by country and sometimes by location. Some require an IDP for all rentals outside the United States. Others require one only in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East. Some do not require one at all. The only way to know for certain is to contact the specific rental company and location where you plan to pick up the car.

When you call or email the rental company, have your travel dates and pickup location ready. Ask directly: "Do you require an International Driving Permit for a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. driver's license?" Write down the answer and the name of the person who gave it to you. If they say yes, ask whether they need the one-year or three-year version. If they say no, ask whether they accept one anyway (most do, even if they do not require it).

Some rental companies will not tell you their IDP policy until you are at the counter, which creates a problem if you do not have one. Avoid this by checking before you book. If a company will not give you a clear answer in writing, consider renting from a company that will.

Countries that may require or strongly recommend an IDP

No country legally requires an IDP from a U.S. citizen who holds a valid U.S. driver's license. However, some countries' traffic police are more likely to ask for one, and some rental companies operating in those countries will not rent to you without one. The countries where an IDP is most commonly requested are in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain), parts of Asia (Japan, South Korea, Thailand), and the Middle East.

This does not mean you will be stopped or turned away without one. It means that if you are stopped by police and cannot produce an IDP, you may face a fine or delay while they verify your U.S. license. A rental company, by contrast, will straightforward refuse to rent to you if you do not meet their requirements. The rental company rule is absolute; the police rule is discretionary and varies by officer and location.

If you are unsure whether a country requests an IDP, contact your country's embassy or consulate in the United States. They can tell you what the law actually says. Then contact your rental company to find out what they require.

How to get an International Driving Permit before you travel

You can obtain an IDP from two sources in the United States: the American Automobile Association (AAA) or a passport acceptance facility run by your state or county. Both issue the same document. AAA is faster if you are a member; passport facilities are your only option if you are not.

Through AAA: Visit your local AAA office with your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo (2x2 inches), and a completed IDP process form (available at the office or online at aaa.com). The fee is approximately $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. Processing is usually same-day or next-day. You do not have to be an AAA member, though members may receive a small discount.

Through a passport facility: Contact your state's DMV or your county clerk's office to find the nearest passport acceptance facility. Bring your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed Form DS-11 (the federal IDP process). The fee varies by state but is typically $15 to $25. Processing time is usually one to two weeks. Some facilities offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Do not wait until the week before you travel. If you need an IDP and do not have time to visit an office, some travel agencies and online services claim to issue IDPs by mail, but these are not legitimate. The only legal IDPs come from AAA or your state's passport facility.

What an IDP does and does not do

An IDP is a document that translates your U.S. driver's license into ten languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, and Polish. It shows your name, date of birth, license number, and the classes of vehicles you are licensed to drive. It is valid only when carried together with your actual U.S. driver's license — you cannot use an IDP alone to drive anywhere.

An IDP does not change your driving privileges. If your U.S. license is suspended or expired, an IDP will not let you drive. If you are not licensed to drive a motorcycle in the United States, an IDP will not let you drive one abroad. An IDP is purely a translation aid for police officers and rental companies who may not read English.

An IDP does not replace your U.S. license when you return home. You will still need your actual license to drive in the United States. An IDP is only for use outside the United States and only while you are traveling.

Driving your own vehicle across a U.S. border

If you are driving your own car into Canada or Mexico, you do not need an IDP. Your valid U.S. driver's license is sufficient. You will need proof of vehicle ownership (title or registration), proof of insurance that covers the country you are entering, and your passport or passport card. Check the specific entry requirements for the country you are visiting, as they change.

Some U.S. states require a special form or permit to take a vehicle out of the country, but this is separate from an IDP. Contact your state's DMV to ask whether you need a vehicle export permit or a letter of authorization from the lienholder (if you are financing the car).

What happens if you do not have an IDP when you need one

If you arrive at a rental counter without an IDP and the company requires one, you will not be able to rent a car from that company. You have three options: rent from a different company that does not require an IDP, obtain an IDP from a local AAA office or equivalent organization in the country you are visiting (if available), or use a different form of transportation.

If you are stopped by police while driving and do not have an IDP, the officer may issue a fine, ask you to produce your U.S. license (which you should always carry), or both. The outcome depends on the country, the officer, and whether you are renting or driving your own vehicle. Having an IDP does not may provide you will not be fined, but it reduces the chance of a misunderstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in another country with just my U.S. driver's license?

Yes, in most countries. Your U.S. license is valid for driving in Canada, Mexico, and most European, Asian, and South American countries. An IDP is not required by law in these places, though some rental companies require one and some police officers may ask for one. Check with your rental company and your destination country before you travel.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is valid for one year or three years, depending on which version you purchase. The one-year version costs about $20; the three-year version costs about $30. Both are valid only while you are outside the United States and must be carried with your actual U.S. driver's license.

Do I need an IDP if I am not renting a car?

Probably not. If you are using public transportation, taxis, or ride-sharing services, you do not need an IDP. If there is any chance you might drive — even if you have not planned to — getting one before you leave is inexpensive and removes the risk of being unable to rent if plans change.

What if my U.S. driver's license is expired?

You cannot get an IDP with an expired license. Your U.S. license must be valid. Renew your license before you explore for an IDP. An IDP is only a translation; it does not restore driving privileges to an expired or suspended license.

Can I get an International Driving Permit online?

No. The only legal IDPs come from AAA or your state's passport acceptance facility. Online services that claim to issue IDPs are not legitimate. You must visit an office in person with your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport photo.