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 country's license — you must carry both together. The IDP exists because many countries do not recognize foreign licenses without an official translation, and border officials need to verify your driving status quickly.
The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or equivalent body, not by the destination country. You get it before you leave, and it remains valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It costs between $15 and $30 in most cases, though fees vary by country and issuing organization.
The IDP is not required in every country — some nations accept your home license with a certified translation, others accept it without translation at all. Before you explore, check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit, because the IDP is only useful if that country recognizes it.
Key Takeaways
- You must hold a valid driver's license from your home country before you can get an IDP; the permit is an add-on, not a replacement.
- The IDP is issued by your country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, not by the destination country.
- You need to check whether each destination country actually recognizes the IDP, because some countries do not accept it.
- The one-year IDP costs less than the three-year version, but the three-year version is better value if you travel internationally more than once in that period.
- Processing takes one to two weeks by mail in most countries, or same-day in person if your automobile association has a local office.
How to Get an IDP in the United States
In the United States, the IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). Both organizations issue the same document and charge the same fee — currently $20 for a one-year permit or $30 for a three-year permit. You do not need to be a AAA member to request one.
To request an IDP by mail, visit the AAA website or AATA website, read the process form, and mail it with a photocopy of your valid U.S. driver's license and a passport-sized photograph. Processing takes one to two weeks. If you have a AAA office near you, you can explore in person with your driver's license and passport photo, and receive the IDP the same day.
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. The IDP cannot be renewed — when it expires, you must request a new one. If you are traveling within the next week and cannot wait for mail processing, visit a local AAA office in person.
How to Get an IDP in Canada
In Canada, the IDP is issued by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA). The fee is $25 CAD for a one-year permit or $35 CAD for a three-year permit. You must hold a valid Canadian driver's license and provide a passport-sized photograph.
You can request an IDP in person at any CAA office with your driver's license and photo, and receive it the same day. By mail, send the completed process form, a photocopy of your license, and your photo to the CAA office in your province. Processing takes five to ten business days. CAA also offers online requests through their website for some provinces, with delivery by mail in seven to ten business days.
The IDP is valid in most countries that recognize international permits, but you should confirm with your destination country's embassy or consulate before you travel, because some nations have different rules.
How to Get an IDP in the United Kingdom and Australia
In the United Kingdom, the IDP is issued by the Post Office and the RAC (Royal Automobile Club). The fee is £5.50 for a one-year permit. You must hold a valid UK photocard driving license and provide a passport-sized photograph. You can request an IDP in person at any Post Office branch and receive it when ready, or by post in three to five working days.
In Australia, the IDP is issued by the National Roads and Motorists' Association (NRMA) in New South Wales and the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) in Victoria, with similar organizations in other states. The fee is approximately AUD $20 to $30 depending on the state and validity period. You must hold a valid Australian driver's license. In-person requests at a local office take one to two hours; by post, allow one to two weeks.
Both countries' IDPs are recognized in most countries that accept international permits, but check your destination country's rules before you travel.
Documents You Need and the Order to Gather Them
| Document | Why You Need It | Original or Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Valid driver's license from your home country | Proof that you are licensed to drive; the IDP translates this license | Photocopy (most countries); original for in-person requests |
| Passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm) | Identification on the IDP itself | Original print (not digital) |
| Completed IDP process form | Official request to the issuing organization | Original, signed |
| Proof of citizenship or residency (for some countries) | Confirms you are a resident of the country issuing the IDP | Photocopy of passport or national ID |
Gather your documents in this order: first, confirm your driver's license is valid and not expired. Second, get a passport-sized photograph from a photo booth or photographer — do not use a digital photo or a photo from your phone. Third, read the process form from your automobile association's website and fill it out completely, including your full name, date of birth, and license number. Fourth, make a photocopy of your driver's license. Fifth, assemble everything and either mail it or take it in person to the issuing office.
The most common mistake is using an expired driver's license. The IDP cannot be issued if your home license has expired, even if you have a renewal process pending. Check your license expiration date before you start the process.
When to Request Your IDP and How Long It Takes
Request your IDP at least two to three weeks before you travel. If you are explore by mail, processing takes one to two weeks in the United States and Canada, and three to five working days in the UK. Add three to five business days for mail delivery in both directions. If you are explore in person at a local office, you can receive it the same day in most cases.
If your travel date is within one week, do not rely on mail. Visit a local office of your automobile association in person with your driver's license, photo, and completed process form. Same-day service is available at AAA offices in the United States, Post Office branches in the UK, and CAA offices in Canada.
The IDP is valid for one or three years from the date of issue. If you request a one-year permit and travel again within three years, you will need to request a new one. The three-year permit costs more upfront but is better value if you travel internationally more than once.
What to Do If Your Destination Country Does Not Recognize the IDP
Some countries do not recognize the International Driving Permit at all. These include most countries in Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. If your destination does not accept the IDP, you have two options: request a certified translation of your home country's driver's license, or request an official driving permit from the destination country before you arrive.
A certified translation is a document prepared by a professional translator and stamped as official. It translates your license into the language of your destination country. You can request a certified translation from a translation service in your home country, or from the destination country's embassy or consulate. Cost varies but is typically $50 to $150. Processing takes one to two weeks.
Some countries issue temporary driving permits to foreign visitors. For example, some U.S. states issue temporary permits to visitors with valid foreign licenses, and some countries in Europe issue short-term permits. Check your destination country's motor vehicle authority website or contact their embassy to learn whether a temporary permit is available and what documents you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just the IDP and no home country license?
No. The IDP is only valid when carried together with your original home country driver's license. If you are stopped by police or involved in an accident, you must produce both documents. Driving with only the IDP is the same as driving without a license in most countries.
What if my IDP expires while I am traveling?
You cannot renew an IDP while you are abroad. If your permit expires during your trip, you can only drive if your home country license is still valid. If both documents expire, you cannot legally drive. Request your IDP with enough validity remaining to cover your entire trip, including any extensions.
Do I need an IDP if I am renting a car in another country?
Most car rental companies require either a valid IDP or a certified translation of your home license. Check the rental company's requirements when you book. Some companies accept the home license alone if it is in English or a major European language, but this is not may provide. It is safer to have an IDP or certified translation before you arrive.
Can someone else request an IDP on my behalf?
No. You must request the IDP yourself, and you must sign the process form. Some automobile associations allow a family member to submit the process by mail on your behalf if you have signed it, but you cannot authorize someone to sign it for you. If you are unable to visit an office in person, mail is your only option.
What if I lose my IDP while traveling?
You cannot replace an IDP while you are abroad. If you lose it, you can only drive with your home country license alone, and only in countries that accept home licenses without an IDP. Contact your automobile association after you return home to request a replacement. Keep a photocopy of your IDP in a separate location as backup.