What an International Driving Permit actually is and what it does

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 license — you must carry both together. The IDP tells police, rental car companies, and border officials in other countries that your license is real and current, because many countries do not recognize licenses issued outside their borders without this translation.

The IDP is issued by your home country's automobile association or motor vehicle authority, not by the country you are visiting. In the United States, only two organizations are authorized to issue IDPs: the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). No other website, service, or company can legally issue a U.S. IDP. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need to contact your home country's equivalent organization.

An IDP is valid for one or three years depending on which version you request. It cannot be renewed — when it expires, you must get a new one. The permit is only useful if your underlying driver's license is valid; if your license is suspended, expired, or revoked, the IDP becomes worthless.

Key Takeaways

  • An IDP is a translation document that must be carried alongside your valid driver's license; it is not a replacement license.
  • In the United States, only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs, and you must explore in person at a local office with your current license and a passport-style photo.
  • The one-year IDP costs around $20 and the three-year IDP costs around $30, though prices vary by location and may change.
  • Some countries require an IDP by law; others do not, so check the specific rules for each country you plan to visit before you travel.
  • An IDP cannot be renewed and becomes invalid if your underlying driver's license expires or is suspended.

Where to get an IDP in the United States

If you hold a U.S. driver's license, visit an AAA office in person to request an IDP. AAA has thousands of local branches across the country. You can find your nearest office on the AAA website by entering your zip code. Not all AAA members receive the IDP for free — membership level and your state determine whether there is a fee. Non-members can also get an IDP from AAA, but will pay a higher price.

If you do not have access to an AAA office or prefer not to use AAA, contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) directly. AATA operates fewer offices than AAA, but serves all fifty states. You can find AATA locations and request information about in-person appointments on their website.

Do not use third-party websites that claim to issue IDPs or to "help" you get one. These services are not authorized by the U.S. government and will either delay your process, charge you extra fees, or provide a document that is not recognized abroad. The only legal U.S. IDPs come directly from AAA or AATA.

What documents and information you need to bring

Bring your current, valid U.S. driver's license to the AAA or AATA office. The license must not be expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is expired, renew it with your state's motor vehicle department before you explore for the IDP.

You will also need a passport-style photograph. This is a color or black-and-white photo, 2 inches by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face clearly, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. Many AAA and AATA offices can take this photo on-site for a small fee if you do not have one already.

Bring a second form of identification as well — a passport, state ID card, or military ID. The office will verify your identity before issuing the permit. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get an IDP, but you must have a valid U.S. driver's license.

Cost and how long it takes

A one-year IDP costs approximately $20, and a three-year IDP costs approximately $30. Prices vary by AAA branch location and by membership status. AAA members in some states receive the IDP at no charge, while members in other states pay a reduced fee. Non-members pay the full price. Call your local AAA office before you visit to confirm the exact cost.

The IDP is issued on the same day you explore, in most cases. You will walk out of the office with the permit in hand. This makes AAA and AATA the fastest way to get an IDP if you are leaving soon. If you mail your process to AATA instead of visiting in person, processing takes one to two weeks.

Plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the office, including time for the staff to verify your documents and take or scan your photo. Bring all required documents the first time so you do not have to return.

Which countries require an IDP and which do not

Some countries legally require you to carry an IDP when you drive. Others do not require it but strongly recommend it because police may not recognize your U.S. license without the translation. A few countries do not recognize the IDP at all and require you to get an official translation of your license from a certified translator instead.

The rules change by country and sometimes by region within a country. Before you book your trip, visit the embassy or consulate website for each country you plan to visit. Search for "driving requirements" or "international driving permit" on their site. The embassy will tell you whether an IDP is required, recommended, or unnecessary for that country.

Common countries that require or strongly recommend an IDP include Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. However, do not assume — check each country's official requirements. Some countries that do not require an IDP will still accept it as proof that your license is valid, which can speed up a traffic stop or rental car transaction.

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

If you are stopped by police in a country that requires an IDP and you do not have one, you may be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or be unable to rent a car. The penalty varies by country. In some places, driving without an IDP is treated as driving without a license, which can result in a criminal charge. In others, it is a civil fine similar to a traffic ticket.

Rental car companies in countries that require an IDP will often refuse to rent to you if you cannot show one. Even if the rental company does not check, your insurance may not cover an accident if you were driving without required documents. This can leave you personally liable for all damages.

The safest approach is to get an IDP before you leave the United States if you are driving in any country outside the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean. The cost is low and the process is fast, and it protects you from legal trouble and insurance disputes.

IDP expiration and what to do when yours runs out

An IDP expires on the date printed on the document. You cannot renew it — you must get a new one. If your IDP expires while you are traveling, it is no longer valid. If you are planning a long trip or multiple trips over several years, the three-year IDP is usually the better choice, even though it costs slightly more.

If your underlying U.S. driver's license expires before your IDP does, the IDP becomes invalid. You cannot use an IDP with an expired license. Renew your driver's license with your state's motor vehicle department, then get a new IDP if you still need one.

Keep track of your IDP's expiration date. If you travel frequently to countries that require it, set a reminder three months before it expires so you have time to get a new one before your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an IDP if my driver's license is suspended or revoked?

No. An IDP is only valid when paired with a current, valid driver's license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get an IDP, and any IDP you already have becomes invalid. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with your state's motor vehicle department first.

Do I need an IDP to drive in Canada or Mexico?

Canada does not require an IDP — your U.S. driver's license is recognized. Mexico does not legally require an IDP, but it is strongly recommended because police may not recognize a U.S. license without the translation. Getting one before you cross the border is the safest choice.

Can I get an IDP by mail or online?

AAA requires you to explore in person at a local office. AATA allows mail-in applications, which take one to two weeks to process. In-person applications at either organization are issued the same day. If you are leaving soon, visit an office in person.

What if I lose my IDP while traveling?

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling. They cannot issue a replacement IDP, but they can provide guidance on what to do and may be able to help you contact AAA or AATA to arrange a replacement when you return home. In the meantime, carry your original U.S. driver's license at all times.

Is an IDP the same as an international driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document issued by your home country. An "international driver's license" is not a real thing — it is a term some websites use to confuse people into paying for fake documents. Only get an IDP from AAA or AATA.