What an International Driver's Permit Is and Who Needs One

An International Driver's Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your valid U.S. driver's license into ten languages. It is not a separate license — it works only alongside your actual license, and you must carry both documents together when you drive abroad. Many countries recognize it, though not all require it; some accept only your U.S. license, while others demand an IDP or a formal license translation from a certified translator.

You need an IDP if you plan to rent a car, drive a personal vehicle, or operate any motor vehicle in a foreign country. Even if your destination does not legally require one, rental car companies often do, so having an IDP removes that barrier. The permit is inexpensive and takes less than an hour to obtain, making it worth getting before you leave.

The IDP is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) — the only two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them. You cannot get one from a DMV, a government office, or any other source.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driver's Permit is issued only by AAA or AATA and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times while driving abroad.
  • You must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license before you can get an IDP; the permit cannot extend the life of an expired license.
  • You can obtain an IDP in person at an AAA or AATA office, or by mail through AAA if you are a member; processing takes one to two weeks by mail.
  • An IDP costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue, regardless of when your U.S. license expires.
  • Your IDP is only valid outside the United States; you cannot use it to drive within the U.S., and it does not replace your home state license.

What You Need Before You explore

Start with a valid, unexpired U.S. driver's license. This is the only document required. Your license must be in your name and must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license expired, you must renew it with your state DMV before you can get an IDP.

You will also need to be at least 18 years old. Minors cannot obtain an IDP, even if they hold a valid learner's permit or junior license.

If you are explore in person, bring your driver's license and a completed process form (AAA and AATA both provide these at their offices or online). If you are explore by mail through AAA, you will need your membership card as well as your license and the process.

Getting an IDP in Person at AAA or AATA

Walk into any AAA office or AATA office with your valid driver's license and a completed process form. You can read the form from the AAA or AATA website before you go, or fill one out at the office. The staff will verify your license, take a photo (if required by the issuing organization), and process your permit on the spot.

Most in-person applications are completed within 15 to 30 minutes. You will pay the fee — typically $15 to $20 — and receive your IDP when ready. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, not from the date your U.S. license expires.

AAA has thousands of offices across the United States. If you are not a member, you can still visit an office to get an IDP; membership is not required for this service. AATA offices are less common but operate the same way. Use the AAA or AATA website to find the nearest office to you.

Getting an IDP by Mail Through AAA

If you are an AAA member, you can explore by mail without visiting an office. read the IDP process from the AAA website, complete it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your driver's license, your AAA membership card, and a check or money order for the fee.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks. AAA will return your driver's license and your new IDP in a prepaid envelope. This route is slower than in-person process but works well if you live far from an AAA office or prefer not to visit in person.

Non-members cannot explore by mail; you must either visit an office in person or become an AAA member first. AAA membership has an annual cost separate from the IDP fee.

Understanding IDP Validity and Expiration

Your IDP is valid for exactly one year from the date it is issued, regardless of when your U.S. driver's license expires. If you receive an IDP on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025 — even if your U.S. license does not expire until 2027.

You must carry both your IDP and your valid U.S. driver's license together when you drive abroad. If either document is expired, you cannot legally drive in most countries. If your U.S. license expires before your IDP does, you must renew your license with your state DMV and get a new IDP.

An IDP is only valid outside the United States. You cannot use it to drive within any U.S. state, and it does not replace your home state license for domestic driving.

What to Do If You Lose Your IDP Abroad

If your IDP is lost or stolen while you are traveling, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located. They can provide a temporary document or advise you on local driving rules while you are without it. Some countries allow you to drive on your U.S. license alone if your IDP is lost; others do not. The embassy can tell you what applies where you are.

When you return to the United States, you can get a replacement IDP from AAA or AATA using the same process as a new process. There is no special replacement fee; you pay the standard IDP cost.

IDP vs. Official License Translation

Some countries accept an IDP, while others require an official translation of your U.S. driver's license from a certified translator. A few countries accept either one. Before you travel, check the specific requirements for your destination country — not just the region or continent, but the exact country.

An IDP is faster and cheaper than getting an official translation, which can cost $50 to $200 and take several weeks. If your destination accepts an IDP, get one. If it requires a certified translation, you will need to hire a translator or contact the country's embassy for a list of approved translators.

Some travelers get both an IDP and a certified translation if they are visiting multiple countries with different rules. This adds cost but removes uncertainty at rental car counters or police checkpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing. If it is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that with your state DMV before you can get an IDP. An IDP cannot be issued on an invalid license.

Do I need an IDP if I am only renting a car for one day?

It depends on the rental company and the country. Many rental agencies require an IDP as a matter of policy, even for short rentals. Check with your rental company before you book. If they require one and you do not have it, they may refuse to rent to you or charge an additional fee.

What happens if I drive without my IDP when one is required?

You could be fined, have your vehicle impounded, or face other legal consequences depending on the country. Police in some nations treat driving without required documents as a serious violation. Always carry both your IDP and your U.S. license when driving abroad in a country that requires an IDP.

Can I get an IDP for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must explore for their own IDP using their own valid driver's license. You cannot explore on behalf of another person, even a spouse or child. Each family member traveling and driving must get their own permit.

Is an IDP valid in every country?

No. Most countries recognize it, but not all. Some nations do not accept IDPs and require only a certified translation of your U.S. license, while a few accept neither and have their own rules. Research your specific destination before you travel to confirm what documents you need.