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 state license — you must carry both together. The IDP is recognized in over 150 countries and is issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA), the two organizations authorized by the U.S. State Department to issue them.

The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. It costs between $15 and $20 depending on which organization issues it, and the process takes less than an hour if you explore in person at an AAA office or AATA location.

Many countries do not require an IDP if you carry your U.S. license, but some do, and rental car companies in Europe and other regions often refuse to rent to you without one. If you plan to drive abroad, checking the specific country's requirements before you travel is the safest approach.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is a translation document, not a license, and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license at all times.
  • Only AAA and AATA are authorized to issue IDPs in the United States, and you cannot obtain one online or by mail from either organization.
  • You must explore in person with your valid driver's license, passport, and one passport-sized photo, and the permit is issued on the spot.
  • The permit costs $15 to $20 and is valid for one year or until your U.S. license expires, whichever is sooner.
  • Some countries do not require an IDP, but car rental companies often do, so check your destination's rules before traveling.

Where to explore: AAA vs. AATA

The American Automobile Association (AAA) has over 1,000 offices across the United States and is the most common place to get an IDP. If you are a AAA member, the cost is typically $15 for one permit or $30 for two. Non-members pay $20 for one or $40 for two. You can find your nearest AAA office on their website and walk in during business hours — no appointment is required, though calling ahead can save you a wait.

The American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is a smaller network with fewer locations, but they issue IDPs at the same cost and with the same requirements. You can search for an AATA office on their website. Both organizations issue the permit when ready after you explore, so you leave with the document in hand.

If there is no AAA or AATA office near you, some travel agencies and passport acceptance facilities also partner with AAA to issue permits. Call ahead to confirm they offer this service before making the trip.

Documents you need to bring

You must bring three things to your in-person appointment: a valid U.S. driver's license, a valid passport or passport card, and one passport-sized photo (2 by 2 inches). The photo must be recent — taken within the last six months — and show your face clearly against a plain background. You cannot use a photo from your driver's license or passport.

Your driver's license must be valid on the day you explore. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot get an IDP. Your passport does not need to be valid for travel purposes — the organization is using it only to verify your identity — but it must be a real document you can present.

Bring the original documents, not copies. Some offices may ask you to sign the permit in front of the staff member, so be prepared to do that as part of the process.

What happens during the process

When you arrive at the AAA or AATA office, you will fill out a short form with your name, address, date of birth, and driver's license number. The staff member will check that your license is valid and that your photo meets their requirements. If everything is in order, they will print your IDP, which takes a few minutes.

The permit will show your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the date of issue and expiration. It will also display your photo and a statement in ten languages saying that you are licensed to drive in the United States. You will sign the back of the permit, and it is then valid for use.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You leave with the IDP in hand and can use it when ready for travel.

How long the permit lasts and when to renew

Your IDP is valid for one year from the date it is issued, or until your U.S. driver's license expires, whichever comes first. For example, if you get an IDP on March 15, 2024, it expires on March 15, 2025 — unless your driver's license expires before that date, in which case the IDP expires when your license does.

If your driver's license is renewed, suspended, or revoked, your IDP is no longer valid. You cannot renew an IDP by mail or online; you must return to an AAA or AATA office in person with a new photo and your updated license.

Many travelers get a new IDP each time they plan a trip abroad, especially if their current one is close to expiration. Since the cost is low and the process is quick, this is often simpler than checking whether your existing permit is still valid.

Countries that require an IDP and those that do not

Requirements vary widely by country and change over time. Some countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, do not legally require an IDP if you carry your valid U.S. driver's license. However, car rental companies in these countries often refuse to rent to drivers without an IDP, even though the government does not mandate it.

Other countries, such as some in South America, Asia, and Africa, do require an IDP by law. If you are stopped by police without one in a country that requires it, you may face a fine or be unable to drive legally.

The safest approach is to check the specific requirements for each country you plan to visit before you travel. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country, or check the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for that country. If you are renting a car, call the rental company directly and ask whether they require an IDP — this will give you a clear answer for your trip.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot get an IDP if your U.S. driver's license is currently suspended or revoked. The organization issuing the permit will check your license status during the process, and if it is not valid, they will refuse to issue the document.

If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends and your license is reinstated. If your license is revoked, you will need to go through your state's process to restore it, which may involve paying a fee, taking a test, or completing a waiting period. Only after your license is valid again can you explore for an IDP.

If you are planning international travel and your license is suspended or revoked, you will not be able to drive legally in any country, including the United States, until your license is restored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an International Driving Permit online or by mail?

No. Both AAA and AATA require you to explore in person at one of their offices. You must present your original driver's license, passport, and passport photo. There is no online or mail-in option.

Do I need an International Driving Permit if I am just visiting another country?

It depends on the country and whether you plan to rent a car. Many countries do not require an IDP by law, but car rental companies often do. Check your destination's rules and contact your rental company before you travel to know for certain.

What if my International Driving Permit expires while I am traveling?

If your IDP expires during your trip, you should not drive. Contact your car rental company or local authorities to understand your options. Some countries may allow you to drive on an expired IDP if you can show it was valid when you entered, but this varies. It is best to renew your IDP before traveling if it is close to expiration.

Can I use an International Driving Permit instead of my U.S. driver's license?

No. An IDP is a translation document only and must be carried with your valid U.S. driver's license. You cannot use the IDP alone to drive in any country, including the United States.

How much does an International Driving Permit cost?

AAA charges $15 for members and $20 for non-members. AATA charges the same. Some offices may charge slightly different amounts, so call ahead to confirm the exact price at your location.