How to Get an International Driver's License (IDP): What You Actually Need to Know
If you're planning to drive abroad, you've likely come across the term "international driver's license" — but that phrase can be misleading. What most countries recognize isn't a separate license you apply for through a government agency. It's a document called an International Driving Permit (IDP), and understanding exactly what it is, who issues it, and how it works will save you a lot of confusion before your trip.
What an International Driving Permit Actually Is
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardized translation document. It converts your existing U.S. driver's license into a format recognized in over 150 countries — printing your license information in multiple languages so foreign authorities can read it.
The IDP is not a standalone license. It has no legal value without your valid U.S. driver's license accompanying it. If your U.S. license is expired, suspended, or revoked, an IDP won't let you drive legally anywhere.
The document is based on international road treaties — primarily the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic — and follows a standardized format recognized by participating countries.
Who Issues IDPs in the United States 🌍
This is where a lot of people get tripped up. In the U.S., IDPs are not issued by the DMV or any government agency. They're issued by two private organizations authorized by the U.S. Department of State:
- AAA (American Automobile Association)
- AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance)
Any website claiming to issue an "official international driver's license" as a government agency — other than through these two organizations — is operating a scam. The State Department explicitly warns against fraudulent IDP sellers online.
Basic Requirements to Obtain an IDP
While individual requirements can vary slightly between AAA and AATA, the general eligibility criteria are consistent:
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 years old |
| U.S. driver's license | Valid, not expired or suspended |
| Passport-style photos | Usually 2 photos required |
| Application form | Completed through AAA or AATA |
| Fee | Varies; typically in the $20–$25 range |
You do not need to take any written test, road test, or vision exam to get an IDP. It is an administrative translation of your existing license — nothing more.
How Long an IDP Is Valid
An IDP is generally valid for one year from the date of issue. It cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one each time. If you're planning multiple international trips over several years, you'll need to reapply.
Which Countries Accept IDPs — and Which Don't
Not every country requires or even accepts an IDP. Requirements vary significantly depending on your destination:
- Some countries require an IDP if your license isn't in their official language
- Some countries accept a valid U.S. license alone for short-term visits
- Some countries have their own separate requirements for foreign drivers, regardless of IDPs
- A few countries don't participate in either the 1949 or 1968 convention, making IDP recognition inconsistent
Before travel, checking the entry and driving requirements for your specific destination country is essential. The U.S. Department of State and the destination country's embassy are the appropriate sources for that information — not the IDP issuer itself.
What an IDP Does Not Do
Understanding the limits of an IDP matters as much as knowing what it covers:
- It does not replace your home state driver's license
- It does not authorize long-term or permanent driving in a foreign country — most countries set a limit on how long a visitor can drive on a foreign license before needing a local license
- It does not cover commercial driving without the appropriate license class and endorsements in your home state
- It does not override local traffic laws, insurance requirements, or vehicle registration rules in the destination country
If You Hold a Foreign License and Want to Drive in the U.S.
The IDP process works in both directions. Foreign nationals visiting the U.S. may drive on their home country license — often accompanied by an IDP issued by their own country — for a limited period. That period varies by state.
If you're a foreign national who has moved to the U.S. and wants to obtain a U.S. driver's license, that's a separate process handled through your state's DMV. Most states require you to apply as a new driver or through a license transfer process, which may involve written tests, road tests, vision screenings, and documentation of legal presence. The specific requirements depend entirely on your state of residence and, in some cases, your country of origin and whether a reciprocity agreement exists.
The Variable That Changes Everything
Getting an IDP from AAA or AATA follows a relatively uniform national process — that part is straightforward. But whether you actually need one, how long you can legally drive in your destination country, what your home state license allows you to do abroad in terms of vehicle class, and how foreign driving intersects with your insurance coverage are all questions where your specific state, license type, and destination determine the answer.
The IDP itself is just the document. What surrounds it — your license class, your destination's laws, your insurance policy's international provisions, and how long you plan to stay — is where the details diverge considerably depending on your situation.
